Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 89

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 89

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Soon after the ciose of the war Mr. Leamons brought his family to Mechanicsburg and there for thirty years conducted a saw-miil. For some years past he has been retired. He was an active and enterprising business man and achieved fair success. He owns a beautiful home in the viiiage and other property in the neighborhood. He is liberal in religious views and the family are members of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

Mr. Leamons was married June 19, 1859, to Mary J., daughter of Adam Miller, who was born in Highland County, Ohio, April 21, 1840. Adam Miller was born in South Carolina, of German parents, and his wife was born in Ohio of Scotch parents, her maiden name being Sarah James. Mr. Miller moved from his na-

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tive State of Ohio with his mother, and there carried ou farming until his death, his wife also dying in Ohio. The grandmother of Mrs. Leamons lived to the unnsnal age of one hun- dred and four years. Adam Miller and wife were parents of six daughters and seven sons, all of whom are deceased.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lea- mons, of whom the following five now survive : Milton, clerk in the employ of Robert Alvey, of Mechanicsburg ; Walter, a farmer of Mechanics- burg Township; Bert, an engineer In the West ; John, book-keeper for the Coronado Coal Com- pany, residing in Mechanicsburg ; Ellen, widow of John Reed, lives with her father. Mr. Lea- mons has six grandchildren. Ile is well known In the community, where he carried on an Im- portant enterprise so many years, and is uni- versally regarded with esteem and respect.

LEHNEN, John P .- Long years of earnest ef- fort well directed usually result in ultimate suc- cess, and this is the case of John P. Lelinen, of No. 910 Osborn Avenue. Springfield, widely known in mining circles. He was born in Prus- sia, Germany, March 29, 1845, being a son of John P. and Margaret (Becker) Lehnen. The father was a farmer, who came to America In 1882, his children having come prior to this. Upou his arrival, he located In Springfield, where he lived until his death a short time afterwards. His wife died in Germany and he married again, his second wife surviving him and making her home in Springfield. There were three sons and fonr daughters in the fa- mily, of whom five survive in addition to Mr. Lehnen, namely: Joseph and John, of Spring- field; Margaret, wife of John Ensch, of Spring- field; Katherine, wife of John Harris of Penil- sylvanla, and Mary, wife of Ernest Sheffler, of Springfield.

The education of John P. Lehuen was ob- tained iu Germany, he working on his father's farm and learning the trade of a miller. By the time he had completed his apprenticeship, Mr. Lehnen entered the German Army and after hils three years' service came to America, sail- ing from Havre, France, to New York. From that city he came direct to Springfield to en- gage in mining, which line of endeavor has en- grossed his attention ever since. For the past five years he has heen with the Lincoln Coal Company, of Springfield. Prior to that he worked in various mines of the locality. For four years the family have lived at the present residence, which Mr. Lehnen owns, in addition to other city property. He built the first house on Osbourn Avenue.

On January 16, 1878, Mr. Lehnen was united in marriage In this city with Catherine Hisdorf, born in Prussia, Germany, June 15, 1860, a daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Schneider) Ilisdorf. The father was a maiufacturer, who never came to this country, he and his wife dy- Ing in Germany. He had two sons and two daughters, but Mrs. Lehnen Is the only one liv- ing. Mr. and Mrs. Lehnen had seven children,

but ouly two are now living: Fred who is con- nected with the Edward F. Hartman Printing Company, and Marie, who is in the employ of the Illinois State Register.

Mr. Lehnen is a member of the Western Catholic Union. Hls son is also a member of the W. C. U., the Catholic Order of Foresters, Mozart Social Club, and Is Secretary of the Bookbinders Union. Mrs. Lehnen and daughter belong to the Court of Honor. Both children are musicians, being accomplished singers. They are devout Roman Catholles and belong to SS. Peter and Paul parish. In politics Mr. Lehnen is a Democrat, but has never aspired to office.

LENGENFELDER, Andreas .- Many of the more progressive farmers of today are devoting then- selves to raising large crops from a smaller acreage than was formerly deemed necessary. Experiments have proven that it Is better In every way to bring a small farm to the highest state of cultivation than indifferently to farm a large one, and Andreas Lengenfelder has one of the best pieces of property in his part of the county, to prove the truth of such a statement. He is conveniently located on Section 15, Cooper Township, where he owns thirty-one acres, every Inch of which is made to produce a crop, according to thrifty German methods, for Mr. Lengenfelder was born in that country, April 3, 1867, a son of Conrad and Margaret (Seibert) Lengenfelder. They were farming people, who never left Germany, the father dying in 1882, bnt the mother survives, being seventy-nine years old. Andreas Lengenfelder had two brothers. Albert and William, but both are now deceased.

