[The Lead Belt News, Flat River, Mo., April 6, 1956]

     The active employment of Lee L. Rawlins, operating driller for the St. Joseph Lead Company, came to an end on the 30th day of March.  His name is on the pension roll.  He and his good wife, Mary, have recently become residents of Desloge.  They had been living at 305 Spruce Street, Flat River.

     Lee had been working in Desloge Mine No. 7.  His work in the mines began with the Desloge Lead Company back in 1916.  For more than 25 years he had run a drilling machine.  A check of his records shows that he was never charged with a lost time accident, a record of which he is justifiably proud. 

     Mrs. Rawlins, nee Mary Bryant, came to this area from Dent County.  She and Mr. Rawlins were the parents of 11 children, 5 of whom are deceased.  A son, Eli Rawlins, lost his life in Europe during World War II, while serving in a tank corps of the U. S. Army.

     The younger Rawlinses all live in this vicinity.  Mary Ella is employed by the Sons Shoe Company in Bonne Terre.  Jessie married, married to James Hill, lives in Flat River.  A third daughter, Tessie, lives in the rural area near Esther.  She is now Mrs. Clarence Fenwick.  Weldon Rawlins and his brother, Frank, are also residents of Flat River.  Weldon is engaged in the produce business.  D. L. Rawlins of Desloge is employed in St. Louis. 

     Lee ends his active association with the Lead Company in good spirits and good health, but regrets to give up his work and companionships formed through the years.  He states that he liked his job, and that he has always been well treated by everyone.