Patrick Lawler

According to the recollections of Patrick's son Thomas, documented in Past and Present of Hardin County: A History | William J. Moir, Editor in Chief | B. F. BOWEN & COMPANY INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA,  1911:
"Patrick Lawler was born in Wexford county, Ireland, the son of Thomas and Mary (McGrath) Lawler, who, as well as eight of their nine children, spent their lives in Ireland. Patrick learned the mason’s trade in England, and came to America when twenty-seven years old, arriving at New Orleans on July 4, 1850, after a sixteen weeks’ voyage. He and his wife went to Peoria, Illinois, and after a short stay there came by wagon to Hardin county, Iowa, where Patrick took up his trade and followed it during the remainder of his life. He built the foundation of the first school house at Secor and at Eldora laid the foundations of some of the first stores. Many of the foundations which he laid are still in service. He died as he had lived, in the Catholic faith, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery at Secor. He was an excellent workman, an honest and sturdy citizen who had many friends."