Growing up in Germany, Andreas Lengen- felder worked for his father until he was twen- ty-two years old, when he gave his country a three years' service, and then came to the United States, arriving In New York in 1892. and passing through Castle Garden. From that city he came direct to Springfield and spent two years, but then went to Bates, Ill. After six inonths there, he came back to Springfield and spent the following five years there. He then returned to Germany on a two months' visit, following which he once more came to Springfield. A short time later he went to Christian County, and spent two years at Blackburn Station, but in 1900 settled on his present farm.

On April 16, 1898, Mr. Lengenfelder was mar- ried in Springfield to Miss K. Jerrer, horn Feb- ruary 12, 1869, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Miller ) Jerrer. The parents were born in Germany, the father in 1842, and still surviv- ing, and the mother died In 1870. Mrs. Lengen- felder has three sisters: Anna, Elizabeth and Katherine, all living lu Germany, while Mr. Lengenfelder had the following hrothers and sisters : John, William, Albert, Elizabeth, Mar- garet, Regina, Barbara, of whom one sister and two brothers are living in America. Mr. and Mrs. Lengenfelder have had two children:

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Anna aged twelve years, and Carrie, aged five years.

Mr. Lengenfelder is a Republicau. The Luth- eran Church holds his membership. He Is a re- liahle, hard-working, practical farmer, and is widely known and universally respected.

LENHART, Valentine, a successful farmer of Section 4, Cottou Hill Township, Sangamon County, is well known as a public-spirited aud useful citizen, and stands well In his commu- nity. He was boru at Strasburg, Germany, No- vemher 1, 1834, a son of George and Catherine (Eversold) Lenhart, both natives of Germany and the former a weaver hy trade. The father followed his trade in his native country uutil his death. He and his wife had three sons and one daughter, and the only two children now surviving are Valentine, of this article, and George, living near Decatur, Macon County.

In youth Valentine Lenhart learned the trade of weaver from his father, and meantime at- tended the public school of his native place. Later he engaged in the weaving husiness on his own account, and when about twenty years of age emigrated to the United States, sailing from Havre and landing at New York City after spending sixty-nine days on the voyage. He came at once to Springfield, where he ar- rived August 15, 1854. His first occupation there was candy-making, which he followed nine years, then purchased land and engaged in farming, in which he was fairly successful. He has lived on his present place the past six years, and has a comfortable and well-situated resi- dence. He is a member of the German Luth- eran Church and in politics is a Democrat.

Mr. Lenhart was married in Springfield, September 16, 1858. to Miss Annie Roedamly, who was horn in llesse Darmstadt, Germany, June 16. 1835, and whose parents never left thelr native land. Of the nine children born to Mr. Lenhart and wife the following now sur- vive: Henry a farmer of Sangamon County ; David; Sam, living In the West ; Elizabeth, wife of George Blakely, a sketch of whom appears in these pages; Catherine, widow of Matthew Blakely, of Sangamon County ; Annle, wife of Charles Stanfield, Ilving in the West.

LENZ, Albert David .- German training cannot be surpassed, and for this and other reasons those born in the Fatherland receive a welcome whenever they settle in any locality. Sangamon County Is fortunate in having so many of these thrifty, reliable men among its residents, and one of them is Alhert Davld Lenz, born in Prus- sia, Germany. February 7, 1882, son of John and Wilhelmina Lenz, both of Prussia. The father was a farmer and never came to Amer- ica. In religious belief he was a Lutheran. He and his wife had children as follows: Fred- erick. Albert D., Paul. Julius, Emil. Amelia ; Panlina. wife of Augustus Ott; Martha, Min- nie and Marie.

Alhert D. Lenz was educated in Germany, and when only six years old hegan working on

his father's farm, continuing thus until twenty- four years old. He then came to this country, landing in 1906, and first worked in Milwaukee, but after spending a short time in a machine shop, came to Springfield. This was in 1907, and he went at once to work in the boiler works, remalning there a year. Following this he spent two years in New Hampshire working as a machinest, hut returned to Springfield in the early part of 1910, and entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad. He bought two houses he resides. lu November, 1910, he accepted the position of janltor of the German Lutheran Church, and still holds it.

