Silas Neely Lawler

Notes for SILAS NEELY LAWLER:

Silas N. Lawler, son of Samuel & Mary Neely Lawler was identified with the interests of Texas, since 1853. Silas was reared in farming pursuits, as his father, Samuel, was extensively engaged in farming operations, and owned about seventy slaves. Silas, grew up & superintended his fathers farm. In 1853 he purchased land in Williamson County, settled there and cultivated crops.

In 1854, his wife died, he sold his land and went to Limestone County, Texas. He remained there for three years staying with relatives.

He then went to Denton county, bought land and inproved a farm, on which he made his home for ten years. In 1869 he went to Dallas county, and after renting land for a year, bought the property on which he now resides.

He first purchased 160 acres at $4 per acre, to this he added another tract of 160 acres, paying $9 an acre. His farm now comprises 320 acres and is valued at $40 an acre It is well improved with good buildings, fences, etc. One half of it is under cultivation, his principle products being wheat, oats, corn & corron. He also has some stock, chiefly horses, & mules. At the tiime the war broke out, Silas owned abot ten slaves.

In 1863 he entered the Confederate service: was a body guard at Bonham, and other places; was transfered to Baleys, regiment, then back to Bonham, from there to the coast of Louisiana, & to Bonham

again where he recieved a ten day furlough.After his furlough, he returned to Bonham, where he remained till the close of the war,then returned home to continue with his farming operations. he accepted the results of the war with the best of grace.

While a resident of Denton county, Mr. Lawler served as Justice of the Peace.

He was formerly a "Whig", but later was affiliated with the Democratic party. he was also a Mason, and he & his family were members of the Cumbnerland Presbytetian Church