LAWSON, JAMES, a retired farmer living in Springfield, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and has lived in Sangamon County most of the time since his service in the army. He was born in Pike County, Ohio, February 11, 1847, and is a son of Paschal and Lucy (Munce) Lawson, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. Paschal Lawson moved to Ohio in an early day and there carried on farming until 1870, then came to Sangamon County and engaged in farming near Sherman, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives.

During his boyhood James Lawson worked on his father's farm in Ohio and attended the country schools of the neighborhood. He served one year in Company H, One Hundred Seventy-sixth Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in 1864, and being mustered out at Nashville, Tenn. He had taken part in no battles but had faithfully performed any duty required of him. Soon after the close of the war Mr. Lawson came to the vicinity of Springfield and carried on farming there until 1906, when on account of poor health he was compelled to retire from active pursuits, and then purchased his present comfortable home at 1223 North Nineteenth Street, which he has since occupied. He has been industrious and thrifty and success has attended his efforts in all his undertakings.

Mr. Lawson was married in Lincoln, Ill., August 3, 1876, to Miss Rosina Shockey, daughter of Nelson and Susan (King) Shockey, a native of Missouri. Her father was a native of Maryland and her mother of Pennsylvania. The parents were early settlers in Missouri, where the father carried on farming, and there his death occurred, while the mother died in Broadwell, Logan County, Ill. Four sons and four daughters were born to Mr. Lawson and his wife, and seven children now survive: Gertrude, wife of Loren Taylor, a stationary fireman living in Springfield; Louis, a farmer; Isadell, wife of William Swalley, of Springfield; William; Elizabeth, wife of Arthur Standage of Springfield; Lester and James H. of Springfield. One daughter, Eunice I. is deceased. There are eight grandchildren in the family.

In political views mr. Lawson is a Republican. He is interested in public affairs and ready to support any measure he considers will be of benefit to the community where he lives. He has the reputation of being honest and upright in his dealings and is esteemed and respected for his many good qualities.