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Lawless, Joseph Thomas

lawyer, legislator, was born May 2, 1866, in Portsmouth, Va. He received his education at the Webster Military institute of Norfolk, Va.; graduated with the degree of M. A. from St. Mary's college of Belmont , N. C.; and with the degree of B. L. from Richmond college, Va. He is a prominent lawyer of his native city; was journal clerk in the house of delegates of Virginia in 1883-89; and was trustee of the public schools of Portsmouth. In 1889 he was elected to the state senate of Virginia, and served with distinction for four years. In 1893 he was elected secretary of the commonwealth, receiving the reelection without opposition in 1895 , and again in 1897.