Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 87

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 87

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Mr. and Mrs. Ladage have had three chil- dren : Richard, born January 21, 1906; Anna, born March 15, 1907; aud Frederick, born No- vember 24, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Ladage were both baptized and confirmed in the German Lutheran Church, and both are now members of Trinity Church of that denomination iu Springfield, where Mr. Ladage has for years sung in the choir.

LAIRD, Dr. Florus Alva, veterinary surgeon, located at Auburn, Ill., has in the past few years built up a large practice in the southern part of Sangamon County, and has one of the best equipped hospitals for use iu a professional way in his part of the State. He is a member of a family that has long been well kuown in San- gamon Couuty, his grandfather, Josiah Laird, having been one of early settlers of Ball Town- ship. Dr. Laird was born on his father's farm in Ball Township, September 22, 1878, son of Joab J. and Mary J. (Stroud) Laird, the fa- ther also a native of Ball Township. Joab was a son of Josiah Laird, who became one of the extensive landowners aud stockmen of the county.

Joab Laird was reared on his father's farm and in time grew to be one of the leading farm- ers of his township. He was one of the most highly esteemed citizens of his community, a stanch Democrat, and often held township of- fices, discharging every duty faithfully and well. He belonged to the Blue Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter of Masons, the former of Auburn and the latter of Pawnee. He died September 8, 1884, and his widow later married Mr. T. J. Molohan and now resides in Oklahoma. Mr. Laird and his wife had six sons (of whom four survive) and two daughters, the survivors being : Samuel M., of Anthony, Kan .; John R., on part of the home farm in Ball Township; Nicholas E., of Harvel,

Ill .; Dr. F. A .; Alice, wife of F. M. Jones, liv- ing on South Seventh Street, Springfield ; Cythau married Miles M. Smothers and they reside at Hawthorne Hill.

When Dr. F. A. Laird was six years of age, his father died and he went to live with his brother-in-law, F. M. Jones, where he remained until he was fourteen years of age, at which time he started to work out by the mouth, thus continuing until his marriage, February 9, 1898, to Miss Angie Colean, a native of Cotton Hill Township, Sangamon County, daughter of M. W. Colean, a successful farmer of that town- ship. After marriage, the young couple settled on the home farm, and iu the fall of 1899, hav- ing decided to learn a profession, Mr. Laird en- tered McKillip Veterinary College, of Chicago, where he took a course. He was graduated from the Chicago Veterinary College with the Class of 1902, after which he began to practice in Springfield with Dr. Albert Babb, which con- nection was continued until 1904, when Dr. Laird located in Auburn aud engaged in prac- tice alone. He has excellent acconnuodation for patients brought to him, aud put iu his charge and has saved the lives of inany valuable ani- mals. In 1909, he erected an office to be used in connection with his hospital, and there has modern appliances to aid him iu his operations, or treatment. He has five single stalls and four box stalls. Dr. Laird keeps pace with his fel- low practitioners by reading the most modern literature along the lives of his profession, sub- scribing for the best journals dealing with this topic, and he chose this profession because he realized the need for intelligent men to take it up from love of the work and consequent in- terest in its every detail. Dr. Laird is a mem- ber of the Illinois State Veterinary Association, and December 29, 1909, was appointed First Assistant State Veterinary Surgeon, in which post he has served most satisfactorily.

Three children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Laird, namely : Everett, born May 9, 1899; Eva, November 11, 1902, and Gladys, April 17, 1909. Mrs. Laird is an active member of the Meth- dist Church. Dr. Laird is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and both he and his wife belong to the O. E. S. He is an enthusiastic member of the Democratic party. He has wou a good repu- tation in his profession and as a citizen has taken a commendable interest in public affairs, winning many friends by his pleasing personal- ity and honest worth.

LAKE, John Spencer, a well-known farmer of Clear Lake Township, Sangamon County, and a veteran of the Civil War, belongs to a family that is one of the oldest in the region. He is a native of Sangamon County, born in that por- tion which later became a part of Menard County,, January 9, 1840, a son of Bayliss and Eliza (Glasscock) Lake, natives of Virginia, the latter of Loudoun County. The father was born in 179S and the mother in 1810, and they cause to Illinois about 1827. They secured land

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

and engaged In farming, becoming important factors iu the life of the community where they located.