On February 17, 1906, he was married in Springfield, by the Rev. Frederick Brandt, of the German Lutheran Church, to Emma Skoda born in Germany, March 30, 1890, daughter of John Skoda, hoth he and his wife being natives of Germany. Mrs. Leuz was the ouly child of her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Lenz have two chil- dren : William B., horn December 23, 1907, and Minnie, horn December 23, 1909. In pol- itics Mr. Lenz is a Republican, and helougs to the German Lutheran Church. He is one of the progressive young German-Americans of Springfield and his preseut success only indi- cates what may he expected of him in the fu- ture.

LENZ, Frank Joseph .- In looking over the rec- ords of Springfield, once the home of such men as Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, the biographer Is impressed hy the number of young men now engaged in upholding the city's prestige In the husiness world. They seem to he ahle to forge ahead and to attain success long before they have rounded out two score of years. It Is necessary, in these days of fierce compe- tition, that this he true. The exacting demands of a business Ilfe wears a man out, and unless he reaches success In his very prime he will not he ahle to attain it. One of the live, keen young business men of Springfield, who certainly has every reason to he content with what he has accomplished, is Frank Joseph Lenz, born in Buckhart, Sangamon County, August 22, 1873, son of Valentine and Bertha (Geier) Lenz, both natives of Germany. The parents came to America in youth, meeting In Springfield, where they were married. They then began farming near Buckhart and Breckenridge, thus continu- iug for years, until their retirement to Spring- field. In 1902. They now reside in their com- fortahle home at No. 1002 South Fourteenth Street. The father is a Democrat and a mem- her of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The children born in this family were: Albert, boller maker with the Marine Boiler Works, of Toledo, Ohio; Frank Joseph : Henry, who lives in the vicinity of New Berlin, Ill .; Valentine, with the Illinols Watch Works; Edward. with Lochman Brothers, jewelers, and one deceased.

Mr. Lenz attended school at Cascade, Ill., until he was about seventeen years old, when he left to work on his father's farm. He con- tinued with his parents until he attained his

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

majority, then ieft to enter the empioy of the Wabash Railroad Company as boiler-maker. He thus continued for five years, when he left the company to engage in the same kind of business on his own account. During these five years, he worked at Fort Wayne for the Vandaiia Railroad Company, and aiso at Toledo, Ohio. His knowledge of the work is intimate and he is a very efficient man.

Having been reared a Catholic, Mr. Lenz is one of the most consistent and iiberai mem- bers of the Church of the Sacred Heart. He aiso beiongs to the Western Catholic Union, and can be depended upon to do whatever work is asked of him in connection with it. In politics he is a Democrat. He is one of the leading young business men of Springfield, honest, straightforward . in aii his deaiings, and has many friends among his associates.

LENZ, Valentine, a retired farmer living at 1002 South Fourteenth Street, Springfield, Iii., carried on agricultural operations in Sangamon County thirty-five years, and is weil known and highly respected there. He was born in Baden, Germany, Aprii 2, 1845, and received his educa- tion in his native country, remaining at home on the farm of his parents until he was eight- een years of age. He is a son of John and Rachei (Schussler) Lenz, both natives of Ger- many, the father born in 1800 and the mother in 1807. They spent their entire lives in Ger- many, where the father died in 1853 and the mother in 1867. John Lenz was a man who was much esteemed by aii who knew him, for his many fine quaiities of mind and heart and his high character. Vaientine Lenz had three sis- ters and a brother who came to America in 1853, and ali are deceased. One brother, who was born in 1830, is stili residing in Baden.

In 1867 Vaientine Lenz emigrated to Amer- ica and came direct to Sangamon Couuty, Iii., locating on a farm in Cooper Township, where he iived twenty years. He then moved to Cot- ton Hili Township and iived there fifteen years, after which he retired and located at his pre- sent comfortabie home, where he has resided the past nine years. He was an energetic and abie farmer and became very successful in this line. He is a Democrat in politics and served as School Director in 1890. He is a member of the Catholic Church and beiongs to Sacred Heart Parish.

Mr. Lenz was married, in Springfield, Iii., April 17, 1877, to Bertha Gier, who was born in Germany, December 13, 1854, daughter of Francis James and Margaret Gier, the former born in 1810 and the iatter in 1828. Both Mr. Gier and his wife spent their entire iives in Germany, where he died in 1875 and she in 1860. Three brothers of Mrs. Lenz came to America in 1873. Six children were boru to Mr. Lenz and his wife, of whom five survive, nameiy: Albert, born January 20, 1SS2, is a boilermaker and iives in Ohio, married to Peari St. John; Francis, born August 22, 1883, is in business in Springfield; Henry W., born July

15, 1887, is a farmer aud iives near Quincy, Iil .; Vaientine, Jr., borň Aprii 2, 1891, is employed in the Iiiinois Watch factory; Edward Leo, born October 15, 1895, living at home, is a messenger in the empioy of the Hamann Printing Com- pany, of Springfieid. Mr. Lenz is actively in- terested in the general welfare and prosperity and is the friend of progress. He has wit- nessed many changes and improvements in Springfieid and Sangamou County since he has resided here. He beiongs to the Loyal Amer- icans and his wife to the Catholic Foresters. Many chauges and improvements have taken piace since Mr. Lenz came to Sangamon Coun- ty. He has witnessed the building of the State and Federai Buildings, and aii improvements in the city.

