Lawler, Clare to Montana

[smcarberry]

A history of Montana, Vol. 3
Author: Helen Fitzgerald Sanders
(Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1913)
http://www.archive.org/details/historyofmontana03insand

"John Lawler is a native of far famed County Clare, Ireland, his father being John Lawler, who spent his life as a farmer in this, his native county. His mother was Johanna Odonnell, who is yet living on the old farm in County Clare. His father died in 1902. John Lawler is the eldest of four children, the others being: Michael Lawler, who is connected with the Anaconda Copper Mining Company at Anaconda ; Thomas Lawler, who died in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1908, and James Lawler, who is a farmer in County Clare.

The date of John Lawler's birth was the 7th of May, 1865. He grew up on his father's farm, receiving his education at the hand of the schoolmasters of his native county. Of an ambitious and adventurous spirit, at the age of seventeen he carried out his long cherished plan of seeking his fortune in the land of promise and so embarked for the United States. On his ar- rival in this country he went to New Britain, Connecticut, where he found employment as a machine hand in one of the big factories. Here he remained for several years, ever watching for a chance to better himself, and saving his wages that he might improve his conditions if a chance offered. He was thus enabled to learn the trade of stationary engineer, and having mastered this he followed his new profession for three years at New Britain. In 1888 he determined that the far west of- fered more opportunities to a man of his education and character than the east and so he came to Anaconda, Montana. Proof of his ability and the high character of his work is to be found in the fact that he secured employment in the Anaconda Copper Mining Company as an engineer and was placed after a time in charge of their largest engine. This position involved a responsibility that would never have been entrusted to a man who was not only a master of his trade, but one who could always be trusted and therefore speaks well for the stability of Mr. Lawler's character even at this early date. He remained in this position for ten years, watching continually for any opening by which he might be enabled to get a start for himself.

At last seeing his opportunity to establish himself as an undertaker, he learned the embalming business and ventured into the undertaking business in a modest way. From this small beginning his business has grown until today it is the leading one in its line in Anaconda. On January 1, 1912, Norris Climer became a partner, the firm name being Lawler & Climer.
...

Learning the value of money through years of having to go without it, he has learned to appraise an investment at its true worth and has consequently been fortunate in various financial ventures. He is the owner of valuable agricultural and mineral lands and has considerable money invested in city realty. The Deer Lodge County Fair has come in for a large share of his time and as a director of this he has been instrumental in its success every year since its inauguration. Mr. Lawler is also chairman of the board of police commissioners....He is a member and prominent worker in the Knights of Columbus, and belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, of the Eagles and of the Fraternal Brotherhood. In the fraternal order of the Moose he holds the office of past dictator.

The wife of Mr. Lawler, Annie Flynn, whom he married in Anaconda on the 3rd of July, 1899, is also a native of Ireland. They have four children, Lorene, Frank, Florence and Lorn. All of the family are devoted members and attendants of the Roman Catholic church..."

This appears to be the right Clare family for John Lawler's mother and brother (clarifications and corrections are welcome:

1901 Ballagh, Cloonomra, House No. 7
Lawlyor Johanna 60 Head of Family Roman Catholic
Lawlyor Mary 30 Daughter in Law

1911 Ballagh, Cloonomra, House No. 3
Lawlor Susan 75 Head of Family Roman Catholic
Lawlor James 34


posted by Sharon Carberry (not related)