Alanson Billings Lawton was born in Verona, Oneida County, N. Y., in the year 1822. In early life he gave himself to the Lord and united with the First Seventh-day Baptist church of Verona, and throughout his entire life he was one of the most exemplary of men, adorning his profession by 'a Godly life and a chaste conversation'. September 14, 1843, he was married to Abigail Potter, who was a companion and helpmate indeed. Her death, which occurred Dec. 23, 1886, was the great bereavement of his life, but which he bore with that submissive reconciliation to the divine will which was one of his chief characteristics.
He was the father of three children. The eldest, a son, lived but three months; the second, Rachel Ann, is the wife of Hon. G. W. Latta, who is a successful lawyer of Antigo, Wis.; the youngest, Sadie, died Aug. 25, 1870, in early womanhood.
Dea. Lawton came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1848, settling in the town of Albion, Dane County, where he subsequently resided until the death of his wife, excepting a short time while engaged in the milling business at Edgerton. After the death of Mrs. Lawton, he made his home with his daughter, but returning occasionally to visit his old home and friends, and to enjoy the society of his brethren in the household of his faith. Failing health for the last six years of his life compelled him to discontinue these much prized visits.
Soon after coming to Wisconsin, he identified himself with the Albion Seventh-day Baptist church, of which he was one of her most earnest and faithful supporters. In 1863 he was chosen to the office of deacon of the church, which position he held at the time of his death, and which he honored as a faithful servant of the Lord, discharging the duties of his office until failing health rendered him incapable. For a number of years he was a member of the Board of Trustees of Albion Academy, serving thereon as Recording Secretary the greater part of the time. He was a wise counselor, a faithful friend, loyal to the church in all of her interests and work; kind, sympathetic, courteous and obliging; a typical Christian; a manly man. His home was a restful retreat, where everyone found a cordial welcome. A good man has gone to a glorious reward, who, with Paul, could exclaim, 'I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but to all them also who love his appearing.' He died March 19, 1899, at Antigo. Funeral and interment at Albion. S. H. B.
