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Mr. Lawrence has been a
resident of Vernon county for some eighteen years, and such has been his
enterprise and success as a progressive, business-like agriculturist
that for a long time he has held a worthy place among the leading and
useful citizens of this and other localities. He was brought up as a
farmer, and has devoted his entire attention to that calling with that
result that long experience and thorough knowledge only can give.
Besides taking an active interest in agricultural matters he has
occupied a position by no means an inferior one in other affairs of the
county, and at this time he is one of the directors of the Citizens’
Bank of Nevada, an institution the financial standing of which is
unquestioned. Mr. Lawrence was born in Cass County, Mo., June 8, 1835,
and was the fourth of eight children in the family of his parents, James
and Elizabeth Lawrence, nee Damewood, both natives of Tennessee, the
father’s birthplace being in Robertson county. He (the father) removed
from there in 1830 to Independence, Jackson county, Mo., and thence to
what is known as the High Grove, where he improved a farm. Settling in
Cass county in 1835 he lived there until removing to this county in
1858, (sic) living here until his death in 1858. Young Frank grew up in
Cass county, but accompanied the family on their removal here in 1855.
Some two years later, however, he returned to his old home, where, on
the 25th of January, 1859, he was married to Miss Rossy
Underwood, daughter of Jackman K. Underwood, reference to whom has been
made in the sketch of his son, James W. Underwood, which appears on
another page of this volume. Mrs. Lawrence was born in Cass county,
Mo., in 1840. This union has been blessed with seven children, Lucy, an
infant, being deceased. The others are Laura Belle, wife of Emery
Farley; William H., who was married to Dora Bishop, of Kansas; Amanda
Elizabeth, Brewster, Leonard and Claudie. Returning to this county in
1868 Mr. L. settled where he at present resides, his well improved,
comfortable homestead numbering 170 acres. He has ever taken a warm
pride in all matters tending to the county’s development and promotion,
and in church and educational affairs has especially been interested.
Himself and wife and three of their children are member of the M. E.
Church South. |
