Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 75

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1126

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The marriage of Thomas T. Lancaster and Elizabeth Jackson. a native of Kentucky, was solemnized by Squire Isine Lane, March 1. 1981. Their happy union was severed by the death of the wife in 1866. There sons and seven dangh- ters had been born of their union, namely : Nancy, who married Samuel Burrows, a farmer in Rushville Township: Mary, widow of George Seward, and now living at the old home- stead: Emeline, who married George Wood and was last heard from in the Indian Ter- ritory: Hannah, deceased wife of J. F. Skiles, of Browning. IH. : Thomas J .. a farmer in Industry Township. MeDonough County. Il. : Elizabeth, deceased wife of Leonard Sherrell : William, a farmer of Browning Township: So- lina, Emma and Sarah, deceased.

The gentleman whose name introduces this article was born on Section Jo, Browning Town- ship. Schuyler County. April 6. 1941. In mich- boring schools he received his education. Dur- ing 1866 he married Miss Elizabeth Walton. a

native of the same township as himself and dangliter of a pioneer. After his marriage he rented the old bonnestead and. upon the death of his father, bought sixty aures of the estate. Ilere he has since made his home. Like his father, he ever has upheld the principles of the Democratic party, and. like him, also enjoys the esteem of acquaintances. Of his four children two died in infancy. Benjamin T., who was born at the old Inesten. October 21. 1-69. married Miss Wealthy Perkins, who died May 16. HMM .. Two children blessed their nion, namely : Harold, who died in infavory: and Clarice F., who was born July 9. 180S, and who resides with her father and grandfather on the old homestead originally pre-empted by her great-grandfather. The only daughter of William Lancaster is Mars, wife of David Royer and a native of Browning Township, born July 12, 1872. Mr. and Mr-, Royer and their children. Pauline and Lawrence, reside upon a farm in Browning Township. The Lancaster family have done much to assist in the growth of their township and county, and its members enjoy the highest regard of a large circle of friends.

LARASH, William Isaac, editor and proprietor of The Schuyler Citizen, established in 156, and The Rushville Daily Citizen, has been more or less closely identified with newspaper work ever since the close of his school-days. IIs was born October 2. 11, at Allentown. Pa .. a son of Isaac and Esther Ann (Kildare) Larash, On the mater- nal side AMr. Larash comes of Revolutionary Stock. his maternal grandfather, William Kildare. having served under General Washington. Isaac Imrash, father of William Isaac, was born in February, 1-2%, at Upper Milford. Lebigh County, La. For a score of years he resided at Pekin. Tazewell County. HL .. to which pace he moved. with his wife. in November, 1852. There he en- gazed in merchant tailoring, but later purchased farm in Spring Lake Township, Tazewell County. where he still resides. Hle married Esther Ann Kildare, who has been dereased Sey- oral years. She was born at Frankfort. Pa., near the city of Philadelphia. Both parents of Mr. Larash were fervent Methodists and family prayers were daily offered.

William Isaac Larash spent a happy boyhood on the home farm. He has always been fond of outdoor sports and, when occasion offered. has indulged his fondness for hunting. After com- Meting his school attendance at Pekin. he entered the printing office of W. W. Sellers, who con- dueted The Tazewell Republican, and served an apprenticeship of two years, in all that period busing but one-half day. From ING9 to 1870 Mr. Harash was in the West and, during this time. had an opportunity to Int largo game. Ho worked as an all round printer at Omaha and other Missouri River cities, and then returned to Ilinois and soon after engaged in publishing the Peoria Evening Review, the enterprise being a co-operative company composed of four practi- cal printers, with Robert J. Burdette and Jerry