LEONARD, Edward F. (Voi. I, p. 333.)

LEUTENMAYER, Maximillian, an honored vet- eran of the Civil War, who has worked hard most of his life, is uow living retired, at his comfortabie home at 525 West Reyuoids Street, Springfield. He is an honest, upright citizen, of good stauding with his neighbors, and is weli known in the city, where he has resided since. 1854. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 3, 1842, son of Joseph and Agatha (Stoater) Leutenmayer, both natives of Germany. The father was born October 30, 1817, and died in September, 1882, aud the mother was born Feb- ruary 1, 1820, and died October 30, 1906, at the age of nearly eighty-seven years. The parents emigrated to America in 1854, landing in New York December 28th, and during the following year located in Springfield, where they speut the remainder of their lives. The father of Joseph Leutenmayer served in the Russian War, under Napoleon, and aii the ancestors were na- tives of Germany.

The early boyhood of Maximiiiian Leuten- mayer was spent iu Germany, where he at- tended school untii coming to America with his parents. He completed his education iu the iatter country and iived with his father on a farm untii he eniisted for service in the Civii War. He was fond of outdoor iife and sports, and became very useful to his father in carry- ing on the farm.

On September 30, 1861, Mr. Leutenmayer en- listed in Company B, Teuth Iilinois Cavairy, under Captaiu Hitt, and served three years and four months, being mustered out at Browns- viiie, Ark., December 30, 1864. He proved him- self to be a brave and faithful soldier, who per- formed his every duty. Amoug the many bat- ties in which he participated were Prairie Grove, Little Rock, Saline River, aud many skirmishes. He captured Captain Todd aud two men who were with him. about October, 1862. and is justiy proud of this feat. Captain Todd was a cousin of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln. In a skirmislı at Niagua Creek. October 20, 1862, they kiiied four Rebeis and iost but one man of their company. Mr. Leutenmayer is a mem-

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ber of Stephenson Post G. A. R. and is highly esteemed by his comrades.

Upon leaving the army Mr. Leutenmayer re- turned to Springfield and engaged in driving a team for a mill and later worked for varlous other concerns. For twenty years he was em- ployed at Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was an industrious worker and has retired from busi- ness life. In politics he is a Republican, al- though he takes no very active part in publlc affairs. He is a devont Catholic and belongs to SS. Peter and Paul's Church in Springfield. He is a man of public spirit and takes great in- terest in the welfare of the community, being always ready to do his share to promote any worthy canse which comes to his notice.

The marriage of Mr. Leutenmayer took place at Springfield, August 4, 1870, when he was united with Miss Eloese Hagedorn, who was born in Germany, April 27, 1849, daughter of Phlllp Hagedorn and his wife, natives of Ger- many. Three children were born of this union: Albert, born August 15, 1871, foreman of the Illinois Central roundhouse and a resident of Paducah, Ky., married Louise Regner, and they have two children, Hazel and Charles ; Adolph, born September 1, 1873, assistant engineer for Relsch Brewing Company of Springfield ; Frances Agatha, born December 31, 1877, Is In the employ of the Illinois Watch Company.

LIGHTFOOT, Gabriel M .- Pioneers of Sanga- mon County can appreciate the remarkable changes effected during the past half century, as can many others who were born before the county was fully settled. Prlor to 1850 much of the county was a wilderness, with the sod unturned and giant trees covering the land along the water courses. It was the work of the early farmers to develop this land, clear It of timber and .plant it to productive crops. One of the native sons of the county who belongs to a pioneer famlly, is Gabriel M. Lightfoot, born January 18, 1846, a son of Philip and Margaret S. (Lightfoot) Lightfoot. Philip Lightfoot was born In Alabama, while his wife was born in Kentucky.

