USA > Illinois > Cass County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Cass County, Volume II > Part 60
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KUPFER, Louis R., manager of the local plant of the W. E. Terry Lumber Company, one of the biggest lumber concerns in the United States, is a man whose every day work justifies the confidence placed in him by his corporation, as well as the respect and honor in which he is held by the people of Beardstown where he re- sides. He was born in Saxony, Germany, May 12, 1875, a son of Fred and Augusta (Renert) Kupfer. The parents came to Cass County, Ill., in 1883, and rented a tract of land near Arenz- ville, where they carried on general farming until 1900, when they purchased a small tract at the edge of Beardstown, and there the mother died June 30, 1912. Their children were: Her- man, who lives at Beardstown, is in the employ of the C. B. & Q. Railroad; Rheinhart, who is of Colekamp, Mo .; Louis R .; Otto, who is of Wayne County, Ill. ; Albert ; Bertha, who is Mrs. Fred Smith, oť Phillips, Wis .: Minnie, who is the widow of C. H. Rewitz, of Meredosia, Ill. ; and Lena, who is Mrs. Henry Holtman, of Lodge Pole, Nebr.
Louis Kupfer was educated in the district schools of Morgan County, and worked on the homestead until he was twenty years old, when he came to Beardstown, and entered the employ of a sawmill owned by Schmoldt Bros., remain- ing with them for nine months. He was then made vard foreman of their lumber yard which position he held for eight years, gaining much valuable experience, and then his services were demanded by the W. E. Terry Lumber Company.
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So valuable a man did he become that on January 12, 1912, he was made manager of the local plant, and still holds that responsible position.
In June, 1898, Mr. Kupfer was married to Ida Evemeyer, a daughter of Casper and Rosa (Long) Evemeyer. They have two sons: Roy Louis, who was born March 25, 1910; and Carl Earl, who was born August 11, 1912.
LEBKUECHER, Charles A., a sueeessful farmer and stock raiser and stock feeder of section 6, township 18, range 11, is one of the substantial men of Cass County. He is a native son of the county, as he was born at Beardstown Decem- ber 21, 1864, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Berkheiser) Lebkuecher, natives of Germany. Jacob Lebkuecher came from Germany to the United States when fifteen years old, making the trip alone. He worked in the neighborhood of Beardstown for a few years following his arrival, and then built a brewery and operated it for a number of years. In 1862 Catherine Berkheiser came from Germany with friends, and they were married at Beardstown. Still later, Jacob Lebkuecher learned farming, and he always made a success of whatever he un- dertook.
While attending the Beardstown schools, Charles A. Lebkuecher did some farming, and when older he moved to the property he now resides upon. It contains 350 acres of land, but he and his wife own more, as their mutual hold- ings amount to 670 acres. At one time he raised and ted from 200 to 300 cattle every year, but he has curtailed his operations to some extent. Mr. Lebkuecher has been called upon to settle three estates, the first amount- ing to about $70,000, another that amounted to $100,000, and the third somewhat smaller. He is a man of great energy, very industrious, never letting any time lie idle on his hands. A Democrat, he has served as a school director for two terms. The Lutheran church at Beards- town holds his membership and profits from his generosity.
Mr. Lebkuecher was married in Cass County to Lydia Meyer, born May 6, 1872, a daughter of Henry C. and Amelia (Boy) Meyer, natives of Germany and of Cass County, respectively. Mr. Meyer manufactured tile and brick and dealt in ice at Beardstown, and also looked after his farm, being a very substantial man. Mr. and Mrs. Lebkuecher have had the follow- ing children: Ilenry Alfred, Clara C., Marie E., Mildred, Glenna, Gladys, Carl and Jacob Gilbert.
LEEPER, Hon. Arthur Allen .- The history of Cass County contains no name of superior prominence to that of the Hon. Arthur Allen Leeper, who, as an attorney of highest standing, and statesman of marked ability, has made him- self known to all the people whose interests he has so often ably represented. Mr. Leeper is a native son of the county, having been born on a farm near Chandlerville, Angust 21, 1855, a son of William D. and Mary ( Runyan) Leeper.
After having passed through the schools of his district with credit, Mr. Leeper was grad- uated from the literary department of Eureka College in 1874, and then entering the law de- partment of the Illinois State University, se- cured his degree in his graduation from that institution in 1875. Immediately thereafter he began practicing at Chandlerville, but in 1876 moved to Virginia, where he has since contin- ued. In the fall of that year he was elected state's attorney of Cass County, and became so well and favorably known that he was the log- ical candidate of his party for state senator in 1SSS, and was elected to that office, succeeding himself for three terms and serving until 1900. In addition he has served Virginia as city at- torney for several terms and has been a school director many years. He is one of the three commissioners, the others being J. C. Richburg and E. B. Smith, both of Chicago, appointed to confer with delegates from other states as to means for uniform legislation in all the states. This office is an honorary one, but carries high distinction with it. As a Freemason he stands high in the order, which he joined at Virginia.
