Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 92

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 92

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LORTON, Albert Perry, one of Sangamon Conn- ty's most distinguished citizens, who for many years has been prominently identified with the educational, religious and official interests of the village of Auburn, Ill., is a member of an old and honored family and a direct descend- ant of a soldier of the Revolutionary ,War. Mr. Lorton was born October 13, 1848, in a log cabin on Lorton's Prairie, three miles east of Whitehall, Greene County. Ill., a son of Thomas Jolinson and Mary Elizabeth (Crabtree) Lor- ton.

Robert Lorton, the great-grandfather of Al- bert P. Lorton, was born February 15, 1747, and was married to Tabltha Gamaway, who was born in Buckingham County, Va., May 14, 1763. The children of this couple whom the record shows as living in 1844 were: John, born in October, 1780, who came to Madison County, Ill., in 1800, and held a commission under the Government to teach the Indians; Robert A., born September 11, 1782; Thomas, born December 9, 1784; William, born In April, 1786; Joseph, born April 25, 1788; Mary, born December 9, 1790; Ilenry; Sarah, born De- cember 11, 1799; Mordecai, and Snsannah. Robert Lorton emigrated from his native State to Kentucky and thence to Bond County, Ill., in 1822, and later removed to Greene County, where he died May 16. 1833. his widow sur- viving him until August 15, 1838, and most of their children and grandchildren were at the bedside of each. Robert Lorton was one of the pioneers of this section of the State, com- ing herc 'when the land, the wild animals and the wilder mnen were still unconquered, and do- ing his full share in building up his community and advancing the canse of civilization. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War and his record. as It is on file, Is hereby given :

Washington, D. C. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. Bureau of Pensions.

Record Division 3-525 G. C. K. I. S. C.

R File 6454

Robert Lorton.

Rev. War. Soldier of the Revolutionary War. Information as contained in his (or widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

Date of enlistment, February, 1776; length of service, 2 years; rank, private: officers under whom service was rendered, Captain John Mar- tin ; state, 4th Virginia.

Date of enlistment, February, 1780; length of service, 6 months ; rank, private: officers under whom service was rendered. Colonel Adam Ste- phen, - IIolcomb ; state. Virginia Milltia.

Battles Engaged In: Trenton, 1776; Brandy- wine and Germantown.

Residence of Soldier at Enlistment: not stated.

Residence at Date: not stated. Bond County in 1822.

Age at Date of Application: Born February 15, 1747, died May 16, 1833, In Greene County, Ili.

Soldier Married: in Buckingham Connty, Va., August 15, 1779, to Tabitha Gamaway, born May 14, 1763, died August 15, 1838, In Greene Connty, Ill.

Children: (alive in 1844) John, born October, 1780; Robert, September 11, 1782; Thomas, December 9, 1784; William, April, 1786; Joseph, April 25, 1788; Mary Nance, December 9, 1790; Henry, born Angust 4, 179 -; Sarah Chapman, December 11, 1799 ; and Susanna Panky.

(Signed) J. T. Davenport, Commissioner.

(Copy)

Robert A. Lorton, the paternal grandfather of Albert Perry Lorton, was born in Henry County, Va., September 11, 1782, and as a young man came to Illinois in 1806, bnt re- turned to his native State soon afterwards, and from there enlisted for service in the War of 1812. Later he went to Kentucky, and emi- grated thence to Illinois in 1821, settling in Greene County, where he built the second log cabin north of Apple Creek, on what is known as Lorton's Prairie, east of Whitehall. His elder brother, John, had come to this section in the spring of 1821 and Robert A. followed him In the fall of the same year. He died at Mt. Anburn, Ill., In April, 1869. Mr. Lorton was married to Mary Johnson, who was born in Kentucky, and to them there were born the fol- lowing children : John, William B., Thirsy, Thomas Johnson, James, Maria, Jackson, Roder- lck R. and Ainelia, all of whom are now de- ceased with the exception of Thomas Johnson.

