Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 99

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972

USA > Illinois > Winnebago County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II > Part 99

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In 1908 Mr. Larson was married to Anna Gus- tavson. horn at Rockford, and they have a daugh- ter, Gladys V. Mr. Larson belongs to the Knights of Pythias. The South Park Salem Lutheran Church holds his membership. In politics he is independent. The Larson family reside at No. 1631 Seventeenth avenue, which Mr. Larson owns as well as other city property, and he is in very comfortable circumstances.

LARSON, Edward, foreman of the back depart- ment of the Haddorff Piano Company, with resi- dence at No. 1324 Sixteenth avenue, is one of the skilled young workmen of this large concern, and one who deserves the promotion to which he has attained. He was born in Sweden, August 28, 1885 After completing his school days he worked on a farm until he came to the United States in 1905. His objective point after liis arrival in this country was Rockford. and after reaching this city he worked in Chair Factory 13 a short time. when he entered the employ of the Haddorff Piano Company. In the fall of 1907 he went to the state of Washington and was in the coal mines there for two years, but re- turned to Rockford and again entered the em- ploy of the Haddorff Piano Company. For some months he was in the side-gluing department,

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and then entered his present department, of which he was made foreman January 21, 1913. His skill and ability to handle his men prove that he is the right man for the right place. Mr. Larson is unmarried.

LARSON, George A., sales manager of the Rock- ford Cabinet Company, with residence at No. 419 N. Fourth street, is a man who daily demon- strates his ability to correctly gauge human nature, and through his capable hands pass many accounts averaging large sales for his company. He was born at Rockford, June 2, 1891, and at- tended the public schools of the city and Brown's Business College. His first business experience was with the Rockford Tool Company as book- keeper, and he later was manager of the Rock- ford Transfer Company, which position he held for three years. In February, 1915, his keen judgment and grasp of business affairs received proper recognition in his appointment to his present position. The responsibilities of his po- sition are heavy as he has charge of the sales of his company in its every department, and is one of the youngest men to be called upon to assume such duties in the city. From the be- ginning of his business career, however, Mr. Lar- son showed unusual capacity for commercial work, and his progress justifies the confidence placed in him by his present employers who hold him in the highest esteem. Mr. Larson is un- married and lives with his parents. He belongs to the First Lutheran Church of Rockford.

LARSON, Gust, superintendent of the Rockford Bookcase Company, and also a stockholder in the company and in knitting works in Sweden re- sides at No. 210 Seventh street, Rockford, where he enjoys an enviable standing among his neigh- bors. He was born in Sweden, and there attend- ed the public schools, completing his educational training in the Rockford High school, and the Rockford Engineering School, which he attended after coming to the United States in 1900. Prior to coming here, he had worked for farmers, but after his arrival, he engaged with the Rockford Cabinet Company and was with that concern for four years. Leaving it he went to California, and for two years was employed in a sawmill . on the coast, and then returned to Rockford where he re-engaged with his old company and continued with it until 1907 when he went back to Sweden to visit his parents. Upon his return to Rockford, he engaged with the Rockford Bookcase Company, and in 1913 his services re- ceived just recognition when he was made su- perintendent of the company. He has charge of the entire plant working force, and is very effi- cient in managing his men and turning out work.

Mr. Larson is unmarried. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. His political be- liefs make him independent in his voting. For years he has attended the Swedish Church. A man of force of character, he impresses others with his capability and is able to impart to them some of his own industry.

LATHAM, Henry A. One of the most promi- nent. families of Winnebago County, and particularly of Owen Township, is that bearing the name of Latham, and one who set the high standard which now characterizes its members was the late Henry Latham, veteran of the Civil war, and an honored pioneer of this section of Illinois. So thoroughly did he identify himself with local matters that the section in which his homestead was located was known as Latham, and when the Chicago, Milwaukee Railroad was built through the Latham home- stead, the station established by the railroad at that point properly received the name of Latham Park, thus perpetuating the name of Latham to succeeding generations.

Henry Latham was born in New York state, in November, 1842, a son of Francis and Maria (Zimmer) Latham, he a native of Connecti- cut, and she of New York state. In 1855 they came to Owen Township, Winnebago County, Ill., and bought a farm in Owen Township upon which they lived for many years. They died upon another farm in the same township. Their children were as follows: Henry A .; Sarah, who is Mrs. Hatch, of Stillman Valley, Ill .; and Abby and Emma, both of whom are deceased.

Growing up on his father's farm, Henry A. Latham attended the schools in his district, and was taught such lessons of patriotism at home that loyalty to country became a part of his life, and thus he felt it obligatory upon him to enlist for service during the Civil war, enter- ing the Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He re-enlisted later on in the United States naval service, and still later he re-enlisted in the United States cavalry, and was one of the very few men of the country who served in all three branches of the regular service. At the close of the conflict, he received his third honorable discharge, and returned to peaceful occupations. Like many of the young heroes of the Civil war, Mr. Latham was married not long after his return home, and for the following couple of years he lived with his parents on the home farm. He then moved to a farm he owned in Benton County, Mo., but after three years sold his interests and returned to the homestead, conducting it for his parents until their death. After the settlement of the estate by which he inherited a portion of the homestead, he bought the interest of the other heirs, and conducted the farm very successfully to within a few months prior to his death. In the spring of 1895 he sold this property. His death occurred July 16, 1895.