In 1878 Mr. Leeper was married to Eva Howe, a daughter of Rufus Howe. Mrs. Leeper is a direct descendant of the colonist Miller, who founded Northhampton, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Leeper have three children : Mabel, Alice and Arthur L. Alice married Dr. Reed, a resi- dent of Oklahoma, and a brother of Hon. C. C. Reed, who served in Congress for several terms from Arkansas.
LEINBERGER, John, an extensive and pros- perous farmer and stockraiser, who has been a resident of Chandlerville, Cass County, some- what more than forty years, has laboriously and patiently advanced towards the acquisition of a considerable amount of farming property, while becoming favorably known to the people of the great portion of the county as a sub- stantial agriculturist and an upright and use- ful citizen. His birthplace was Hesse-Darm- stadt, Germany, where his life began October 20, 1846. Mr. Leinberger located in this vicinity in 1873, having enjoyed the opportunities of the German schools before he left the old country, and here applied himself to farm work. He first labored three years on rented land in township 18, range 9, by the month, and after- wards rented farms in various parts of the county nutil 1908. In that year he bought 320 acres of land, partly improved with some build- ings, Mr. Leinberger has built a large barn, 50x50 feet in dimensions, 14 feet to the eaves and 28 feet in the middle, and also has built a tool, cowhouse and a cowshed. needed strne- tures as he is extensively engaged in raising cows. He also raises horses and hogs. 160 acres of his land being under cultivation and the remainder in pasture.
On June 22. 1876, Mr. Leinberger was united in marriage with Anna Walker, born in Ohio, daughter of Frederick and Catherina ( Poepple) Walker, natives of Wurttemberg. Germany.
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Their grandparents, Frederick William and Anna Walker, settled in Ohio when the father of Mrs. Leinberger was an infant, and Mrs. Leinberger's mother located there at the age of twenty years. They lived there until 1857, and then moved to Illinois, settling at Jacksonville. The father, who was a carpenter, died May 15, 190S; the mother is still in Jacksonville. Mr. and Mrs. Leinberger have the following chil- dren : John, of Menard County, Ill .; Katie (Mrs. Henry Dotzert), of Cass County ; Henry, of Menard County ; Carl, at home; Mary (Mrs. Oscar Miller), of Cass County ; Elizabeth and Edward, at home; Rudolph, who died when aged twenty-three years; Otto, at home; Mar- tha, of Cass County ; and Ernest and Elsie, both at home. The mother of this family received her early educational training in the public schools of Jacksonville. The family are mem- bers of the Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Leinberger acts with the Republican party.
LEONHARD, John Charles (deceased) .- When a man passes from earthly existence he leaves behind him the results of his endeavor during life. If his aim has been high, and his purposes good, his memory is cherished and his family benefit from his labors. Such a man was the late John Charles Leonhard, of township 1S, Cass County, He was born in Cass County, February 20, 1863, a son of Michael and Marie (Nickel) Leonhard, she a native of Hesse- Darmstadt and he born in Wein Heim, later a resident of Heidelberg. She came from Ger- many with her parents, and he with his mother, two sisters, and two brothers, and they were later married, locating at Beardstown, Ill., where the father was employed in the packing house. Later he bought a farm, and conducted it until his death, in the fall of 1893.
John Charles Leonhard remained with his par- ents until 1SS3, and received a district school education. In 1SS3, he and his sister Mary, set- tled on a farm which his father owned, compris- ing 110 acres in this same township. He lived there with his sister until she was married, and then he married and conducted it until his death, which occurred March 16, 1910. After his mother's death, in August, 1912. Mrs. John Charles Leonhard purchased the farm, and on it she, with the assistance of her son, continues to carry on general farming and stockraising. In political faith he was a Republican, but did not aspire to public office.
On November 2S. 1SSS, Mr. Leonhard was mar- ried by Rev. James Stont of the Methodist church of Virginia, to Lillie Simms, who was born in Cumberland County, N. J., April 3, 1866, a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Grassman) Simms, natives of New Jersey. who came to Cass County in March, 1879, and lived on a farm for a few years. Then they went to Beards- town and he worked at the mason's trade until 1910, when he retired, and now he and wife are living at Beardstown. Mr. and Mrs. Leon- hard had the following children: A babe that died in infancy ; Emma M., Glenna and Zelma,
who are school teachers; Floyd, who operates the homestead ; and Annabel, Alma and Charles, who are also at home. Mrs. Leonhard is a Methodist and is interested in the good work of that church. She is an estimable lady and is highly respected.
