JACKSON TWP. PIONEER DEAD --------- John Lawler, Who Came to Crawford County in 1873, Died at His Home on Saturday Last. --------- LEAVES WIFE AND THREE SONS --------- Gentleman With Many Friends Who Deeply Mourn His Death --- Funeral Held at Vail Monday. --------- John Lawler died at his home north of West Side Saturday, July 11th. He had been in poor health for some months and after much suffering passed to eternal rest. He was born in Queen's County, Ireland, May 13, 1840, and with his parents emigrated to America when a boy, landing at New Orleans and settling in Kentucky. From there the family moved to Clinton county, Iowa, where they lived until 1873, when they came to Crawford county, locating in Jackson township, where the deceased has since resided. In 1884 he was married to Miss Bridget McCarthy, four sons being born to this union, namely: William, Joseph, Ambrose and Thomas, Joseph having preceded the father to the grave. Besides his wife and three sons, he leaves to mourn his loss three brothers, Fenton, Daniel and Patrick; three sisters, Mrs. B. Kerrigan, Mrs. Margaret Dunn and Mrs. Alicia Kealy. One brother and one sister died some years ago. The funeral services were held at Vail on Monday at 10 o'clock a.m., Rev. Peter Murphy officiating. He preached an impressive and touching sermon to a host of friends and neighbors, after which the loved father was tenderly laid to rest in St. Ann's cemetery. He was of an affectionate disposition, quiet and peaceful in his ways, so that friendship's circle was to him a large one. He was reared a Catholic and remained a devoted member until his death. Among us all he ranked as a loved neighbor and a man of sympathy and kindness, wielding over all a strong influence for goodness and truth. His long life has been a noble example, his counsel and sympathy will be sadly missed by his loved ones. Gone from our sight, but because love is stronger than death, he is ours still and with the help and support of our Maker we will wait in hope for a joyful reunion on the resurrection morn. He patiently bore with our imperfections, he loved his neighbors as himself, he feared God and served Him while here. We welcomed his presence, we prized his friendship, but both are lost to us for a while. So noble in mind and grand in character, now laid low only to prove that such is our end here; his message seems to say to us, "Follow the Master's teaching and be safe with Him at last." When faith, never-wavering faith, opens the portals of heaven we sincerely believe that our loved one will be an inmate there. Heartfelt sympathy is extended to the wife, sons and relatives. May his soul rest in peace. ---------------------------------------- The Denison Review, Denison, Iowa July 15, 1914