The maternal grandfather of Mr. Lorton, Jacob Crabtrec, was born in Wilson County, Tenn., February 15, 1801, and there married Martha Baily, who was born in the same connty May 22, 1801. They emigrated to Illinois In 1832, settling in Morgan Connty, but soon there- after removed to a farm he had entered three miles west of Manchester, and there spent the remainder of their long and useful lives, the farm now being the property of their son, W. A. Crabtree. Both Mr. and Mrs. Crabtree were of old Revolutionary stock.

Thomas Johnson Lorton, father of Albert Per- ry Lorton, was born February 13, 1821, at Old Ripley. Bond County, Ill. In young manhood he engaged in farming and developed five farms from the raw prairle. In 1844 he went to Texas and voted for Polk and Dallas at Little Rock, Ark. Ile and his wife now reside at St. Louis, Mo., Mr. Lorton having attained the advanced age of ninety years. Thomas J. Lorton was imarried (first) to Mary Elizabeth Crabtree, who was born in Wilson County, Tenn., Octo- ber 23, 1822, and to this union there were born children as follows: Wililam Sylvester. born July 20, 1847. was a soldier of the Civil War, and died at St. Louis, Mo., March 15, 1906, and

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

was buried In the Federai Cemetery Grave No. 12,051, his family now residing at Houston, Tex .; Albert Perry; James Jackson, born Jan- uary 2, 1851, died at Harvel, Ill .; Jacob.Wesley, born March 22, 1853, died at Mexico, Mo., January 16, 1903; Martha Jaue, born March 20, 1855, died March 1856, at Mt. Auburn, Iil .; Robert A., boru February 2, 1856, died October 11, 1883, at Raymond, Iil .; John Os- car, boru September 1, 1858, living at Rood- house, Iil .; and Joseph, born August 10, 1860, died in September. of the same year. The mother of the foregolng children died August 20, 1860, and ou February 25, 1862, Mr. Lor- ton was married to Phoebe Hutton, by whom he had the following children: Sarah, born December 25, 1862, died May 18, 1893, at Higbee, Mo .; Thirsy Jane, born August 11, 1864, died February 9, 1892, at Honey Bend, Iii .; George Washington, born October 21, 1866, living in St. Louis, Mo .; Alice, born February 22, 1869, living at Cariton, Ili .; Edward, born January 16, 1872, died at Highbee Mo., October 18, 1889 ; Benjamin, born June 1, 1874, living in Cari- ton. Ill .; Henry . Otis, born January 3, 1877, died at Roodhouse, Ili., October 26, 1896; Grace, born May 3, 1SS1, living west of St. Louis, Mo .; Mary Emily, born September 16, 1883, died February 28, 1SS4, at Raymond, Iii .; Freddie, born August 16, 1885, died February 3, 18SS, at Higbee, Mo .; and Thomas, born January 7, 1887, died July 13, 1SS7, at Raymond, Iii.

Aibert Perry Lorton was two years of age when his parents removed to Mt. Auburn, Christian County, Iil., and ile speut his early iife on a farm, securing his education in the common schools. When twelve years of age he started to work out, receiving $12 per month, which at that time was considered very good wages for a boy. On February 22, 1868, he came to Auburn, where he has reslded to the present time, at first engaging in the gro- cery business for a period extending over five years, and uow being engaged in the insurance business. For twenty-four years he has been locai correspondent for the "Virden Reporter," a local newspaper published at Virden, Iii. He has been closely counected with the official af- fairs of this section for an extensive period, having served as City Marshai of Auburn for four years, Superintendent of Streets for eight years, a like period as Police Magistrate. He represented Auburn Township on the Board of Supervisors and was Chairman of that body when the State Fair was located at Springfield. signing the deeds transferring the property of the county to the State and taking an active in- terest in ali the work at that time. He has been a Justice of the Peace for nine years, is now serving his third term in that office, has been a Notary Public for the same length of time, and for many years was a member of the County and Senatorial Democratle Committees .. In March, 1870, Mr. Lorton joined the Advent Christian Church, has since served as Sunday School Su- perintendent and Secretary, and is now Trustee