LISTON, James Thomas, now deceased, was one of the prominent business men of Beardstown, and a veteran of the Civil war, a man whose good citizenship and many noble qualities won him the warm friendship of the best element of Cass County. He was born at Somerset, Ind., January 6, 1840, a son of Dr. James T. and Rachel (Way) Liston, the former born in Newcastle County, Del., in 1804, and the latter in South Carolina, May 14, 181S. They were married November 19, 1829, in Randolph County, Ind. A physician by profession, he min- istered to many, and died in Indiana, March 13, 1894, having survived his wife since May 30, 1879.
In young manhood James Thomas Liston came to Cass County, Ill., and worked on a farm until he was able to secure one for himself, near Meredosia, Ill., where he remained until 1874, in which year he came to Beardstown and em- barked in a general teaming business. Being appointed city marshal he served as such very acceptably for four years. About 1891 he opened a coal business which he conducted until his death, May 20, 1902. In 1861 he enlisted for service in the Civil war, in Company A, One Hundred and First Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was a wagon-master during General Sher- man's memorable march to the sea, and he also participated in the grand review at Washing- ton. D. C. Following this he was honorably discharged. Reared in the Baptist faith, he held to it, although not uniting with any con- gregation. He was a member of the A. O. U. W., and was a charter member of the M. W. A., at Beardstown.
On February 7, 1860, Mr. Liston married Miss Susan Catherine Harris, born at Pickton, O., April 19, 1839, a daughter of Samuel and Mary ( Hodges) Harris, natives of Bordentown, N. J., and of Zanesville, Ohio, in a neighborhood where fine pottery is manufactured. Both located near Meredosia, Ill., where their mar- riage took place, and he became a raiser of fine horses. Mrs. Liston died September 10, 1913. She and her husband had children as follows: Mary R., who is of Beardstown; Charles L., who is of Peoria. Ill .. married Adelia Weeks; Emma E .. who is of Beardstown : and Samuel F., who married Norine Carter, and they reside in Beardstown. After the death of the father, Mary R. and Emma E. conducted the coal busi- ness, having office and sheds at No. 613 E. Sixth street. but now have it leased for one year. The family residence. which is a handsome one, is at No. 1011 Washington street, Beardstown.
LOOMANN, John B .- One of the oldest resi- dents of Beardstown. Ill .. and one of the best and most favorably known citizens of the community,
Ruth & Sowers
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is John B. Loomann, who was born in Holland, September 29, 1842. His father, John Albert Loomann, with his mother, Minnie (Bemers) Loomann, landed in Beardstown in June, 1846. The father followed the trade of a plasterer on his arrival and thus continued during the re- mainder of his life, dying in 1863, his widow passing away October 18, 1894.
A notable period in the life of John B. Loo- mann was his term of service in the Union armny during the Civil war, which covered a period of three years and one day. When a lad he at- tended the parochial schools and stayed with his, parents until the time of his enlistment, which was on October 18, 1861. On that date he became a member of Company G, Thirty- second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged October 19, 1864. He was in the Army of the West, taking part in the battle of Shiloh ; the siege of Corinth ; Memphis ; the Hatchie River; Vicksburg; and Jackson, Miss., and in February, 1864, participated in a raid through Mississippi, from Vicksburg to Meridian, destroying property on the march. Re- turning to Canton, Miss., the force burned the bridge there, the squad of thirty-five railroad engines which were on it at the time being plunged into the river. Thence Mr. Loomann's regiment went on to Atlanta, skirmishing con- stantly. On June 27, 1864, during the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, Mr. Loomann was wounded in the left leg by a gunshot which passed through the limb, after which he was discharged, and re- turned to Beardstown. He was, in course of time, employed as a carpenter, and for nineteen years worked in the C., B. & Q. Railroad shops, where, for eight years, he had charge of a crew of carpenters. Quitting this connection in 1899, he followed his trade in the city until 1913, when he retired from active life.
