My Genealogy Hound

Henry Lawrens is a proper representative of the energetic business men of Helena, which element has done and is doing so much for the advancement of the material interests of the city. He was born in Shelby County, Tenn., June 13, 1856, and is a son of Joseph and Margaret Lawrens, who were born in the old country and removed to America during the early part of their lives, settling in the State of Indiana. From this point they moved to Nashville, Tenn., where the father worked as engineer in a brewery; and in this city the mother’s death occurred. Henry Lawrens resided in Nashville until he was fourteen years of age, when he went to Memphis and worked for some time in a cooper shop, learning the trade, and two years later came to Helena, Ark., and spent some time in working in different restaurants. In 1880 he established his present business, but began on a small scale, and now carries a large and well selected stock of dry goods, and in fact everything to be found in a general establishment. He is in every respect a self-made man as he came to this county without a dollar, and is now deservedly classed among the leading business men of the county, which reputation he has acquired by the active, intelligent management of his affairs, and by his honesty and fair dealing. He is worth at least $10,000, and instead of carrying a stock of goods valued at $156, as he did at first, his present stock is valued at $6,000 at least, and his establishment is known as the Magnolia Store. He has served as city alderman six years or three terms, and is a director in the Mutual Building and Loan Association. Socially he is a member of the K. of P. He was united in marriage November 9, 1886, to Miss Clara Dissman. Their one child is Minnie.