of the Southern Iiiinois Advent Christian Con- ference and Trustee of Sanderlin Academy, a "colored college located at White, Tenn. Mr. Lorton is well known in fraternai circies, hav- ing, December 27, 1871, joined the Ark and An- chor Lodge No. 354, A. F. & A. M., located at Auburn, Ill. He has served as Worshipfui Mas- ter for severai terms, has fiiled aii the offices in the iodge except Tyier and Treasurer, and his present term as Secretary wiil round out thirty- four years in office in this lodge. He is now High Priest of Auburn Chapter, No. 92, R. A. M., and Thrice Iiiustrious Master of Auburn Coun- cii No. 90, R. S. M.

On September 29, 1874, Mr. Lorton was united in marriage with Rebecca Williamson, Rev. A. S. Caikins officiating. To this union two chii- dren were born: J. Crawford, born at the Wil- liamson homestead May 15, 1876; and Fioyd Or- iaudo, born two miles south of Curran, Iil. J. Crawford Lorton was married April 19, 1899, at St. Louis, Mo., by Rev. W. W. King, to Deila Higgins, who was born December 8, 1877, at Pawnee, Iii. Floyd Orlando Lorton was mar- ried at Clintou, Iii., by Rev. S. E. Black, to Zola May Gates, who was born May 15, 1880, at Niiwood, Ili., and to this union there has been born one child: Albert Perry Lorton, Jr., who was born August 18, 1906, at the home of his grandfather in Auburn, Iii.

LOVING, John H., one of the most practical farmers and stock-raisers of Sangamon County, and owner of an excellent farm on Section 10, Chatham Township, was born in Missouri, June 5, 1874, son of Eii and Jane (Suiiivan) Loving. The family history is given at some length in the sketch of the father, Eii Loving, which appears in a preceding section of this volume.

When about four years of age John H. Lov- ing accompanied his parents to Iiiinols, and lived on a farm near Waveriy, Morgau County, two years, after which the family removed to Sangamon' and settied in Talkington Town- ship. He spent his boyhood on a farm and attended the district schools, and at the age of sixteen years began working for neighbor- ing farmers by the month. He has spent his iife in agriculturai pursuits, for which he has great iiking and ability, and about 1898 rented a farm of eighty acres in Loami Township, where he remained one year, then rented another eighty-acre farm for a year, and in 1900 rented 120 acres of land of Peter C. Campbeil, in Chatham Townshlp. In 1904 he rented 160 acres on Section 10, Chatham Town- ship. the following year operated 240 acres and in 1906 added 160 acres. For the past four or five years he has operated 400 acres of iand on Section 10, putting In each year a large corn crop. to which purpose he devotes from 120 to 250 acres, averaging about 200 acres. In the year 1910 he pianted 170 acres of corn, forty acres of oats and forty of wheat, and ieft 160 acres of pasture.

Mr. Loving has for years given speciai at-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

teution to raising hogs, and each years ships about five carioads of stock from his farm, seii- ing his product direct to the markets in Chi- cago and St. Louis. In conducting the large acreage under his charge Mr. Loving has to keep aii the details of the work thoroughly in mind and has made a speciai study of the hest method of rotating crops in order to secure good results, the best kind of stock for dairy pur- poses and for the market, and other problems aiong agriculturai iines. He is a successfui farmer and a self-made man, beginning with a comparativeiy smaii farm and undertaking larger enterprises as he felt prepared to do so. He is a pubiic-spirited citizen and ai- ways ready to iend his assistance in any project which has in view the betterment of the com- munity. In politics he follows the fortunes of the Republican party, but, though frequentiy solicited to accept public office, steadily refuses to do so, leaving such matters in the hands of those who are willing to assume the responsi- bility, and voting for measures he considers wiii be of general benefit. Fraternaiiy he is a mem- ber of the M. W. A. Camp, No. 848, of Loami, and in religious matters is a member of the Christian Church.