On June 4, 1868, Mr. Loomann was united in marriage with Maria Barbara Scheurle, born in Wurttemberg, Germany, November 15, 1846, a daughter of Ludwig C. Scheurle, and an orphan from the age of nine years. The children result- ing from this union were as follows: John Got- lieb, born June 19, 1869, died February 28, 1870; John Frederick, born November 20, 1870, died December 20. 1872; Lydia Maria, born October 11, 1872 (Mrs. William Yeagow), of Beards- town ; Gustaf Adolph, of Beardstown, born March 21, 1875 ; Minnie Elizabeth, born January 26, 1877 (Mrs. Rev. N. K. C. Vetter), of Junction City, Kans .; Frederick William, born December 3, 1878, died January 12, 1879; Marie Frederika, of Sheridan, Wyo., born May 15, 1880; Henry William, of Beardstown, born October 25, 1882: Edward T., of Chicago, born July 24, 1884: Clara Emma, of Chicago, born November 3, 1886; and Freda Rinetta A., born November 28, 1SSS, died June 23, 1890.
In religious belief Mr. Loomann is a Lutheran and has served as a deacon in the church for thirty-seven years, and as cashier for eighteen years. In politics he acts with the Progressive party. He is a man of high character, and is
greatly respected by a wide circle of acquaint- ances.
LOVEKAMP, Christian, an enterprising and thrifty farmer living in Arenzville, Ill., whose farm is situated in township 17, range 11, Cass County, was born in the same township, October 16, 1878, a son of Henry and Louisa (Breyer) Lovekamp, natives of Germany. The grand- father, Frederick Lovekamp, became a resident of Cass County when the father of the subject of this sketch was an infant. After reaching the United States, he and his family journeyed to Cass County. Ill., by way of St. Louis, set- tling in the vicinity of Arenzville. When the parents of Christian Lovekamp were married and had located on a farm in Cass County, Grandfather Lovekamp started back to the old country, and died on the ocean. The land origi- nally occupied by the family was unimproved, although it was large in extent. Henry Love- kamp died in Arenzville. April 10, 1913, having lived there since 1905. His wife died February 16, 1908. The children of Henry and Louisa Lovekamp were as follows: Fred, of Bluffs, Scott County, Ill. ; Charles, of Lee County, Ill .; Elizabeth (Mrs. William Nobis) ; Augusta (Mrs. Charles Nobis) ; George, of Cass County ; Amelia, who died at the age of two years; and Christian and Amanda (Mrs. Fred Klemschmidt), both of Cass County.
Christian Lovekamp attended the district school and the German Lutheran school in his youth, and remained with his parents until he was married. He was wedded on February 25, 1904, to Lydia Roegge, born in Cass County, Ill., a daughter of George and Mary (Schroeder) Roegge. After his marriage Mr. Lovekamp rented a farm from his father-in-law. In 1906 he moved to the home of his wife's parents, with whom he remained until their death, when 200 acres of land was inherited by his wife. Mr. Lovekamp bought eighty acres in Cass County, and 120 acres in Morgan County, all adjoining, but he operates his wife's farm only, renting out the rest. Besides grain farming, he is en- gaged in raising stock, and is successful in all his undertakings. He has remodeled the dwell- ing on the home farm, making it thoroughly modern. Mr. and Mrs. Lovekamp have four children : Alma, born December 14, 1904; Law- rence. born November 22, 1906; Harold, born March 21. 1908; and Margaret, born January 24. 1911.
In politics Mr. Lovekamp acts with the Demo- cratic party. Ile has served as road commis- sioner, and has filled the office of school director since 1909. He is a useful member of the com- munity, and a farmer of sound judgment. He is a director of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Arenzville. Ill., and a director of the Jacksonville Monument Company of Jackson- ville, Ill.
LOVEKAMP, Herman Henry, is a well known farmer in Cass County, Ill., who operates a farm of about 280 acres on the Sangamon River
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bottoms, in township 19, range 9, near Chandler- ville. Mr. Lovekamp is one of a family which is among the oldest in Cass Connty in period of residence, his paternal grandfather having been one of its earliest settlers. Herman H. Love- kamp was born at Arenzville, February 15, 1866. His parents were Herman Henry and Mary (Peters) Lovekamp, the father born in Cass County, and the mother a native of Ger- many. After their marriage they settled on a farm in the vicinity of Arenzville, and since 1910 have made their home in that village. They have ten children now living, of whom Herman Henry is the third in succession. He attended the Hackman district school in his youth and also the Union Grove district school and the German school at Arenzville. He con- tinued to live with his parents nntil he reached the age of thirty-four years, and then moved to a farm belonging to his father, as before men- tioned. The farm which Mr. Lovekamp oper- ates is devoted to the raising of grain, abont 100 acres being under cultivation, and the re- mainder in pasture and timber.