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

Cochran as editors. In March, 1975, Mr. La- rash located in Rushville and in 1Sm purchased and engaged in the publication of The & huyler Citizen. Its founder was the late Goorze W. Scripps. On June 1. 1595, Mr. Larash issued the first edition of The Rushville Daily Citizen. which has continued without interruption to the present time. For twenty-nine years he las byeu editor and proprietor of The Weekly Citizen and for thitteen years of The Daily Citizen, and thus is surely entitled to the laune of one of the lead- ing journalists of the State. In his newspaper work he has ever striven to uphold the right, especially In his own community, and his columns have been of en to both sides of many controver- sies. Occasionally his attitu le has been misun- derstood. but this public criti ist comes to every man who stands above his fellows. In 1902. Mr. Larash launched out into a sebe me to extend the circulation of The Citizen by means of a guessing contest. offering, in the aggregate, property valued at $50.000, which included in the presents for the successful estimates on the State election. the Electric Light plant in the city of Rushville. and the large brick building known as the Woolen Mills building, besides town lots and $2,500 worth of other articles, including a piano worth $:50.

In his political views, Mr. Larash has ever been an ardent Republicm. Ile cast his first presidential vote for General Grint, and has never failed to give support to the same party in both State and National pretions ever since. In 1903 he was appointed postmaster at Rush- ville. Mr. Larash is prohi cht in Masonry. II. became a men ber of Rustsile Lodge, No. 9. A. F. & A. M., passed and raised Master Mason in 1577. was elected Worship ul Master and served in that chair in 1902 and 1:005. lle is a member of Rushville Chapter. No. 154 Royal Arch Ma- sons, and Rushville Coma andery Knights Temp- lar. No. 56. For fifteen years he served the latter branch as Prelate.

On March 21. 1578. in Littleton Township. Schuyler County, Mr. Larash was married to Emelia Ann Horney, who was born in Littleton Township. July 16. 1557. a daughter of the late Col. Leonidas and Jane Horney. Col. Horney was killed at the battle of Champion ILU's, M'ss .. while in coa mand of the Tenth Missouri Volim- teer Infantry. on May 16. 1563. Mrs. Larash is a gradu: te of the Rushville High Schon! in the class of 1576. the first class graduated after the establishment of the high school syston, and subsequently became a public school teacher. To this marriage have been born three daughters and one son. namely : Leoridas Horne . born December 7. 1853: Elizabeth Lon. born November 17. 1986: Winnifred Lucile, born October 24, 18SS : and Esther Jane, born January 10. 1\05.

Mr. Larash has been a member of the Metho- dist Church ever since early childhood. In 1957 he united with this body at Rushville and served for many years as class leader and on the official board, and at present is Recording Seere- tary of the same. Noting personal attributes

and tendencies. Mr. Larash is a lover of home and family surroundings. Ile has been a factor in molding publie opimon on many questions in his section, but is of retiring disposition. never seeking for himself those places of prominence he gladly sees his friends occupy. Ile is a man of generous impulses, of hopeful spirit and takes a large measure of satisfaction in what he has been able to accomplish.

LASHBROOK, Samuel, of Schuyler County. Ill., where he resides on Section 2, Woodstock Town- ship, besides being one of the most successful. well-to-do and favorably known farmers of the county, is one of the tast diminishing number of honored veterans of the Civil War. He was born in Orange County, Ind., March 7. 1844. a Fon of William and Rebeca (Taylor) Lash- brook. the father being a native of the State of Maryland and the mother of Indiana. The lat- ter. of whom her son Samuel bas but a faint rec- ollection. died when he was four years of age. She w. s of English ancestry. John Lashbrook, the internal grandfather, was horn on the At- lantic coast. The great-grandfather on the pa- ternal side was born in England, as was also the great-great-grandfather, who came to America about the time of the Revolutionary War. John Taylor, the maternal grandfather, was a soldier in the War of 1812. William and Rebecca Lashbrook, the parents of Sammuel. frared a fam- ily of seven children. as follows: John Wesley. Mary. Samuel, Solotion. Elizabeth. Jeremiah and William Il. The eldest son. John W., served during the Civil War as a member of Company H. Ninety-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer In- fantry. and died in 1963 on a hospital boat at Memphis. Tenn. : Mary is the wife of William H. Kirby, of Beardstown, Ill .; Solomon carries on fariding in the vi inity of the old homestead in Orange County. Ind. : Elizabeth was married to Frank Moore, a farmer living near French Lick. Ind. ; Jeremiah is a builder and contractor located in Terre Haute. Ind. : and William II. is a farmer in Indiana, located near his father's former place in Orange County. Some time after the death of Reberra (Taylor) Lashbrook. Wil- liam Lashbrook was married a second time wed- ding Nancy M. Moreno, of Sullivan County. Ind .. and of this union, three children were born. namely : Hiram W .. Terre Haute. Ind., where he has been a Methodist minister for twenty years ; James W .. a carpenter and builder. residing in Terre ITante. Ind .. and Ellen. who lives in Texas. where she is the wife of C. II. Baxter. of Dallas. William Lashbrook died November 15, 1855, and Nancy M. Lashbrook lives in Terre Haute. Ind .. making her home with her son. James W. The father in early life. learned the trade of a black- smith, following this occupation. together with farming. and being so proficient in blacksmithing that no kind of repair work could be taken to bis shop which was too difficult for him to un- dertake. For some years, when a comparatively young man. he taught school. and later, was a Iocal preacher of the Methodist Episcopal

