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Thomas
T. Lawless
Submitted
by Zack Bennett - thank you!
Thomas T. Lawless was born in Grant county, Kentucky March 21, 1835. He is the fourth son of John and Margaret Lawless. John Lawless was born in Stafford county, Virginia, June 17, 1795, His parents moved to Bourbon county, Ky., when he was an infant, and in that state he received his early education. At the age of twenty-five years, he was married to Miss Margaret Skirvins. After his marriage he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits for a period of about six years. He was assessor of Grant county, Kentucky, for six years. In October 1835, he moved with his family to Adams county, Ill., and purchased a farm in Gilmer township. As a business man, he was energetic and enterprising. He was a magistrate for a few years. Mr. and Mrs. Lawless had a family of ten children, nine of whom are still living, all settled in Gilmer township, well settled in life. Politically, Mr. Lawless was a whig; but on the formation of the republican party he joined its rank. Mr. Lawless was a gentleman highly respected by his follow citizens. He died at his residence May 13, 1865. Mrs. Lawless survived him until November 20, 1868. Thomas Lawless received his early training in the schools of Illinois. In the spring of 1854 he was attacked with gold fever, and like many others at that time, went to the gold fields of California, accomplishing the trip of overland travel. While there, he turned his attention wholly to mining, finding considerable of the glittering metal. After remaining there four years, he returned to his home in the winter of 1858, via Isthmus of Darien of New York. After his return to Illinois he engaged in farming and stock raising. On the breaking out of rebellion, he enlisted August 20, 1862, in company F, 78th regiment Illinois volunteers, and was mustered in at Quincy, in September following, and on the 20th of the same month they were ordered to the front. Mr. Lawless took part in the battle of Chicamauga, and several skirmishes previous to that battle. On the 22d of September 1863, with about one hundred and forty other men, while out skirmishing, were captured by an overwhelming force of rebels. They were sent to Richmond, where he was incarcerated in prison for five months; he was then transferred to Andersonville, Georgia, languishing there seven months longer. He was then removed to Savannah for a stay of six weeks, and then forwarded to Milan, and on the 22d of November 1864, with others, was exchanged. During the time of imprisonment the general health of Mr. Lawless was good. On returning to his home he again devoted his attention to farming. Mr. Lawless being a gentleman of comfortable circumstances, practically demonstrated his patriotism by early volunteering to assist in saving the nation. (His grandfather, John Lawless, served seven years in the war for independence, and was wounded at the Battle of the Cow-Pens. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-six years.) In politics, Mr. lawless is a live and active republican. Since the war he has represented Gilmer in the supervisors' court for two terms. He is a gentleman held in high estimation by his follow citizens.
1872 Atlas of Adams County, Illinois, Page 79.
Submitted by Zack Bennett - thanks!
Beulah Wiley Franks
Grant County Coordinator, KY/ALHN