Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 88

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

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The Lutheran Church holds Mr. Lauterbach's membership, and he is an earnest supporter of its creed. He has always voted the straight Democratic ticket and believes in the princi- ples of that party. For fifteen years he served as a member of the old fire department, and has borne his part in saviug property and pre- serving the lives of those in danger. Ile owns eighteen acres of iand within the eity limits, near the cemetery, that is worth $500 per acre.

A sturdy, upright, honorable man, Mr. Lau- terbach displays many of the distinguishing traits of his countrymen, being industrious and thrifty. IIe has worked up from nothing into his present state of affluence, and has every reason to be proud of having aeeomplished so much within the spau of a lifetime, hampered by early poverty and lack of training. His fa- mily is a fine oue, and he takes great pleasure in their progress and affection and that of his grandchildren.

LAW, Mathew .- Among the native-born resi- dents of Sangamon County, who are members oť pioneer families, Matthew Law deserves a prominent place. He was boru September 30, 1839, son of Benjamin and Jaue (McCleece) Law, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Benjamin Law was a farmer and one of the early settlers of Lanterman Settle- ment, iu Springfield Township, where he lived until 1840, then moved to the farm now occu- pied by his son, in Clear Lake Township, where he died in 1878, his widow surviving until 1893 and dying on the home farm. There were three sons and seven daughters in the family, and six children now survive: Mathew and his twin brother, Mark, the latter of whom lives in Springfield; Thomas, a farmer of Sangamon County ; Mrs. Rebecca Harwood, of Minneapolis ; Mrs. Jane Lovelace, who lives with her brother Mathew ; Catherine married 'Henry Haynes, of Springfield.

Mathew Law secured his education in the public schools of Sangamon County and early began to help with the work on the home farm, which he has continued to the present day. He owns forty acres of fiue land in Clear Lake Township, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He is a prominent member of the Old Settlers' Association and is a public- spirited, useful eitizen. He is a Republican in politics and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He belongs to a family that has been prominent in Sangamon County history and affairs for more than eighty years, and whose members have always stood for the best interests of their communities. He was per- sonally well acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, of whom he has some interesting recollections. Mr. Law is unmarried.

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LAW, Thomas .- One of the oldest settiers of Sangamon County, now' residiug there, is Thomas Law, who accompanied bis pareuts to Clear Lake Towuship in 1836. Ile was born in Tennessee, September 23, 1831, a son of Ben- jamin and Louisa J. (McCleese) Law, tbe for- mer a native of Tennessee and the latter of Indiana. The father was a farmer by occupa- tion and came to Illinois in an early day. Ile Ilved in Clear Lake Township a few years, then moved to a farm west of Springfield, but In 1852 returned to Clear Lake Townsblp, where he purchased a farm and spent the remainder · of his life. He aud his wife had nine children, of whom five now survive, namely : Thomas, of this sketch; Mathew and Mark, twins, living on tbe bome farm; Rebecca, widow of Henry Harwood, living in Minneapolls; Catherine, wife of Henry Harnes, of Springfield, and Mrs. Lonisa J. Lovelace, living on tbe home farm with her brothers.

Mr. Law received a somewhat meager ednca- tion in the country schools near his father's home, and in boyhood helped his father with the farm work. In the spring of 1891 he moved to the farm of 155 acres on Section 6'of Cooper Township, which he now owns, and where he has since carried on farming successfully. Ile bas generaliy improved the condition of his land and buildings, and Is held in high esteem by liis neighbors and acquaintances. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church and he is a Republican in political views. He bas always taken an active interest in publle affairs and has given his approval and assistance to many worthy causes. Mr. Law was personally ac- qualuted with Abraham Lincoln, and when the latter was living In Springfield hanled wood to the city for hls nse.

Mr. Law was married in Springfield, October 16, 1861, to Lonisa J. Gibson, a native of San- gamon County, born March 14, 1840, whose father, Samuel Gibson, a native of Virginia. was an early settler of Sangamon County and there carried on farming until bis death. His wife was a native of Indiana and they were parents of twelve children, of whom two sons and four danghters now survive. Eight chil- dren were born to Mr. Law and wife, of whom four survive, namely : Clara, wife of William Laglo, a farmer of Cooper Township; Abigail, wife of Owen Jones, a farmer of Mechanics- burg Township; Samuel. of Oklahoma. and Frank, living at home with his father and mother. Mr. and Mrs. Law have fourteen liv- ing grandchildren, in whom they feel reasonable pride. They have witnessed radical changes in Sangamon County during the past seventy years and are able to recount many Interesting anec- dotes of the early days. The parents of both were members of the band of hardy pioneers who paved the way for higher civilization and for the present prosperity and weil-being of Sangamon County, and were identified with the best interests of the people.