Mr. Lake was educated in the district schools of Clear Lake Township and early learned the principles of farming, which occupation he still follows. He has been very successful In farm- ing and stock raising and has made many ilu- provements on his estate, being the owner of 240 acres of fiue farm land. In 1870 be erected a fine ten-room house, in front of which Is a fine lawn and handsome trees. He is regarded as an industrious and substantial farmer and stands well in the community.

In August, 1862, Mr. Lake enlisted in Com- pany G, One Hundred Fourteenth Regiment, IllInois Volunteer Infantry, in which he served two years and a half. He participated in two battles at Vicksburg, aud two at Jackson, Miss., and was wounded at Brights Cross Roads, spent four months in a hospital, was takeu prisoner, and was exchanged at Coliova, Ala. He came home on a furlough and was discharged at Springfield, In January, 1865, baving won an honorable record. He belongs to a local post of the G. A. R.

Mr. Lake was married in Fancy Creek Town- ship, Sangamon County, in 1868, to Mary Char- lotte Britton, born near Williamsville, Sanga- mon County, in 1847, daughter of Stepben Eng- land and Jane (McClelland) Britton, natives of Sangamon Connty. Children as follows have been born of this union : Dora E., born Novem- ber 24, 1871, died January 27, 1896, the wife of George Wiggins ; James Arthur, born Novem- ber 1, 1873, dled May 29, 1898; Edith M., born February 18, 1881. married, September 7, 1909, Lonis P. Fisher, who was born near Saybrook, Ill., and they have one child, Allen Lake Fisher, born August 30, 1910. Mrs. Wiggins had two children, one of wbom survives her. They were: Roy Wiggins, born August 10, 1892, who survives, and George Artbur Wiggins, born January 5, 1896, died June 24, 1896. Mr. Lake is a member of the Christian Church and in politles has always been a Republican,

LAMB, James L. (Vol. I, p. 327.)

LAMBERT, Edmund, D. D. S., a well-known citizen of Springfield, has established a large practice and has a good standing in his profes- sion. He is a member of the various dental societies, Including the Sangamo-Menard Dental and Illinois State Societies, and formerly served as President of the local organization. He has a reputation as a skillful dentist and an excellent practitioner and has the full con- fidence of his patients. Dr. Lambert is a na- tive of Yorkshire, England. born in October, 1858, and educated In private schools in his na- tive country. He is a son of Charles and Mary (Kitson) Lambert, the former a merchant of Yorkshire, and at the age of twenty years emi- grated to the United States. He first found em- ployment in a music store and at the same time

pursued his dental studies, gradnating In 1885 from the Chicago College of Dental Surgery.

Dr. Lambert first engaged in practice at Petersburg, Ill., and spent four years there and in Chicago. He bas been established In Spring- field since 1889, aud during this time has been In active practice. He has a well-appointed of- fice and bas bigb class fittings and appliances for carrying on bis work. Fraternally be Is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pytbias, and is of a social and friendly dispo- sition, interested iu the welfare of his commun- Ity and in every cause that has for its object tbe uplifting or betterment of the people. In po- litical views he Is a Republican, and in re- liglons belief is a Methodist, being a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of Springfield.

In 1887 Dr. Lambert was united in marriage with Miss Ellen J. Gum, born in Menard County, daughter of Jobn B. and Jane E. (Irwin) 'Gum. Dr. and Mrs. Lambert are parents of three sons, Clarence G .; and Lester aud John Leslie, twins.

LAMKEN, John D., a substantial and reliable Germau-Americau citizen of Springfield, III., has beeu a resident of the city siuce 1870. He was born In Oldberg, Germany, February 7, 1851, a son of Gerhard and Ann (Bohlken) Lamkeu, botb also natives of Oldberg. The father was boru in 1820 and the motber January 6, 1811. Ile was a farmer and spent his entire life in Geriuany, where be died in 1870. The mother came to Aurerica in 1890 and located In Spring- field, wbere she died In 1895, at the age of eigbty-five years. Five children were born to themu : Frank, a farmer living near Spring- field ; Fred F., a wealthy farmer living uear Taylorville; Matilda, wife of Richard Seifken, a farmer living near Springfield ; Sophla, wife of Gustave Hartter, a painter living near Spring- field ; John D., the yonugest.

