LAWYER, JOHN W. (deceased), who settled in Sangamon County in 1850, was well known in Mechanicsburg Township, where he carried on farming for a quarter of a century. He was a veteran of the Civil War and never fully recovered from sickness incurred during that struggle, in which he served one year. He was a conscientious, public-spirited citizen, a good neighbor and devoted to his home and family. He was born in Ohio, in 1825, a son of Benjamin Lawyer, also a native of Ohio, where both parents died on a farm.

After receiving his education in the country schools of his native State, Mr. Lawyer worked on the farm for his father until coming to Illinois. He carried on farming in Mechanicsburg Township until his death, which occurred in 1875. He enlisted, in August, 1861, in Company A, Twenty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in at Camp Butler, and at the end of a year was discharged on account of disability. He was sick for some time after his return home, but finally became able to resume the care of his farm. He was a member of the Methodist Church and in politics was a Democrat. He had a reputation for uprightness and integrity and was always read to do his full duty in every relation of life.

Mr. Lawyer was married (first) in Ohio, to Bessie Sinneth, a native of that State, and of this union four children were born, all of whom are deceased, and the mother died soon after coming to Illinois. He was married (second) to Miss Nancy Davis, of Taylorville, Ill., a native of Christian County, and the two children born of this union are both deceased. Mr. Lawyer's third wife was Martha M. Blue, born in Paris, Ill., in April, 1830. Her father, a native of Indiana, became an early settler in Mechanicsburg Township, Sangamon County, and there carried on farming until his death. He and his wife were parents of five daughters and one son of whom the only survivor is Mrs. Lawyer. Six children were born to Mr. Lawyer and his third wife, of whom the only one survivor is William H., a contracting painter and decorator living in Mechanicsburg. Mrs. Lawyer owns a comfortable home in the village of Mechanicsburg and is well known and much esteemed in the community. She is a member of the Christian Church. Though she is in her eighty-first year, she retains a keen interest in affairs and events about her and greatly enjoys the companionship of her family and friends.