Mr. Loving was married, February 15, 1892, to Miss Minnie Mclaughlin, who was horn in Loami Township, August 17, 1876, daughter of Christopher McLaughiin, a native of Kentucky, who came to Sangamon County as a boy and became one of the prominent citizens in the county. He now resides in Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Loving are parents of two sons : Eari, born December 15, 1892, at home, and Lloyd, born November 10, 1905.

LOVING, Levi .- The Loving family has been prominent and respected in Sangamon County, since some years prior to the middle of the nineteenth century, and the maternai grand- father of Levi Loving, was one of the earilest settiers of the county, having settled on Sugar Creek, Auburn Township, as early as 1818. Both families have furnished many useful and public-spirited citizens, who have always been ready to promote the best interests of their communities, and many of them stiil reside in the county, though a number have become suc- cessful in other States. Levi Loving is a na- tive of Sangamon County, born east of the vil- iage of Auburn, in the township of that name, January 1, 1846, a son of George W. and Eiiza (Wimer) Loving, the former a native of Vir- ginia and the iatter of Iliinois. As a young man George W. Loving moved to Kentucky and was there married, at Greenshurg, his first wife dying in Keutucky, left three sons, of whom Wiison, born about 1830, lives in California.

George W. Loving emigrated from Kentucky to Sangamon County. and there married, as his second wife, Eiiza Wimer, who bore him eight sons and two daughters: George, a farmer living near Sutton, Neb .; Levi, the second son ; Christopher, of Davenport, Iowa; Andrew, a

farmer iiving near Birmingham, Iowa; James, of Davenport; Wiiiiam, a farmer of Iowa; Al- hert, of Keokuk, Iowa ; Ulysses, a farmer iiv- ing in Loami Township, Sangamon County ; Caroline, wife of Robert Giasco, the oidest chiid, now sixty-eight years of age, living in Keokuk, Iowa; and another daughter. The father of Mrs. Loviug reached the venerabie age of ninety- six years, dying in Auburn Township, where a large part of his life had heen spent, as he came there about 1818, settling near Sugar Creek. G. W. Loving died at the age of seventy- eight years, as the resuit of an accident, iu 1880. His father had heen a drummer boy in the Revolutionary War and ied the regiment after his right hand had been cut off at the wrist, being a brave and determined young mau. This wound was bound up and eventuaily healed, and he died at the age of eighty-eight years, near Richmond, Va.

The hoyhood of Levi Loving was spent in Auburn Township and he attended the sub- scription schools of the neighborhood. In those days it was a common thing for a person wish- ing to teach schooi to solicit pupils in a neigh- borhood, and, having the promise of enough to form several ciasses, taught in the primitive buildings then used for such purposes or at the homes of some of the pupiis. When Mr. Lov- ing was ahout fourteen years of age his parents moved to Morgan County, where he was mar- ried, December 7, 1866, and the following day started with his bride for Jefferson County, Mo., and lived severai years about ten miies south of Fairfield, that county. In 1880, on account of having sustained a loss hy fire, Mr. Loving returned to Illinois and took charge of a big flouring miii at Waveriy for six years. In 1886 he moved to Lowder, Sangamon County, remaining there about twenty years. In 1906 he moved to Sudduth Park, where he remained four years and carried on generai farming with good results.

Mr. Loving was married, December 7, 1866, to Miss Jane Suiiivan, who was born near White Haii, Iii., October 12, 1848, daughter of Jerry Suliivan, who was a native of Ten- nessee and in an early day settied in Illinois. Mr. Suilivan eniisted in the One Hundred Twenty-first Iiiinois Volunteer Infantry, and died of measles, at Eastport, Miss., in 1864. His remains were brought back to Illinois and · buried in what is known as the Wimer Ceme- tery, at Auhurn, which is located on the farm settied by Mr. Loving's maternai grandfather. Besides Mrs. Loving the following children of Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan survive: Adam, a farmer of Jersey County. Ill .; Herbert. of Jacksonvilie; Winfield Scott, of Louisiana, Mo .; Mary, widow of Larkin Christman, living in Texas; America, wife of Francis Lomax. The mother of these children died January 12, 1872.