LAWLEY, James P., who for more than thir- teen years lias held the office of Postmaster of Glenarm, Ill., has long been identified with the public, agriculturai and business life of this part of Sangamon County, and is an honored veteran . of the great Civil War. Mr. Lawley was born in Ball Townshlp, Sangamon County, December 10, 1845, a son of William B. Law- ley. William B. Lawley was born In Tennessee, June 24, 1811, and came to Saugamon County in 1828, settilng on a farm in Ball Towuship, on which the remainder of his ilfe was spent, and where he died March 23, 1877. He mar- ried Sarah M. Ducan, who was born in North Carolina, September 6, 1821, and came with her parents to Sangamon County in 1828, her father born in 1800 in North Carolina and died in Christian Connty, Ill., in 1860. Grandfather Lawiey was born in 1777 in Virginia, the son of a Revolutionary soldler who lost his life while serving in the Continental Army.

James P. Lawley received his education in the country schools of Sangamon County and remained at home until eigbteen years of age, working on the farm for his father until his enlistment September 9, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss., in Company E. Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Capt. S. M. Shoup. He served two years and elght months, being mustered out at Montgomery, Ala., and re- ceiving his final discharge and pay April 24, 1866, having been transferred from his regular company to the Fifty-eight Illinois Regulars In August, 1865. During his long service he re- ceived several wounds and participated in the battles of Guntown, Tnpelo, Oxford, Nashville, Spanish Fort, Fort Blakeley, and many minor battles and skirmishes, always proving him- self a brave and faitbful soldier and gaining an excellent record. After the termination of his services to bis conntry, he returned to the home farm, but one year later went to Christian County, Ill., where he remained six years. He then returned to Sangamon County, and from 1877 until 1896 was engaged In agricultural pursuits there, at the end of that period re- moving to Glenarm, where he entered the gro- cery business and October 1, 1897, was ap- pointed Postmaster of the place, an office which he has held to the present time.

Mr. Lawley is a member of the Modern Wood- men and the Odd Fellows, and his wife affi- Ilates with Court of Honor No. 1338 and the Royal Neighbors. His religious connection is with the Cotton Hill Christian Church, and he has always been a supporter of the principles of the Republican party. Mr. Lawley is an en- ergetic and enterprising business man, an effi- cient and conscientious public official and a good and public spirited citizen. His strict Integrity in all matters has won him the re- spect and confidence of bis community, and he has made as good a record for himself during times of peace as he did during the dark days of the Civil War.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

On December 9, 1869, Mr. Lawley was mar- ried in Ball Township, to Nancy J. Jones, who was born in Sangamon County, Jannary 10, 1851, danghter of William and Martha A. (Lil- lard) Jones, natives of North Carolina, the former of whom died in Christian County in November, 1858, and the latter in Glenarın. In 189S. Eight children were born to Mrs. Law- ley's parents, namely : Temperance, Tabitha, James T., Colvin W. and Nancy J., who are all living, and Robert A., Sarah E. and an infant, who are deceased.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lawley there have been born two children: Nora A., born in Christian Conn- ty, May 10, 1871, died September 12, 1872, and was buried in the Christian Church cemetery ; and Robert W., born in Christian County, Ill., January 24, 1874, was married December 26, 1897, to Ellen Shoup, In Springfield, Ill. ; where they now reside, and they have had one child, James E., born in Springfield, February 15, 1903.

LAWSON, James, a retired farmer living in Springfield, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and has lived iu Sangamon County most of the time since his service in the army. He was born in Pike County, Ohio, February 11, 1847, and is a son of Paschal and Lncy (Munce) Law- son, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. Paschal Lawson moved to Ohio in an early day and there carrled on farming until 1870, then came to Sangamon County and engaged in farming near Sberman, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives.