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

Church. He was one of the leading citizens of his locality. Warm in bis impulses, he was gen- crous to the needy, and liberal in his support of all charitable enterprises. Ilis home was always open to the weary and distressed, and no one in trouble was ever turned away from his door. When the Civil War was raging, his house was the neighborhood headquarters for news from the field of combat, and being a good reader, he read aloud to those gathered to hear, the tidings from the front. By one and all he was famil- iarly known as "I'nele Will," and during those trying days, many who had sons, fathers or hus- bands fighting in defense of the Union, called on him for sympathy and advice. He was tenderly kind to the widowy and orphans of those who were slain in battle or perished in the hospitals. and scores of people still remember him with deep gratitude and profound respect.

Samuel Lashbrook was reared on the farm, and received his education in the district schools. Remaining at home until 1862, he enlisted on December 2d, of that year, being mustered into service at Indianapolis. Ind., as a private in Company F. Thirteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, his regiment going thence to Louisville, Ky .. and from' there to Nashville, Tenn., supplied only with infantry arms. For this reason it was sent back to Louisville to be properly armed, and after receiving Enfield rifles, etc., proceeded to Paducah, Ky. : Nashville, Tenn. ; and Huntsville, Ala,, returning in the fall of 1863 to Louisville, via Nashville, where the command was mounted and furnished with cavalry accouterments. After taking part in some guerrilla skirmishes. Mr. Lashbrook par- ticipated in the Battle of Franklin, marching on thence to Huntsville. I Ist4 he was sent again to Nashville, and spent five weeks in Camp Edge- field, whence the Thirteenth Indiana was or- dered to Chattanooga. but being cut off. went down the Tennesee River, theuse to Vicksburg and to New Orleans, where it remained until spring. The regiment was engaged in the battle at Spanish Fort, being under fire for about ten hours, and afterwards was sent to Mobile, skirmishing on the march. Mr. Lashbrook has a lively remembrance of a feast of sweet pota- toes and other relshable edibles, which the "boys" enjoyed after the Battle of Spanish Fort, the Rev. Mr. Kirby, who was visiting the camp of the Thirteenth, being present on the occasion. That night, the Thirteenth "went after" Gen. Kirby Smith, having a brisk skirmish with a portion of his command. The regiment was then sent to Greenville. Ala .. where the cheer- ing news was received of Lee's surrender to Grant, which caused great rejoicing among the men. From Greenville the regiment moved to Montgomery, Ala., skirmishing with the Po- treating enemy. At Montgomery, the command did garrison duty. Mr. Lashbrook boing detailed as a messenger to Jackson. Miss .. and thence to Vleksburg, where he was mustered out of sery- ice November 16. 1965, going then to In- dianapolis, for his final discharge. Returning