Mr. and Mrs. Loving became parents of the following children: two who died in infancy ; Etna, wife of David Weems, iiving near Sheihy- viiie, Mo., was born in Iowa, June 12, 1869;

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Lilly, born March 30, 1872, married Lewis Birkle, and they live on a farm near Virden, Ill .; John H., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Mary E. and John H. are twins, born June 5, 1875, the former the wife of Oscar Williams, living on a farm near Waverly; James M., born February 17, 1878, is in charge of the Sudduth land interests, lives In Sudduth Park and has full control of large stock and farming business.

Mr. Loving has for the past few years oper- ated 400 acres of land on Section 11, Chatham Township. He has spent a large part of his life in the county and can well remember the time when his father's farm was largely cov- ered with prairie grass, which grew as high as the head of a man on horseback. There were but few Improvements in the neighboring country and he has wituessed the rapid de- velopment of fertile farms and the building up of important enterprises in Sangamon County with great interest and pleasure. He has voted the Republican ticket since attaining his majority and since 1861 has been an active member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Loving is well acquainted In Sangamon County and has many warm friends, among whom he is most popular.

LUCAS, George T. (deceased) .- The Old Domin- ion furnished the very backbone of the nation, and her sons were among the hardiest ploneers of the more western States. Illinois owes much to these men, who penetrated the fastnesses of the Prairie State and stamped upon its de- velopment those sturdy virtues which make for Inoral, as

well as material, advancement. Among the men to whose energy and foresight- edness Sangamon County Is indebted, Is the late George T. Lucas, for many years one of the substantial farmers of Cooper Township. He was boru at Harper's Ferry, Va., July 7, 1835, a son of Henderson and Elizabeth (Buckles) Lucas, of Virginia. The parents were farming people, living and dying in Vir- ginia. They had two daughters and one son, all now deceased.

George T. Lucas spent his boyhood days in Virginia, working on a farm and attending school. In 1863 Mr. Lucas came to Sangamon County, settling in Cooper Townshlp, where he farmed until his death, May 6, 1909. During the great struggle between the North and South, he served according to hls principles, and was a brave soldler and good man. The MethodIst Church held his membership, and hls widow also belongs to it. As a Democrat, he exerted considerable influence politically, but did not desire public office.

On August 22, 1865, he was married, in San- gamon County, to Sarah A. Miller, daughter of John Miller, born In Virginla, who married a Sangamon County girl. Mr. Miller dled when Mrs. Lucas was a child, but her mother sur- vlves, at the age of eighty years. and inakes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Daniel Waters. There were four daughters and two

sons in the Miller family: George, of Roches- ter; Harriet, wife of Daniei Waters, a farmer of Sangamon County ; Edward is a farmer; Mrs. Lucas; Eliza, wife of John Baldwin of Roches- ter, and Allce, wife of Samuel Prather, de- ceased. Mr. aud Mrs. Lucas became the par- ents of three children: John, at home; Mary, married, and Jessie, at home. Mr. Lucas owns a fine farm of fifty acres on Sectlou 6, Cooper Township, and Is in comfortable circumstances. The record made by Mr. Lucas was one of which his family may well be proud. Never one to thrust himself forward, he did his duty as he saw It, according to the creed he professed, and dled as he had lived, a Christlau gentle- uran.

