William F. Lawler was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania in 1887. He worked as a salesman for a New York firm, Victor Balata & Textile Belting Company, and came to Detroit in 1927. He became interested in Michigan history, collecting information about the islands of the Great Lakes, the history of iron furnaces and other subjects. He helped organize the Algonquin Club, a local historical organization, the Michigan-Ontario Historical Convention of 1938, Anthony Wayne Memorial Association, and was involved with many other projects. Lawler was a trustee of the Michigan State Historical Society. William Lawler died on June 1, 1943.
From the description of William F. Lawler papers, 1761-1941. (Detroit Public Library). WorldCat record id: 425959077