During his boyhood James Lawson worked on his father's farm in Ohio and attended the country schools of the neighborhood. He served one year in Company H, One Hundred Seventy- sixth Volunteer Infantry, enlisting In 1864, and being mnstered out at Nashville, Tenn. He had taken part in no battles but had faithfully performed any duty required of him. Soon after the close of the war Mr. Lawson came to the vicinity of Springfield and carried on farm- ing there until 1906, when on account of pool health he was compelled to retire from active pursuits, and theu purchased his present com- fortable home at 1223 North Nineteenth Street, which he has since occupied. He has beeu in- dustrions and thrifty and success has attended his efforts in all his undertakings.

Mr. Lawson was married in Lincoln, Ill., August, 3, 1876, to Miss Roslna Shockey, dangh- ter of Nelson and Susan (King) Shockey, a native of Missouri. Her father was a native of Maryland and her mother of Pennsylvania. The parents were early settlers in Missonrl, where the father carried on farming, and there his death occurred, while the mother died in Broadwell, Logan County, III. Four sons and fonr danghters were born to Mr. Lawson and his wife, and seven children now survive: Gertrude, wife of Loren Taylor, a stationary fireman living in Springfield; Louis, a farmer ; Isadell, wife of William Swalley, of Spring- field ; William; Elizabeth, wife of Arthur

Standage, of Springfield ; Lester aud James H., of Springfield. One danghter, Eunice I., is de- ceased. There are eight grand-children in the famlly.

In political views Mr. Lawson is a Repub- lican. He is interested in public affairs and ready to support any measure he considers will be of benefit to the community where he lives. Ile has the reputation of being honest and np- right in his dealings and is esteemed and re- spected for his many good qualities.

LAWSON, John .- The history of many of the farmers of Sangamou County records suc- cesses, for the land there yields an abundant profit upon the investment of time and money. A number of men who have tried farming else- where recognize this, and leave old homes to come there to devote themselves to the cultiva- tion and improvement of their properties. One of the men who is honored as an npright clti- zen and good farmer is John Lawson, of Sec- tion 18, Williams Township. He was born in Tennessee, July 11, 1832, a son of Paschal and Lucy ( Robbins) Lawson, both natives of Ten- nessee. The parents moved to Piatt County, Ohlo, In 1832, settling on a farm, where they remained until 1850, then came to Illinols, lo- cating near Broadwell, in Logan County, not far from the Sangamon County line. There the father farmed until his death which oc- cnrred in 1882. His wife had died three years before on the same farm. There were eleven children in the family nine of whom were sons, and of all these but four survive.

Jobn Lawson was educated in a log school- house in the country districts of Ohio, and then attended only in the winter time. He tramped through the heavy snows to secure the knowl- edge he so craved, and before and after school and in the summers worked on his father's farm. With the rest of the family, he settled lu Logan County in 1860, but seven or eight years later went to Missonri. After a year there he re- turned to Logan County, but later came to San- gamon Connty and bought twenty acres on Sec- tion 18, Williams Township. This land he de- votes to specialties. He atteuds the Methodist Church, of which he is a member, and votes the Republican ticket. He is prond of the fact that be knew Abraham Lincoln, and recalls many pleasant memories of the great man.

The first marriage of Mr. Lawson occurred in Piatt County, Ohio, in 1858, when he was nnited with Eliza A. Rickard, born in that State, whose father came to Illinois at an early day. After a short stay, he went to Arkansas, where both he and his wife dled. By trade he was a blacksmith. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson had five children, three of whom are now living: Rich- ard, of Montana : Isa. wife of Henry Slavin, of Peoria ; and William. of Springfield. Mrs. Lawson dled In 1874. On October 15, 1875, Mr. Lawson married Nora Hannon, born In Chris- tian County, Ill., September 3, 1852. Her father was born near Louisville, Ky., but came to Illinois in pioneer days, settling in Christian

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County, where he farmed until his death. There were thirteen childreu in the famlly, all of whom are deceased with the exception of Mrs. Lawsou and two others. Mr. and Mrs. Law- son became the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are living: Flora, wife of Ray Birks, of Nebraska ; Rosie, wife of James Law- son, of Colorado; Fannie, wife of Willlam Burke, of Nebraska; John, of Augusta, Ill .; Thomas, of Minnesota; James, of Athens Ill .; Orville and Ray, at home. There are twenty grandchildren and four great-grandchildren in the family.

