Lawrence (aka “Bacon”) lived in Hastings, Pa., where he was active in local government for over 20 years. At the age of 12, he worked on the farm of Jacob Krug near Pottsvile, Pa., and then worked for a time in local coal mines and held employment driving a freight wagon. In 1920, Lawrence began work at Cresson for the Pennsylvania Railroad, starting out as a trackman and becoming a foreman in 1941. He stayed on as a track foreman for over 36 years, and was stationed at various locations such as Bakerton, Dysart and at LaJose in Clearfield County.