Mr. Lamken was educated in bis native coun- try and his first work was done on his father's farm. Ile remained with his parents until he was about nineteen years old and April 26, 1870, sailed for America. He came direct to Spring- field aud worked for a time as horseman,' later becoming a gardener, in which ocenpation he has since been engaged with excellent success. He was married February 28, 1882, at the Lutheran Church, to Ernstine Jack, who was born near Berlin, Germany, September 17, 1855, daughter of Carl and Sophia (Sandow) Jack. IIer father and mother were also born there, he in 1812 and she In 1814, and he died in 1876 and sbe in 1899. They came to America and both died In this country. Mrs. Lamken is the youngest of ten children and was brought to the United States in childhood. Two children were boru to Mr. and Mrs. Lamken, both of whom live at home and are employed by the Illinois Watch Company. The older, Freda A., was born September 21, 1887, and Clara was born July 11, 1891.

Mr. Lamken Is a member of the German

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Lutheran Church and in politics Is a Repub- lican. He is known as a man of strict integrity and is honest and upright in all business deal- ings. He and his wife are well known in so- cial circles and have a beautiful home at 1023 West Calhoun Street. IIe owns other property iu the city, some of it on Pasfield Avenue. There is no German family in Sangamon Coun- ty that is more worthy of representation in a work of this character than the Lamken fa- mily. They stand high in the estimation of the people, and may well be proud of their rep- utatlon.

LAMOND, Charles Edgar, who has been for mauy years a trusted and valued employe of the Chicago & Alton Rallroad Company, has been engaged in a similar line of work ever since he reached the age of twenty-two years, He was born in Laucaster, Pa., March 7, 1853, son of Samuel and Ellen Lamond, both natives of that State. The father was in the employ of a rallroad company most of his life.

The education of Charles Edgar Lamond was acquired in the public schools of Chicago and Cairo, Ill., and upon leaving school he learned the trade of harness-maker, which he followed but a few years, then begau to work for a railroad company, and has been promoted from time to time until he now has a position as foreman of a switching crew In the Springfield yards of the Chicago & Alton road. He is well fitted to perform the work satisfactorily and well, and has a decided preference for this oc- cupation. He has many friends and is a prom- inent member of the Knights of Pythias, of Springfield. In politics Mr. Lamond has al- ways favored the principles and views of the Republican party, and takes great Interest In public affairs in his community. In religion he Is a Catholic.

Mr. Lamond was marrled, December 15, 1899, to Mrs. Louisa (Miller) Dewey, who was born in Missouri. July 29, 1852, daughter of Maxy and Susan (Fate) Miller, natives of Louisville, Ky. Mrs. Lamond was married, (first) No- vember 17, 1875, to William Dewey, who was born In Akron, Ohlo, In 1840, and three chll- dren were born to them: William, Mark and Max Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Lamond have no chil- dren. They reside at 1606 East Edwards Street, Springfield.

LAMUN, John, son of one of the early settlers of Sangamon County, Ill., has spent most of his life there. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, July 2, 1823, and Is of German and Irish de- scent. His father, James Lamun, was born in Ross County, December 12, 1802, and hls moth- er, also a native of Ross County, was born Jan- uary 1, 1802. They were married in their na- tive county and became parents of two sons and two daughters, of whom John was the eld- est. Two of these children now survive, John. of this sketch, and Mrs. Ellnor Prickett, of Kansas. The other son was a member of the Home Guard, entered the service In Missouri,

served throughout the Civil War aud was mus- tered out in Missouri. James Lamun purchased laud in Lauesville Townshlp, Sangamon Coun- ty, and carrled ou farming there several years. He theu learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed many years, but returned to farm- ing, in which occupation he continued until his death, March 3, 1882. His wife died May 31, 1830, when all her children were quite small.

Mr. Lamun received his education In the country schools of his native country and was reared on a farm. In the fall of 1843 he came to Sangamon County and remained there four years. He returned to Ross County and re- maiued there twelve years, then returned to the farm which was owned by his father, and later purchased forty acres of laud In Lanes- ville Township, where he carried on farming several years, then located on his preseut farm in Section 1 of the same township, where he has lived the past forty-three years. He has been a successful farmer and has earned the good-will and esteem of all who kuow him. Though now in his eighty-eighth year, he lias retained an active Interest in all that goes on about him and has a pleasant personallty. He was personally acquainted with Abraham Lin- coln, for whom he had a firm friendship and sincere admiration. He owns 160 acres of good farm land, where he lives, although he has now retired from active life.