home he again turned bis attention to farm work. continuing thus one year on the ohl home place. In 1867 he moved to French Lick. Ind., Where he was ens;gul in carpenter work four ye.it's. About the year 1871, he went into a partnership in the undertaking business, the firm manufacturing coffins and cases for their trade. Selling out his interest in this concern in 1ST3. he moved to Selafler County, IL., and went to work on a farm for Overton Parks. in Section 11, Woodstock Township, moving into a los rabin and remaining on the place eighteen months. In 14th. le roited hol Tem Hon. Perry Logsdon, which he occupied until 1880. when he bought 151 acres of unimproved land in the same section. known as the "old Cliff farm," and established himself in his own home. He built a basement barn, measuring 36 by 144 feet. and two sheds, afterwards erecting a fine, two-story frame residence, with a cellar 16 hy 32 feet in dimensions. In 1895, he rented the Briggle farm, which he cultivated four years, and in 1900. purchased 170 acres in Section 2, Woodstock Township, on which he has since lived. On his first arrival in Woodstock Town- ship, his cash capital was limited to 25 cents. and now, 300 acres of good and finely hnproved land in the township belong to him. Through indomitable resolution, unwavering persistence and spaacious management, he has become one of the most prosperous farmers in Schuyler County. Although confronted sometimes by ad- versity. he has overcome all obstacles and is now enjoying the well merited rewards of his arduous labors.

On April 16, 1806, Mr. Lashbrook was united in marriage with Nancy J. Wilson, a most ex- vellent woman, who was born in Orange County, Ind .. a daughter of William and Biddy A John- son ) Wilson. natives of Orange County. Mr. and Mr -. Lashbrook have reared eight children, as follows: William F., Andrew J., Mary Alice, Frederick. Melissa. Cora. Nettie and Earl. The eldlost son, William F., lives on the home place ; Andrew J .. who is engaged in farming in Brown Conmy. Ill .. married Miss Annie Cooper: Mary A. is the wife of Cyrus Bell. a farmer in Bain- brider Township. Selmyler County ; Melissa was married to Edward Flindt, whose parents were among the earliest settlers of Schuyler Comty : Cora became the wife of Loren Serrott, of Win- field. Kan. : Nettie was married to Oscar L. Leur. a farmer in Woodstock Township; and Earl lives with his parents. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Politically, Mr. Lashbrook has always acted with the Republican party, taking a good citi- zen's interest in public affairs, but never seek- ing the distinction of loral office. Fraternally. he is a member of Col. Horney Post, No. 1:1. Grand Army of the Republic, of Rushville. Ile is a man of genial for iperament and cordial man- ners, a most hospitable and interesting enter- tainer, and has a wide circle of acquaintances, among which he numbers hosts of friends.

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

LASHMETT, Andrew J., the subject of this sketch, was both of a trin it Selger County. Ill., in 14H. His filer John I Sitt. Was a native of the O'd Dom.bon. . in the birth of his mother, Lu retir cipar L. hon. orcuraAl near Lexington. Ky. The patente dermedparents. both of whom were French by intility. sett in Virginia shorts after the beginning of the last century. and .. ... Metified with the carly development of last State.

Mr. La-hmett received his early eineation in the district schools of Seinpler Chanty, taking advantage of the Und opper miti which he had for improving I Mind m fis was com- pelled to give up les sudir- in opfer to earn a competence for hin. Fr. In 1991. 1. came Jo Rushville, and established : musical instrument Imsiness, which he copourted successfully for ; period of four years. He then prompted a pri- tion with a large insie house jo. bob at Blir- lington, In., for whi .. le traveled two years. his reputation as a um-kinh together with his bu-i- ness qualifications, melting him . valuable .. les- man in this line. Afterwards. be returned to Rushville and established the out era which he is now conducting. For the past ich years he has occupied the large store butl'ig on East Washington Street, Bor the northeast en.40 of the Public Square, where he has shore-ink's carried on the dete rtimmdt store. familiarly known as "Little Chiaco" IF's business so increased that he les been compelled from time to time to add new lines to his solok. and this, as a matter of course, ne assigned now additions to his store building. unli today he occupies over 1500 square feet of Hoop Store. His stock consists of the following complete lines : furniture, undertaking goals, j'aios, or- gans, vehicles (including wi gons, surreys. bye- gies stanhopes and rinatouts). hampes, sadd'es. robes. bankets and white, stoves and ranges. carpets and mes. martins. window-shades and curtains, sewing machines, ote .. etc.

