Clinton, Missouri newspaper21 November 1908 Uncle Billy Lawler is dead. The sweet chariot swung low and took him to his to his heavenly home Monday, November 16, 1908; aged 88 years. During the Civil Was, Rev. Lawler went to the homes and sang and prayed with them but such was the spirit of the times, that he was put in prison for doing so, but being released, he continued in the good work. His wife who was blind 20 years, died June 2, 1902. Ten children. The six surviving sons live in the Leesville neighborhood are Evan, John, William, James, Logan, and Robert. There are 31 living grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Rev. B. F. Lawler, pastor of the Baptist Church of Osceola, is a brother of Uncle Billy and Mrs. Elizabeth Boyd also of that place, is a sister, as is Mrs. Sarah Higgins, who lives near Collins. We love to think of Uncle Billy as being welcomed by bright winged angels and surrounded by his friends that have gone before, as he is ushered into the presence of the Lord of Hosts. He was born in North Carolina November 4, 1821. When 6 years old, he went with his parents to East Tennessee, where he was reared and acquired his education, mostly by self application. He was married in Polk County, Tennessee to Miss Amelia Molder. In 1964 they came to St. Clair County and, in 1965, to Henry County, where he bought the farm he lived on at the time of his death. He joined the Missionary Baptist Church in November of 1843 and became a minister in 1862. Since that tine he has acted as pastor of various churches in Tebo Township, obeying literally the command of the Master, who said "Feed My Sheep." There is scarcely an attendant at the Baptist Church In Clinton, but who has been at a meeting when Uncle Billy was present and when they went away, they felt they has been nourished spiritually. Funeral at Good Hope, the church was draped in black and the coffin covered with beautiful floral offerings.