Mr. Lawson has lived to see his children grow up and is proud of the fact that so many of them are engaged in farming, for he belleves that this line of work is the most natural. Having been a farmer all his life, he appre- ciates the possibilities of the work, and also prefers that his off-spring should lead the free lives possible in the country, removed from the temptations of city influences. Having lived in this part of the State for so many years, he remembers and appreciates the many changes which have taken place there, and looks for- ward to others which he believes will come to pass. Hls faith In the future of Sangamon County is unbounded, and he Is interested In all matters pertaining to its further advancement.

LAWYER, John W. (deceased), who settled in Sangamon County in 1850, was well known in Mechanicsburg Townshlp, where he carried on farming for a quarter of a century. He was a veteran of the Civil War and never fully re- covered from sickness incurred during that struggle, in which he served one year. He was a conscientious, publlc-spirited citizen, a good neighbor and devoted to his home and famlly. He was born in Ohlo, in 1825, a son of Ben- jamin Lawyer. also a native of Ohio, where both parents died on a farm.

After receiving his education in the country schools of his native State, Mr. Lawyer worked on the farm for his father until coming to Illi- nols. He carrled on farming in Mechanicsburg Township until his death, which occurred in 1875. He enlisted, in August, 1861, in Company A, Twenty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in at Camp Butler, and at the end of a year was discharged on account of dis- abllity. He was slek for some time after his return home, but finally became able to resume the care of hls farm. He was a member of the Methodist Church and in politics was a Dem- ocrat. He had a reputation for uprightness and integrity and was always ready to do his full duty In every relation of life.

Mr. Lawyer was married (first) in Ohlo, to Bessie Sinneth, a native of that State, and of this union four children were born, all of whom are deceased, and the mother died soon after coming to Illinois. He was married (second) to Miss Nancy Davis, of Taylorville, Ill., a na- tive of Christian County, and the two children born of this union are both deceased. Mr. Lawyer's third wife was Martha M. Blue, born

in Paris, 111., in April, 1830. Her father, a na- tive of Indiana, became an early settler in Mechanicsburg Township Sangamon County, and there carried on farming uutil his death. He and his wife were parents of five daughters and one son of whom the only survivor is Mrs. Lawyer. Six children were born to Mr. Lawyer and his third wife, of whom the only one sur- vivor Is William H., a contracting painter and decorator living In Mechanlesburg. Mrs. Law- yer owus a comfortable home in the village of Mechanicsburg and is well known and much esteemed iu the community. She is a member of the Christian Church. Though she is In her elghty-first year, she retains a keen interest in affairs and events about her and greatly en- joys the companionship of her family and friends.

LAX, Prosser M. (deceased) .- In every com- munity there are certain men who, by reason of their aptitude for business detail, thorough- ness of purpose and broad-gauged policy, take a foremost part in all progressive movements. Such a man was the late Prosser M. Lax, of Springfield, identified with the city's best in- terests, In both a financial and public way. He was born at Jacksonville, Ill., July 9, 1862, a son of Edward C. and Hattie (Prosser) Lax, the former born in England and the latter in Jacksonville, Ill. The father was an old set- tler of Jacksonville, having come there from England. He early identified himself with the grain interests of the locality, and was exten- sively engaged in this line until his death. Dr. Prosser, the maternal grandfather of Prosser M. Lax, was one of the first physicians of Jacksonville, and was the son of a Revolution- ary soldier.

Prosser M. Lax was educated in the public schools of Jacksonville and the college of that city. His first business experience was secured in handling furniture, and when he located in Springfield, in 1886, he embarked in the same line and became a leading business man, carry- ing on a flourishing business until 1898. He then entered upon another field of endeavor, that of handling real estate and insurance. He was quite as successful in this line and was still thus engaged when he passed away In February, 1908, in the very prime of life, and in the midst of useful activity.

On December 21, 1887, in Springfield, oc- curred the marriage of Prosser M. Lax and Cora B. Barkley, born in the city October 15, 1866, a daughter of General J. H. Barkley, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work. Three children were born of this union ; Helen Prosser, with the Franklin Life Insurance Company ; Louise C., attending high school, and Barkley Edward, with the Mckinley Interbur- ban System.