Mr. Lashmett is a musician of more fl.in local reputation. his execution upon the vinwin having attracted special attention. Having deep interest in must be devoted special at- tention to this insel instrument dearte !. In this stock are included photos, orens. jena- graphs and a large assortment of of her mel instruments. Such is the derhand for these thatt some of the best makes are here referente. Among the pianos. Mr. Laslemt favors the Emerson as a leader, but carries also in ink the Lakeside, Selmaan : m] Siler p .: Los. 110 has done much to stimulate an interest in with grade music in this section. The variety atul reliability of the Destruments Landled by Min have satisfied a deidand equal to that h the larger cities, One roof of this He willich- ment is devoted to the Bells of it .... .. has proved a proper pasting pare for these the city who are unsimilly inclined. In ! other lines carrad By Mr. Ishm. tt. the 1 st is always to be found. His ole applicatie to business, together with his thorough knowl-

eder of it- details. assures hte patrone of fair

tl . contaruns. local pordies and has served the city . .. Anny in various dagen ties. By virtue of 1 - ex ellent service in contin with time poli itus's wife mified to his care. he Las rete ind . cer njen 101 - f. .. Won as upom the printy de Mer retts. He he served as Alderman of The So- ond Wird. . od in the spring of 150g was Heted Supervisor of Rusovile Tommal De ing next in 19904. In the spring of 'mi be wis eprted to the office of Mayor of the City of Rusav'ye.

Mr. Lishh eft belongs to that class of the . thet Dave altamed success solely farmer their In- Hvidulation. His rise in the Wishes- wieid may be attributed, for the most part. al rosa- wie furpre to give the public the me .. . Il he was undre. In his association with Has closed himself to be a publi - spirit. I envariseg citizen. By reason of Hits Somests. int arby id abdlio. he is recognized .. theone -t relis de and salsas meu .fr b. How does he deserve this distin fotos.

oi Viren. Il .. and one som has Feed will in tin .. Taches Andres, a most interes ing and prendsing rbild.

LAWLER, Charies E .- Among tlp leading Groep assisted to Unge it to the atribu tofall in- this of that re m the tale aul ..... they admittedly prestes, and whose enter- weise and julie pay have won for Him in hadde Qual standing second to none in a's lo- this personal record. Mr. Lawler was for. 11. Bainbridge Township. Sehnsier Corlay. Sep- taller 26. 15. His ter. George I. La. was a Virginian. having been bom in tout suite

illytert Lawler. was a Lalive of No .-

Hg in the Old Dominion. and When atthe

Center E. Lawier : companied his par- in Ohio, vheure at an early period : journeyel in Illinois, welcher in Trwashi. Seluvier County. George E. Lawler settled in Buinl : ship in the same county, where 1 ... Contre otras the netinder of his

Ile dad in 1900. A detailed narpti Mirr. gether with partirirs ; r _ : . vite and Punis. will be found in section of this work.

I. D.m. OnEST. Liver

. ..

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

himself, and continued in this occupation with invariable success until the time of his abandon- ment of agricultural pursuits in 1903, when he established his residence in Rushville. 11 .. in order to secure better educational facilities for his children. Ile has since lived in retirement, having a very attractive home on East Adams Street.

Mr. Lawler has been twice married. first marriage occurred at Rushville, in isa%. when he was wedded to Maria Greer. a dangh- ter of James L. and Martha ( Wilson) Greer, who was born in Rushville Township in 1953. Two sons resulted from this union,-Clyde E. and William R. The elder of these, while ex- hibiting a fine horse at a local county fair in 1898, was kicked by the animal, and died from the injury thus received. William Rt .. the younger son, is a graduate of the Normal School. and also completed a course of commercial study. In 18SG, his first wife having passed away, Mr. Lawler was joined in matrimony with Nora Kirkham, a daughter of Silas and Mary (Gar- rett) - Kirkham, who was born in Kansas in 1858. The issue of the second marriage was three children, namely : Orrin H .. Mildred and Frances. The first named, having finished his preparatory course by graduating in 1905, is now a student in the Illinois State University, being a member of the class graduating in 1909. On his removal to Rushville. Mr. Lawler turned over the management of his farm of 165 acres to his son, William R., who keeps a fine grade of horses, cattle and hogs, especial attention be- ing given to Shire horses. In polities, Mr. Law- ler is allied with the Democratic party, and has served the publie as Township Assessor. He is one of the most prominent citizens of Rush- ville, and for many years has been closely identi- fied with the agricultural interests of Schuyler County.

