History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties

"History of Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas Counties Wisconsin"

Compiled by George O.Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others. Printed in 1924 by H.C.Cooper. Jr. & Co., Minneapoli-Winona MN. ill. 787 pages. The first two hundred pages are history of the three counties, the remainder of the book is biographies.

Biography

Lawrence, Thomas J. proprietor of the Lawrence Arcade of Athletics, at Rhinelander, Oneida County, was born in this city April 17, 1892, son of Frank and Emily LAWRENCE. The parents came to this country from Germany when young and were married at Mosinee, Wis. They subsequently settled in Marathon County, where they lived until 1891, in which year they came to Oneida County and purchased land in the town of Woodboro, which was wild and covered with timber. Their task was to develop it into a farm and was this end in view Frank LAWRENCE set to work to cut the timber, grub the stumps and place the land under cultivation. His persevering efforts were successful and resulted in a good farm which he operated until his death in July, 1905. His wife Emily, who survived him, is now a resident of Rhinelander. The record of their seven children is in brief as follows: Paul, now superintendent of the Nelson-Dewey State Park in Grant County; Thomas J., subject of this sketch; Ella, now Mrs. George HINTZ of Rhinelander; Leone, who is employed in the credit department of the Weyerburger Shoe Co., of Milwaukee; Frank, in the employ of the P. F. Seibel Clothing Co. of Rhinelander; Theodore, residing in Rhinelander; and Matilda, who is a stenographer and bookkeeper in the office of W. C. ORR of this city. Thomas J. LAWRENCE in his boyhood days attended school in Rhinelander, after which he learned the trade of cigar making, which he followed until 1907. He then became assistant to E. W. ANDERSON of the popular amusement resort known as the Arcade of Athletics, and in 1911 he purchased the equipment and leased the building, since which time he maintained here one of the best planned establishments of its kind in the Northwest, which he has been obliged to enlarge to have scope for his increasing business. He has added bowling alleys and pool and billiard tables, and also keeps a full line of smokers' supplies, cigars and bar candy. The place is conducted under strict rules of order, decorum and even refinement, and Mr. LAWRENCE'S genial personality and uniform courtesy are additional attractive features associated with it. A member of the Catholic Church, he also belongs to the Eagles and the Elks, and holds membership in the American Bowling Congress. Locally he is captain of the "Specials," whom he has piloted to many victories, and he and his team mates always capture one or more of the prizes at the State and National meets. Mr. LAWRENCE was married in Rhinelander, Aug. 9, 1915, to Mary PECOR, of this city, and their home has been blessed by the birth of two children, Thomas D., Jr., and Leon L.

Transcribed by Susan Swanson, from pages 643-644; History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties Wisconsin; Compiled by George O. Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others 1924, H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co

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