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DAVIS W. LAWLEY is one of the men who profit by tilling the soil in this county. The portion of Cotton Hill Township to which he holds the title consists of one hundred and seventy-five acres on section 18, whereon a commodious and comfortable dwelling has been erected, together with the barns, granaries, etc., which belong to a well regulated estate. Fruit and shade trees and well kept fences add to the attractive appearance of the farm and also to its monetary value.
Our subject belongs to a family which is numbered among the early settlers of the county. His father, William B. Lawley, was born in Smith County, Tenn., but came to this State many years ago. In Rochester Township, this county, he married Amy Meredith. The pair established their home in Ball Township and there reared their family of two sons and one daughter. In that township they were living when the Death Angel called them away from earthly things. Mr. Lawley took an active interest in political affairs and was for a long time a Democrat, but during the war joined the Republican party.
Our subject, the eldest in the parental family, was born in Ball Township November 15, 1832. He had the advantages which the times afforded in the way of schooling, and at home learned how to carry on a farm and manage the business affairs connected therewith. When he had attained to his majority he set out in life for himself. In August 15, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and served in the ranks of his country's defenders three years. He formed one of that vast number of gallant men upon whose obedience to orders, physical bravery and moral courage the result of the contest depended. For three years he fought and otherwise did what he could to save the Union, returning to his home without having received any wounds, but with his health impaired by privation and exposure. He was mustered out of the service in Tennessee and came at once to his old home in this county.
Mr. Lawley won for his wife Miss Mary Ann Ray, to whom he was married in Springfield March 26, 1866. Mrs. Lawley is the eldest of eight children born to James and Susannah (Sample) Ray. Her parents were born in Ohio, but died in this State, the wife near Lincoln and the husband in Williamsville, this county. Mrs. Lawley was born in Jackson County, Ohio, September 21, 1843. She understands the art of making home cozy and attractive, and by her intelligence and goodness has drawn around her a fine circle of friends. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lawley lived in Ball Township about four years and then settled on their present location.
To our subject and his wife nine children have been born, named respectively: Ida F., James W., Luella M., Eva I., Norah A., Hardy W., George A., Bertha A. and Charles E. Of these Ida, James and George are deceased. By a former marriage our subject had four children - Amy, Stephen T., Mary E. and Davis F. Amy and Stephen are deceased. Mary S. is the wife of Henry Knott, and Luella the wife of Elijah Shoup. The parents are members of the Christian Church and have endeavored to instill into the hearts of their offspring a full conception of the duties they owe to God and man. In politics Mr. Lawley is a Republican. He stands well in the community as a man of upright life, well-informed mind and interest in the welfare of those about him.