On May 17, 1900, Mr. Lovekamp was married to Augusta Eichenauer, born in the township where they live, a danghter of Rudolph and Helena (Schneider) Eichenauer, the father being a German by birth, and the mother born in Cass County. Mr. and Mrs. Lovekamp have two children, namely : Clara Margaret, born March 30, 1901, and Lula Marie, born Septem- ber 20, 1903. The religious connection of the family is with the Lutheran church. In politics, Mr. Lovekamp acts with the Democratic party. He has served the public as school director since 1910. Mr. Lovekamp is a man of many good traits of character, and is much respected among his numerons acquaintances.
LOVEKAMP, Louis Fred, a successful and ex- perienced grower ot grain, is justly numbered among the substantial agriculturalists of town- ship 17, range 11, this county. He was born in this township, August 19, 1867, a son of Chris- tian and Mary ' ( Wedeking) Lovekamp, natives of Prussia, Germany. The grandfather, Everett Wedeking, came to Cass Connty in 1833, when Mrs. Lovekamp was seven years old. Christian Lovekamp, who was born December 2, 1818, learned the blacksmithing trade in Germany, and in young manhood came to the United States, working at his trade for a time in New Jersey, but later came to Arenzville, this county, where he conducted a blacksmith shop for some years. He then bought a large farm- ing property, and added to it, and when he died, January 16, 1904, owned and was operat- ing 400 acres. His wife, who was born Feb- ruary 14, 1827, died February 23, 1914. Their children were as follows: Edward, who is of Peoria, Ill. ; Mary, who is the widow of Wil- liam C. Hagener, lives at Beardstown; Sophia, who is Mrs. Henschen, of Beardstown; George, who lives in Cass County; Henry C., who is living on a part of the home place; Lonisa, who
is the wife of Rev. H. F. Eggert, a Lutheran preacher ; and Lonis Fred.
Louis Fred Lovekamp has always lived on the homestead of his parents, and has always car- ried on grain farming. After his marriage, he took charge of 244 acres that he bonght from his father, and they all lived together until the death of the parents. He has added forty acres to his holdings, all of which land is under culti- vation except abont forty acres in . timber.
On Angust 15, 1895, Mr. Lovekamp was mar- ried to Christina Lovekamp, born in Cass County, a daughter of Herman and Mary (Peters) Lovekamp, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Lovekamp became the parents of the following children: Ada, Esther, Clarence and Harry, all of whom are at home. Mr. Lovekamp attended the public schools of his district and the German school, and is much interested in educational matters, having served as a school director for twelve years. In politics he is a Republican, while religiously he is a member of the Lutheran church. In addition to his farm- ing interests, Mr. Lovekamp is a director of the Arenzville & Hagener Grain Company. A man of solid business qualities, he has in- creased his holdings and gained a strong posi- tion in his neighborhood.
LOWDEN, Robert Haskell, who is one of the most substantial farmers and prominent and useful citizens of Cass County. Ill., is the owner of a fine farm of 300 acres of fertile land in township 17, range 9, where, besides general farming, he is extensively engaged in raising Duroc Jersey hogs, draft and road horses, and shorthorn and Aberdeen cattle. He has been farming in the same vicinity for nearly thirty- five years, and besides his large and successful operations in this line, has taken an intelligent and lively interest in the public affairs of Cass County, being now in his second term as county commissioner.
Robert H. Lowden is a native of New Bruns- wick, and was born at St. Andrews, June 2, 1856, a son of Edward Parkinson and Emma (Castles) Lowden, the father born near Kil- larney. Ireland, and the mother being of Scottish birth. Both located in New Bruns- wick when young. For five years Edward P. Lowden served as mate of an ocean sailing vessel. and then applied himself to farming in New Brunswick. This he continued nntil 184S, going then to Illinois, whence. in 1849, he went to California. by ox and mule team from Rush- ville. Remaining three years in California, he returned by way of Panama to New Orleans, and up the Mississippi River and back again to New Brunswick. There, in 18544, he was mar- ried to Emma Castles. After farming till 1868, he moved to Schuyler County, Ill., and con- tinued farming. He died in 1SS3, his wife hav- ing passed away in 1870. Their children were as follows: Robert H. : Catherine, of Salinas, Cal. : John, of Arizona; and James, of Cass County, 111.
Robert H. Lowden attended the district
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
schools in his youth and spent one term in the Rushville public schools. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, then worked on farms in Schuyler County until 1877, when he located in Cass County, working for others until 1SS1. In that year he began farming for himself just south of Philadelphia, Ill., and after remaining there three years, moved to his present place.
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