St. Clair County Obits

REV. WILLIAM BARKER LAWLER
 
Clinton, Missouri newspaper
21 November 1908
Uncle Billy Lawler is dead. The sweet chariot swung low and took him to his to his heavenly home Monday, November 16, 1908; aged 88 years. During the Civil Was, Rev. Lawler went to the homes and sang and prayed with them but such was the spirit of the times, that he was put in prison for doing so, but being released, he continued in the good work. His wife who was blind 20 years, died June 2, 1902. Ten children. The six surviving sons live in the Leesville neighborhood are Evan, John, William, James, Logan, and Robert. There are 31 living grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Rev. B. F. Lawler, pastor of the Baptist Church of Osceola, is a brother of Uncle Billy and Mrs. Elizabeth Boyd also of that place, is a sister, as is Mrs. Sarah Higgins, who lives near Collins. We love to think of Uncle Billy as being welcomed by bright winged angels and surrounded by his friends that have gone before, as he is ushered into the presence of the Lord of Hosts. He was born in North Carolina November 4, 1821. When 6 years old, he went with his parents to East Tennessee, where he was reared and acquired his education, mostly by self application. He was married in Polk County, Tennessee to Miss Amelia Molder. In 1964 they came to St. Clair County and, in 1965, to Henry County, where he bought the farm he lived on at the time of his death. He joined the Missionary Baptist Church in November of 1843 and became a minister in 1862. Since that tine he has acted as pastor of various churches in Tebo Township, obeying literally the command of the Master, who said "Feed My Sheep." There is scarcely an attendant at the Baptist Church In Clinton, but who has been at a meeting when Uncle Billy was present and when they went away, they felt they has been nourished spiritually. Funeral at Good Hope, the church was draped in black and the coffin covered with beautiful floral offerings. - January 2, 1909 - Uncle Billy Lawler - Comments by A. C. Avery: Uncle Billy was the great millionary spirit of Tebo association. He would ride horseback through all the surrounding county, holding protracted meetings and organizing new churches and Sunday Schools. His rule was always to be on time at his appointments and never to disappoint a congregation. He was of a nervous temperament, very sympathetic and emotional and sometimes would cry and even shout aloud. At one of our associations, a visiting brother thought he was too ready to weep and said crying was not preaching the Gospel and another replied: "He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing delicious seed shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." About the close of the war, before there ever was a church house in Clinton, Dr. P. S. Jennings, of blessed memory, lighted up the brick courthouse with candles and lamps and sent out notice and had proclamation made from the window (as was the custom then) that Brother Lawler would preach. It has been a long time since there had been preaching in Clinton, and a goodly number assembled. His text was from Numbers 32-23 "Be sure your sins will find you out." The sermon was a notable one and delivered with such pathos and power that deep conviction and a profound impression was made on the congregation. He was a sweet singer of The Gospel, of strong child-like faith, and above all, mightily prevailing in prayer. Brother R. Jenkins, coming a stranger from Kentucky, hearing him pray in a protracted meeting for the first time, said. " Surely this man has been with the lord and learned from him." About 35 years ago with this writer, he attended the Southern Baptist Convention in St. Louis and it was a Feast of fat things to his soul. He regarded it as the great trip of his life and never forgot it or tired of rehearsing its incidents. And now he longed to see Jesus! And now Brother Lawler sees his Savior, Jesus, as he is, and is like him forever more.