LAWLER, George Edward (deceased ) .- Among the worthy pioncer settlers of Schuyler County. Ill., upon whose resolnte minds and sturdy bodies rosted the hereulean task of de- veloping a wilderness into a civilized commu- nity, none is entitled to a greater meed of praise than George Edward Lawler. To ascribe to him and his contemporaries the credit which is justly their due, to recount their arduous labors, de- piet their noble traits of character. and perpet- uate in enduring form the record of their achievements, is a grateful task for those of a succeeding generation, who are the fortunate beneficiaries of the great work accomplished by them. In the ranks of these honored pioneers. George E. Lawler, is one of the foremost. As typifying all those qualities that enter into the composition of perfect manhood. Mr. Lawler was a native of the "Old Dominion." where his birth occurred in Fauquier County December 20, 1S17. He was a son of Alexander and Mar- garet B. ( White) Lawler, the father having been born in Warrington. Fauquier County, Va., in 1794, and the mother also in Virginia in 1798.

Alexander Lawler was of Irish descent. his an- ce-tors con ning to America in the colonial period. His wife was of Swiss descent. The former died in 1453, the latter surviving mom until 17, when she passed away at the age of 76 years. Grandiather James Lawler was private sec- rotary of General Washington, serving in that capacity during the Revolutionary War, in which he took part in many of the most sall- quinary battles. After the termination of that memorable conflict, be returned to his home, and resumed his occupation of farming and survey- ing. le surveyed and platted the farm and home grounds of General Washington, at Mount Vernon.

Ile was considered as one of the best educated and most polished gentlemen of his day. George N. Lawler was brought to Schuyler County, in 1439. by his parents, who settled in Bainbridge Township, on a farm which is still in possession of the family. He remained on the home place until the time of his marriage, which took place in 1811. The wife of Mr. Lawler, who died June 27. 1879, was formerly Caroline Hymer, a daughter of John Hymer, one of the most es- teemed of the early settlers of Schuyler County. Mr. Lawler then bought his first property. . six- teen arres of land, and built a log cabin, at that period the best one in his section of the country. He had the first cook-stove and carpet in use in that locality. His family ultimately consisted of eleven children, nearly all of whom were reared to maturity. Their names are as follows : Sarah Margaret, wife of Jacob Hammond, a narrative of whose career appears in this vol- ume : George W., who is engaged in the grocery business at Rushville. Ill. ; Zerilda J. married Samuel Wheelhouse, of Rushville: John W., a retired farmer and merchant, whose life is also portrayed in this work: Josephine, wife of A. B. Lawler, a farmer located near Rushville ; James A. who operates a grist mill at Rush- ville : Charles E., a retired farmer, residing at Rushville: Henry, who died in 1861, at the age of eight years; Oliver F., who occupies the old homestead farm Bainbridge Township: Ernest J .. who died in March, 1865, when live years oldl ; and Dwight E., a merchant at River- dale. Kan. The father of this family was long one of the leading farmers and citizens of Schny- ler County. Beginning with sixteen acres of land. he gradually increased his possessions until he became one of the most extensive land- holders in the county, owning at one time S03 aeres. As the children grew to years of ma- turity. he gave each a goodly portion to start thom in active life, providing liberally for all, after equipping them with a thorough educa- tion. He was extremely public-spirited. and unselfishly active in promoting the best interests of the community. He was always ready 10 ex- tend a helping hand to the needy who deserved assistance. bestowing his charities without os- tentation, and the number of those whom he has suecored when in temporary straits, and who owe their subsequent success to his broad

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 75

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1126

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1126