Mr. Lax was a member of the Illinois Na- tional Guard. serving as a commissioned officer under General Barkley, with rank of Quarter- master Sergeant. He was one of the first mem-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

bers of the Business Men's Club of Springfield. Fraternaliy he beionged to the Knights of Pythias and was Grand Chancellor at one time. He was also Quartermaster General, with titie of Colonel, under General Barkley in the Uni- form Rank of Knights of Pythias, being one of the most popular members of Percival Lodge. His religious affiliations were with the Congre- gational Church. While a stanch Republican, he never desired to attract public notice, pre- ferring to exert his influence iu a quiet, un- assuming way.

It is safe to say that during his mature life no measure for advancement of the city's interests were advocated, that did not receive his hearty support. He never spared himself when time or money were needed to help others, and those who were unfortunate knew where they could find a warm and ready sympathy. His employes were devoted to him, appreciating the fair treatment they received. His business associates agreed that they never had to deal with a man whose outlook was wider, or whose keen sense of honor was more rigidiy sustained in business operations.

LEADABRAND, Henry (deceased) .- In naming the representative citizens of Sangamon Coun- ty, Ill., the biographer finds that many of the best and most useful men that the county has had have been natives of Germany. The Fatherland has furnished the State and county with many good agriculturists, men in whom have been bred the sturdy, steriing qualities which have meant so much in the development of various sections, and who have spent long, useful lives iu faithful, energetic labor. Henry Leadabrand, who was for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits in Section 3, Ball Town- ship, was born in Germany, in the city of Ber- lin, January 20, 1820, a son of Jacob and Christina Leadabrand, farming people of that country.

Henry Leadabrand was reared to the life of a farmer, and his education was secured in the public schools of his native country, where his father served a term in the army. After leav- ing school he served for a time as a hostler, but later engaged in farming, and in 1846, real- izing that he could find a better field for his labor in the New World, he came to the United States. He made the trip in a sailing vessel, the journey covering a period of fourteen weeks, and while on board ship he met the lady who iater became his wife. He first located in New York, but later removed to Ohio, where he re- sided four years, and finaiiy settled in Sanga- mon County, Ill., where the rest of his life was passed, his death occurring in Bali Township August 18, 1899.

Mr. Leadabrand was married in New York, in November, 1846, to Christina Coaistead, who was born in Germany in 1822, a daughter of John Coalstead, who came from Germany to New York in 1846, her three brothers, John, Michael and Jacob Coalstead, coming two years later. To Mr. and Mrs. Leadabrand were born

the following children: Mary, born October 14, 1848; Joseph, April 10, 1850; Peter, November 20, 1852; George, January 22, 1856; Anna, June 18, 1854; Albert, February 3, 1859; Marie, February 17, 1862; Wiliiam, July 6, 1864; Phi- iip, July 30, 1866; Henry, November 9, 1880; Tobias, September 3, 1881; Emma, December 11, 1882; Charies, February 8, 1885; Tresie, July 1, 18SS; and Jacob, March 10, 1891.

In his political faith, Mr. Leadabrand was a Democrat, and was always faithful in his ad- herence to the principles of that party. He was a Catholic in his religious belief. Mrs. Leada- brand now resides on a 1040-acre farm in Ball Township, on which her husband spent so many years. The family is well known in this part of the county and. its members are popuiar and highly estcemed as some of Sangamon County's best citizens.

LEAMONS, John, a veteran of the Civil War, now living retired from active life at Mechanics- burg, Ill., where he has resided many years, was born in Highland County, Ohio, May 1, 1836, a son of Isaac and Jane (Murray) Lea- mons, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. The father, a flour miller by trade, moved to Ohio as a young man and for many years conducted a mill in Highiand County, spending the remainder of his life in that State. He and his wife had three sons and one daughter, of whom the daughter and one son are deceased.

As a boy John Leamons learned the trade of miiler with his father, for whom he worked until ,his marriage, in 1859. He received a common school education in the schools of his native county and began to work young. After his marriage he engaged in farming, which he carried on four years. During the Civil War he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred Eigh- tieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving to the end of the war and being at different times under the command of Generais Schofield, Sherman and Thomas. He started with Sher- man on the famous March to the Sea but was turned back and participated in many important battles and minor skirmishes. He was mus- tered out at Chariotte, N. C., receiving his final discharge at Columbus, Ohio.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 88

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