STEPHEN T. LAWLEY, was born November 23, 1836, in Sangamon County, the son of William B. and Amy (Meredith) Lawley. His father was born in Smith county, Tennessee, June 24, 1811, and came to Sangamon county in 1828. He remained one year near Springfield, and in the spring of 1829, moved to what is now Ball township, where he farmed until his death, in March 23, 1876. The subject of this sketch received a common school education in Sangamon county, and was raised on the farm. He was married in 1859 to Mary A. Gaines, who was born in Indiana June 26, 1842. They have had eight children, Sarah E., Amy J., Mary M., Margaret L., Albert W., Charles A., Laura H. and Willie I. Willie died December 23, 1879, when an infant. Mr. Lawley moved to the present farm in 1878 and owns eighty acres of and situated in Rochester township, which is worth $50 per acre. Himself and wife are members of the Christian church and politically they are Republicans.