Mr. Lamun was married August 19, 1852, in Allen County, Ohio, to Naucy Carsou, a native of that county, whose parents were early set- tlers of Sangamon County, where they carried on farming. Mrs. Carson died in Ohio aud her husband died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lamun, in Sangamon County. Mrs. Lamun died at her home in Sangamon County, May 21, 1867, having borne seven children, of whom three are deceased, the others being: Emory P., a resi- dent of Saugamon County, where he carries on farming ; Leslie G., a farmer of Indiana; Judith A., wife of James T. Lemon, of Lanesville Town- ship; James E., Ilving on the old home farm in Lanesville Township.

Mr. Lamun was married (second) in Laues- ville Township, August 6, 1869, to Mary Ham- mel, a native of Ohio, where her parents died. She died October 25, 1891, having had no chil- dren. Mr. Lamun was married (third) March 29, 1899, in Springfield, to Agnes Vonderlieth, who was born at Mt. Pulaski, Ill., August 18, 1854, daughter of Herman Mattfield, who was born iu Hamburg, Germany, June 1, 1817. Mrs. Mattfield was boru in Hamburg, June 7, 1819. Mr. Mattfield was educated for the profession of teaching and came to the United States at the age of eighteen years, locating in Michigan, where for many years he taught school. He came to Mt. Pulaski In 1850 and engaged in a drug business there, which he coutinued until he retired from active life. His death occurred January 24, 1884, and his widow died February 1, 1SS6. They were parents of six children, two of whom are deceased, the others being: Mrs. John Mayer and Mrs. George Mayer, of Mt.

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Pulaski; Adoiph, of Dawson, III., and Mrs. La- mun. Mrs. Lamun's grandfather was an officer in the German Army.

Mr. Lamun is a believer in the Millenial Dawn, and in politics is a Democrat. He for- merly served as School Director and Road Com- missioner. Ile is ready to support every worthy cause and is interested in the welfare of his community.

LANAHAN, Edward J., a business man in Springfield for many years, has now passed away, leaving behind him the recollection of many good deeds and kindly charities that he hid from the world. He was born in Roscom- mon, Ireland, about 1847, and when but a small boy was brought to the United States by his parents, who landed at New Orleans. From that city they came to Springfield, locating on East Carpenter Street, between Ninth and Tenth, and this continued to be the home of Edward J. Lanahan until his marriage.

Growing up in Springfield. the lad enjoyed the advantages offered by the parochial schools, and began his business life as a grocery clerk. Later he went into business for himself, con- tinuing thus until about thirteen years prior to his death, when he retired. His death oc- curred January 7. 1906, and he passed away firm in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, heing a member of St. Agnes parish. A strong Democrat, he was very popular in the ranks of his party, and exerted a wide-spread influence among those who knew him.

On September 13, 1877, Mr. Lanahan was married, in Springfield, to Miss Katherine Kel- ley, daughter of Henry Kelley, who for many years was associated with the shoe industries of Springfield. The maiden name of Mrs. Lana- han's mother was Ann Gaffigan. Mr. and Mrs. Lanahan hecame the parents of children as fol- lows: John, who was killed in the woolen mills in 1905; Annie, who died in infancy; Edward, who died at the age of twenty-four years ; Catherine, deceased; Margaret. at home, as are Agnes and Joseph. Mrs. Lanahan is a con- sistent member of St. Agnes Church, and con- tinues many of her husband's charities, being a lady of great kindness of heart. She is he- loved in her neighborhood and church, and her children are proud of her and the love she in- spires.

LANPHIER, Charles H. (Vol. I, p. 328.)

LARSON, Peter B .- Among the men who have hecome owners of good farms through industry and enterprise is Peter B. Larson, of Section 28, New Berlin Township, Sangamon County. Mr. Larson stands high in the community as a inan of earnest purpose and integrity, and has the respect of all who know him. He was born in Sweden, October 24, 1844, son of Laus and Canana Larson. who spent their entire lives in their native land, and died near Lancrona. The

father was a farmer by occupation and he and his wife were parents of four sons and three daughters, six of the children still surviving and five being residents of America : Catherine, widow of Louis Nelson, now living in Helson- burg, Sweden; Andrew, died in Illinois and is buried in Springfield; Nels, a farmer near Elk- hart, Iil .; Swan, a carpenter, living in Spring- fieid ; Mary, wife of a Mr. Clifford, a miner liv- ing in Idaho; Anna, wife of K. D. Williams, of Idaho, and Peter B.

