Bio: Lawrence, Gilbert & Helen
Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Lawrence, Mortimer, Turner, Davis, Free, Hetzel, Smithers

----Source: Published Family Bio, 1976, Federal Census Reports, Obituaries, Family Records, Micro-film media

The Gilbert and Helen Lawrence Farm

Most unusual as the ancestral history which is in the 120 acre farm now owned and operated by Gilbert and Helen Lawrence, residents of the town of York.

The farm consists of three separate forties, the original two being owned by Helen's two grandfathers and having been in the family since 1899 and 1901 respectfully. The third and last to be added many years later was according to the deed of the farm, the property of Amelia Lawrence, widow of Jesse Lawrence. Gilbert's great, great, grandfather, This was in 1880, This piece of property, unlike the other two, exchanged hands many times, before it again became the property of a Lawrence, Helen's father, Jesse Mortimer, purchased this tract of land from Myren and Irene Turner in 1946.

The farm had its beginning with a large forty which Jesse Mortimer inherited by will from this father, William S. Mortimer estate upon his death, August 5, 1899. The second forty was purchased by Jesse, from his future in laws, Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Davis, on February 11, 1902. The forty which had as its only building, a hog barn lay directly across the road fro m the original forty and joined the Jeremiah Davis farm which today belongs to Roy and Lucy Hetzel on the north. This made up the original 80 and remained so for many years.

On June 25, 1902. Jesse's marriage to Deanna Belle Davis took place at the Davis home. The young couple made their home with Jessie's mother, Stella Mortimer, widow of the late William S. Mortimer, for awhile during which time he helped her operate the home farm. A two story building was erected on the west forty as a temporary place to live and eventually they moved into their own home. This building later served as a granary and is still in use as such.

In 1908, the important project carried out was the building of a barn. Rocks from the Black River in the Globe area were hauled by team and wagon and used to help build the barn wall. Later a house consisting of an upright with a basement was built and a one-story kitchen without a basement was attached to it making their home more of a reality. The Mortirners had two children, a daughter, Helen, and a son Ellie. Ellie was drowned while swimming in the Colorado River at Needles, Cal., where he was stationed during his years of Army Service. Helen was married to Gilbert Lawrence in June, 1937. In 1945, they took over the farm and Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer moved to Neillsville where they purchased a home. Jesse passed away in February, 1956. Belle remained in her home until her death in October of 1962.

Family Notes by Steven G. Lavey

Horace Lawrence and Edna Smithers were married in Fond du Lac Co, WI. However, the record was filed in Green Lake Co, WI where the preacher lived.

Children of Horace and Edna Lawrence

William Irvin Lawrence b: 8 Sep 1877 in Clark Co, WI
Lois Almeda Lawrence b: 28 Mar 1879 in York Twp, Clark Co, WI
Orin Lawrence b: 29 Augl 1880
Floy Edna Lawrence b: 6 Jan 1883 in York Twp, Clark Co, WI
Roy E. Lawrence b: 6 Jan 1883 in York Twp, Clark Co, WI
Earl P. Lawrence b: 21 Jun 1884 in York Twp, Clark Co, WI
Ethel M. Lawrence b: 21 Jun 1884
Olive M. Lawrence b: 20 Dec 1885
Carrie E.* Lawrence b: 1 Sep 1887 in York Twp, Clark Co, WI
Horace Harry Lawrence b: 17 Mar 1889 in York Twp, Clark Co, WI

Marriage of  Lucy Free b: 7 Feb 1888 in Weston Twp, Clark Co, WI and Horace Harry Lawrence
Married: 9 Mar 1910 in Neillsville, Clark, WI 2 1

Children of Horace Harry and Lucy (Free) Lawrence

Living Lawrence
Living Lawrence
Gilbert James Lawrence b: 5 Jan 1911; m. Helen Isadore Mortimer (b.6 Nov 1911 - 30 May 1995, Marshfield, Wis.) 22 Jun 1937, Belvidere, Ill.
Byrl Edwin Lawrence b: 25 Jun 1915 in York Twp, Clark Co, WI

Helen Isadore Mortimer Lawrence
Sex: F
Birth: 6 Nov 1911 in York Twp, Clark Co, WI
Death: 30 May 1995 in Marshfield, Wood, WI
Religion: Methodist
Religion: York Center Methodist Church
Occupation: Clerk
Event: High School Graduated from Granton High School in Granton, WI.
Burial: 1 Jun 1995 York Center Cemetery Clark Co, WI

The father of Gilbert James Lawrence was Horace Harry Lawrence (17 Mar 1889, York twp., Clark Co., Wis. - 2 Sep 1963, Missoula, Missoula, MT, killed in auto accident).  Gilbert's mother was Edna Marian Smithers (26 Sep 1847, Alto, Fond du Lac Co., Wis - 11 Mar 1930, Missoula, MT with burial 18 Mar 1930 in the York Cemetery, Clark Co., Wis.)