Matthew Lawler (1853-1933) was born in Mobile, Alabama and learned marble work from his uncle Garrett Cotter with Jarvis Turner and Co. of Mobile. Turner hired young Lawler at the age of 15 for intricate work such as cutting figures, flowers, lace and iconography. Lawler eventually worked for McDonald, March & Co. after McDonald bought Jarvis Turner’s marble works.

Lawler carved the Confederate monument at Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile (left) at the age of 20.

According to an article in the Mobile Heritage, written by Martha Duncan, Lawler’s granddaughter, the Pomeroy Family Tomb (left), Woodmen of the World Gateway, in Magnolia Cemetery, Mobile Alabama (below), the Caldwell Mausoleum, and the cross on Father Abram Ryan’s grave were a few of the projects that Lawler worked on.

Pomeroy Family Tomb, Magnolia Cemetery, Mobile Alabama. Photo courtesy HABS.

Woodmen of the World Gateway, Magnolia Cemetery, Mobile Alabama.

Edward Caldwell Mausoleum, Magnolia Cemetery, Mobile Alabama.

While employed by McDonald, March and Co. Lawler carved the cross for Father Abram Ryan, Catholic Cemetery, Mobile, AL. Photo courtesy Find a Grave.

Monument to Father Ryan, The Weekly Advertiser (Montgomery, Alabama) · 5 Dec 1891, Sat · Page 5