LUCAS, keuben, of an old and honorable Eng- lish family, was born in Warwickshire, Eng- land, May 15, 1861, a son of Thomas and Eliza (Wilkinson) Lucas, both also natives of War- wickshire, the father born in 1803. and the mother in 1804. He died December 2, 1877, and she In 1880. The father was a gardener and he and his wife had five sons and five daugliters, namely : Abel was killed July 6, 1877, at the age of thirty-one years; Ann, widow of Joshua Perks, whose husband died recently, lives in Canada ; Eliza, wife of Daniel Marshall, of England; Emma, widow of John Walker, of England; Charles, of England; Harriet, wlfe of David Welghan, of England, Joseph, also of England ; Reuben Lucas, whose name heads this sketch ; Thomas, a farmer of Wyoming; Han- nah, wife of Henry Dunkley. The parents of these children spent their entire lives in Eng- land.

Mr. Lucas received a good education in the common schools of Warwickshire, and after leaving school worked for a time In a hrick yard near his home. Later he engaged in inining and has been identified with mining interests, practically all his life. He came to America with his wife and children in 1884, and located at Dawson, on September 3, of that year. In 1886, he took up his residence at Starne, where he remained until 1892, then accepted a position with the Jones & Adams Coal Company, taking up his residence in Springfield, where he pur- chased his present home.

He was married in the Episcopal church at Fosheii, a small village near Warwickshire, Eng- land, by Rev. Harry Alfred Willlams, November 13, 1881, to Sarah Ellzabeth White, born at Black Horse Lake, England, May 30, 1863. daughter of Henry and Ann (Nicklon) White, both natives of England, the father born at Black Horse Lake, January 6, 1836, and the inother July 19. 1841. Mr. White has been in mining business all his life, and in November, 1884, he brought his family, including his wife and Mrs. Lucas, to the United States. He first located at Dawson and in 1899 removed to Riverton, where he now lives retired, at the age of seventy-five years, ils wife heing sev- enty years old. Thirteen children were born to

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

them, six sons and seven daughters, and uine children now survive, as follows : Susanna, wife of Arthur Tyler, of Round Prairie; Mrs. Lucas ; Henry, of Riverton ; Mary Ann, wife of Bell- jamin Harrison, of Riverton, who is engaged in farming ; Clara, wife of Albert Elliott, a farmer of Canada ; Zachariah, of Riverton; Alice, wife of John Hamrick, of Riverton ; Harry aud Rich- ard, of Riverton. Frances died recently.

Mr. Lucas aud wife had six children, of whom four survive: Eliza, born in England, March 19, 1882, inarried John Shannon, and they have two children-Lillie and Johnny; Thomas Henry, born in England August 28, 1883, died September 28tlı of the same year; Harry, born September 21, 1884, in England; Frank, born at Starne, Ill., March 18, 1887: Ann, born Febru- ary 11, 1889, wife of John Hansen, of Spring- field ; Thomas, born January 12, 1892, was killed at Starne, July 6, 1893. Harry and Frank live at home. Mr. Lucas is interested in public affairs and in the welfare of the community and is a Republican in politics. While living in Starne he served fifteen years as School Director. He is a member of Crystal Light Lodge, of the Episcopal Church and of the Royal Circle. Mr. Lucas has been successful in life and owns a pleasant home at 1201 Bengel Street, Spring- field, besides nine valuable city lots.

LUECK, Herman .- One feature of Springfieid that contributes towards its material prosperity is the iocation there of men of substance, who have retired from the activities of business, but are abie, because of their leisure, to give more time and attention to civic affairs. One of the retired capitalists of this city is Her- man Lueck, one of the German-American resi- dents of Sangamon County. Mr. Lueck was born September 23, 1845, a native of Germany, where his parents were also born. He is a son of Frederick and Frederica (Seigan-Hanger) Lueck, the former born January 15, 1815. By trade the father was a tailor, and he came to America in 1867, locating in Baitimore, where he hoped to establish himself in his line of business, but, not finding conditions favorable, came to Springfield, which has since been his home, Although he is now ninety-five years of age, he enjoys good health and is one of the honored residents of the city. He served his regulation time in the German army, as did his son Herman.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 92

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