As soon as Peter B. Larson was old enough he began to work out by the month, having previously attended school in his native place. In 1871 he emigrated to America and located in Champaign County, Ill., where for over two years he worked at farming for the same man. At the end of six years in Illinois he re- turned home and remained there from 1877-79, and then came back to Illinois, locating northi of Springfield, in Sangamon County. He was married, March 10, 1881, to Miss Nellie Lun- burg, born in the same locality in Sweden as himself, daughter of Peter Lunburg. The father still resides in Sweden but Mrs. Lunburg is now deceased. Mrs Larson had one brother and one sister who came to America: Swan, a farmer residing near Sumner, Neb., and Chris- tina, wife of Hans Jansen, a farmer of Quick- ville, Kan.

After his marriage Mr. Larson rented a farm near Cantrall, Sangamon County, where for two years he successfully carried on farming, then spent six years in Menard County, and in 1881 rented land in Dewitt County. In 1901 he re- turned to Sangamon County and rented land in Curran Township, from a Mrs. King, having for several years rented land in Dewitt County from Mr. King, thus renting eighteen years from this family. In 1906 he purchased eighty acres of the farm he now occupies, on which he has since made many improvements. He has been industrious and prudent in his operations and has won a very fair degree of success through patient endeavor and good judgment. He is en- terprising and progressive in his methods of carrying on his work and has reaped the maxi- mum of profit from his efforts.

To Mr. Larson and his wife the following children have been born: two died in infancy ; Catherine O., born in Sangamon County, June 30. 1882; John, born in Menard County March 15. 1884, was accidentally shot while out hunt- ing and died from the effects. December 18, 1905; Emma, born in Menard County, May 22, 1886, wife of H. W. Renfrow, a contractor and real estate dealer of Springfield, aud they have one child. Leo W .; Clarence W., born in Dewitt County September 30, 1889, at home; Lillie E., born in Dewitt County April 5, 1894, a member of the Berlin High School Class of 1911. All have received good educations and have been well fitted to assume the duties of life. Mr. Larson and his wife were both reared in the Swedish Lutheran Church and the family are ali interested in church work. Miss Kate is an

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active member of the Presbyterian and Mrs. Renfrow of the Christian Church.

Mr. Larson has been one of the leading Swedish-Americans in his community. In poli- tics he has always been an advocate of the principles of the Republican party. He is a public-spirited and useful citizen, interested in the public welfare and progress. He has brought his land to a high state of cultivation and has a very pleasant home. He keeps a good grade of stoek and has found that this policy pays in the long run.

LAUTERBACH, John .- Every line of industrial activity has its representative at Springfield and in Saugamou County, for this is a central location, with unexcelled transportation facili- ties, in addition to which there exists here a large and healthy demand for commodities of all descriptions. One of the prosperous busi- ness men of the county is John Lauterbach, a briek manufacturer. Like so many of his fel- lowtownsmen, Mr. Lanterbaeh is a native of Germany, having beeu born February 5, 1840. He is a son of John and Margaret Lauterbach, both natives of Germany. The parents eame to America iu 1844, landing in New Orleans, · whence they eame by wagon to Sangamou Coun- ty. For two years the father worked at what- ever employinent he could seeure that promised to yield a living for his little family, but the hardships were too much for him and he died in 1846. The brave mother, however, struggled along, bringing up her son John, who was the only one of hier five children to survive. Mrs. Lanterbach died in 1891.

John Lauterbach attended the little subserip- tion schools of Springfield, and early had to seek employment to help his mother. This was first found in the slaughter house, when he was twelve years old. There he learned the butch- er's trade, working at it until he was thirty- two years old, when he turned his attention to the manufacture of bricks. Finding this a pro- fitable business, he has since been engaged in it, and has furnished briek for a number of the stately piles that make Springfield so beau- tiful a eity, Including the State House. He also furnished the brick for the fair grounds, the rolling wills, several school buildings and other important structures, the quality of his product being such as to command an excellent market.

Mr. Lauterbaek was married in Springfield, Ill., February 24, 1863, to Margaret Young, born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Adam Young. He came to Illinois at an early date, being one of the pioneers, and died in 1899. Ife had served in the Civil War and was a well known character. Mrs. Lauterbach died in Feb- ruary. 1903, and her remains were interred by the side of three of her eleven children, and one grandchild. Eleven children were born to them, those living being: Margaret, wife to Herman II. Straustaffer, a farmer; Mallie, wife of Oliver Dunn, a carpenter; J. E., a grocer of Springfield ; George W., a teamster; Fred, a

partuer of J. E. in the grocery business; Ada, wife of William Bauer, a contractor and build- er; Clarence living at home, and Katherine Boener. There are thirteen grandehildreu in the famliy.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 87

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774