Phillp Lightfoot was a physiclan, who came to Sangamon County in pioneer days, but after a few years' residence there, went to Morgan County. He had been a school teacher in San- gamon County, but after going to Morgan County, practiced medicine in Manchester and Murrayville, later going west. After some time, during which he continued his practice, he re- turned to Illinois, buying a practice at Rood- house. Still later he was In practice at Win- chester, but eventually returned to Murrayville, where he died In January, 1906. Although eighty-three years old at the time of his death, he was still in active practice. He and his wife had seven children, three of whom survive. The Lightfoot family originated In Virginia where some of its members still reside.

Gabriel Lightfoot went to school lu the little log cabin of his neighborhood. He. with the other pupils, sat on slab seats, their fect resting

on a floor built from puucheons. A huge fire- place heated the room in winter, but in som- mer it was very warm, the only air and light coming from the door hole. Books were a Inx- ury, and the teachers ofteu were mere boys themselves, and yet these primitive schools have turned out some of the smartest men Il- linois has ever known. Mr. Lightfoot has been a farmer all his life, operating In various parts of the county. His son owns four acres of land which is devoted to small fruit.

The marriage of Mr. Lightfoot occurred In the old Central Hotel of Springfield, in Sep- tember, 1876, when he was united with Hen- rietta Davis, born In Pike County, Ohio, Feb- ruary 6, 1848. Her parents were born, reared and died in Ohio, coming of old pioneer fam- illes of that State. Mr. and Mrs. Lightfoot have had childreu as follows: Henry, at home, is a cement worker; John, deceased; Anna M. married Charles Gray and they live at Roches- ter. They have au adopted son, Engene.

Mrs. Lightfoot is a member of the Methodist Church and is one of its most efficient and earnest workers. Mr. Lightfoot was a small boy when Mr. Lincoln was first elected presl- dent and lacked a few years of his majority when the president was assassinated. Some of his most pleasant recollections are of this great man, and his stories of the times when the nation's martyr was a resident of Spring- field are intensely entertaining. While not en- tering into the public life of the township, Mr. Lightfoot has always had its best Interests at heart, and Is proud of the progress of hls county. He has borne his part In its develop- ment and can always be relied upon to support all measures looking towards the securing of good government and moral uplift. In his va- rious transactions he has proven himself to possess strict integrity, and his business asso- clates, as well as his friends, count on him as a man whose word Is as good as his bond.

LINCOLN, Abraham. (Vol. I, pp. 337-338.) LINCOLN, Robert Todd. (Vol. I, p. 338.) LIPPINCOTT, Charles E. (Vol. I, p. 339.)

LISTMAN, John .- Looking back over a long and well-spent life during which he served well in many capacitles, John Listman, of Springfield, may well be satisfied with what he has accom- plished. Brick manufacturer, pollceman and hotel man, he has experienced many changes in hls business career and has accumulated a property that insures his old age from want and provides him and his family with all of the uecessities and many of the luxuries of our now complex existence. He was born In Germany, in 1834. and, coming to the United States In 1858; brought with him the sturdy qualities of hls countryman which work for ultimate snc- cess. Landing In New York City. he came direct to Springfield. Although he had secured a good German education, he was Ignorant of the English language, but, having gained

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strength and vitallty on his father's farm In his native land, his services were accepted in the brick yards at Springfield, where he worked during the summer months, and in the winter he made shoes. During 1860 and 1861 he worked as a shoemaker at Auburn, Ill., but returned to Springfield In the latter year, resuming hls al- ternating occupations of hrick making and shoe- making. In 1865, while on a visit home, he brought his two sisters back with him, and a year later sent for his parents.

In 1870 Mr. Listman was married, In Bur- lington, Iowa, to Anna Katrina Bernhart, a frngal, industrions German girl, who made him an excellent wife and hore him seven children : John, of Springfield; Emma, Mrs. George All- derson, of Springfield ; Frank, Henry C., Katherine B., Mamie and Alice, all of Spring- field, the three last named being at home.

Mr. Listman was appointed to the police force in 1879 and was a very efficient and cap- able officer. In 1883 he bought the Club Hotel, changing its name to that of the Central Hotel. Under the efficient management of Mr. and Mrs. Listman, this hotel gained a well-merited reputation for excellent cooking and homelike quarters. In 1895, however, they sold, moving to No. 900 North Twelfth Street, which re- mains the family residence. Although not con- nected with any religious denomination, he believes in church work, and contributes liber- ally towards it. Ife has not associated himself with any party, believing in exercising his dis- cretlon in casting his vote. In his opinion it Is the man and not the platform that is Im- portant. Genial. kindly in disposition, a splen- did business man, Mr. Listman has been suc- cessful in every way, and is one of Springfield's inost representative men.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 89

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