On November 21, 1865, Mr. Latham was mar- ried to Elizabeth Rice, born at Westfield, N. Y., a daughter of John and Lavina (Martin) Rice, he born in Oneida County, N. Y., and she at Westfield, N. Y. In 1855 the Rice family came to Cherry Valley Township, this county, and located on a farm, but later went to Plymouth, Wis., where the parents. died. Mrs. Latham was a little girl when she was brought to Winnebago County, and has witnessed many wonderful developments since that time. Rail-

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roads have been built, the telephone has been invented and installed; automobiles have come into general use; flying machines have been proven practicable, and all these inventions and many others have been developed since she was a girl. Rockford, now a beautiful city, was but a straggling village when she first saw it, and not even the most sanguine of its promoters visioned the present prosperity. After going to Wisconsin she had some very interesting ex- periences as a pioneer teacher in a new county. Mr. and Mrs. Latham became the parents of the following children : May, Francis and Berrie, who are all deceased; and Elwilda, who lives with her mother. When Mr. Latham died, Mrs. Latham moved to Rockford, and for nine years resided on Woodlawn avenue, but then purchased a house on Blaisdell street. Mr. Latham was Republican. During his long residence in Owen Township he served in several township offices. His fraternal affiliations were with the Modern Woodmen of America, and he also be- longed to Nevius Post No. 1, G. A. R. He served in the state militia and in the Rockford Rifles. However, he was essentially a home man, taking his pleasure with his family. His principles were high, his sense of devotion to his country was remarkably strong, and did not cease with the close of his military career, but continued with him during his life, so that he could always be counted upon to give a generous and effective support to those measures which in his judg- ment would best serve the country and com- munity he loved.

LATHROP, Hon. William, for many years one of Rockford's most distinguished men, was born in Genesee County, N. Y., April 25, 1825. Dur- ing 1850 he was admitted to the bar in New York, and in January of the following year he came to Rockford, and immediately took his place among the men who count in this city. He was its first city clerk, being chosen in 1852, and at the second session of the city council of Rockford, held May 1, 1853, he was appointed city attorney. From 1853 to 1857 he was a law partner of James L. Loop, one of the ablest lawyers of Winnebago County, but in the mean- while public duties claimed him, for in 1856 Mr. Lathrop was elected a member of the state assembly, and served one term. Other honors awaited him, for in 1876 he succeeded Stephen A. Hurlbut as a member of Congress from the Fourth District, and served from 1877 to 1879.

In spite of the honors and emoluments of these offices, he always was rather the lawyer than the politician. and during his long resi- dence at Rockford he enjoyed a large and lucrative practice, serving as counsel for many of the large manufacturing firms of the city, and probably had personal charge of the settle- ment of more estates than any other attorney in the city. He owned one of the finest law libra- ries at Rockford and was always a close student.

Mr. Lathrop was married to Adeline Potter, a daughter of E. H. Potter, and their children were as follows: Mrs. Anna Case; Julia ; Ed-

ward P. and Robert, attorneys who were asso- ciated with their father, have offices at No. 114 N. Church street ; and William, who is a banker of Plankington, S. D. For many years Mr. Lathrop resided at No. 40S Rockton avenue. His death resulted from an accident, as he was run down by a horse and carriage at the Fair Grounds Park, November 17, 1907, while taking a walk. His collar bone and several ribs were broken, and he died of his injuries November 19,- 1907. .

A man of real distinction, Mr. Lathrop always took a prominent part in public matters, being one of the founders of the Republican party in Winnebago County, and when the Kansas- Nebraska bill was passed by Congress in 1854, he was one of the forty-six representative citi- zens who signed the call for a mass meeting of the old First Congregational District, which was held on August S. The purpose of the meeting was to demand a more stubborn resistance to the encroachments of slavery. Among other things Mr. Lathrop enjoyed the distinction of being Winnebago's only representative in Con- gress. He was for many years a trustee of Rockford College. Largely through his efforts was the Fair Grounds Park secured for the city of Rockford, and it is a sad fact that it was in the park his philanthropy had gained, he met with the injuries that caused his death. This park, however, will stand as a monument to his memory, and in it the people of Rockford find healthy relaxation.

Miss Julia C. Lathrop, daughter of Mr. La- throp, has been identified with public affairs and has attained to signal honors. She served many years as a member of the State Board of Chari- tics, and in this connection was associated with Miss Jane Addams of Hull House, Chicago. Early in 1912, President Taft appointed Miss Lathrop to the newly created office of chief of the Chil- dren's Bureau, at Washington, she being the first woman to receive appointment to the head of a government office. (See page 705.)

LAWLER, Hon. Thomas G. Were all his other good deeds forgotten, Thomas G. Lawler would live in the hearts of the people of Winnebago County because of the fact that it was he who had inaugurated the custom of having the American flag hoisted over every schoolhouse in the county. He was born at Liverpool, Eng- land. April 7, 1844, a son of Patrick Lawler who came to Rockford, Ill.

Thomas G. Lawler was but a lad when he arrived at Rockford, which continued to be his home until his death. When the Civil war burst upon the country, Mr. Lawler was one of those who responded to the call of the Union, and enlisted in Company E. Nineteenth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, serving in this regiment until he was mustered out. He was in a number of important engagements in the Western army, and was placed on the roll of honor by Gen. Rosecrans, a distinction only awarded those who had shown unusual personal bravery and sol- dierly conduct. Among other engagements he

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was in the battles of Stone River, Perryville, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and was through the Atlanta campaign and on to the sea. Although his clothing was many times pierced by bullets, he was only slightly wounded. The military impulse towards loyalty and service continued with him all his later years, and he was drill master for the first militia company organized at Rockford, and he was made colonel of the Third Regiment Illinois Infantry. Mr. Lawler was always the idol of his soldiers and the ideal of his fellow citizens.

On December 24, 1866, Mr. Lawler was mar- ried to Fannie A. Rodd, born in Ontario, Can- ada, a daughter of Joseph and Mary A. (Clem- ent) Rodd, natives of England. Mr. Lawler was one of the organizers of G. L. Nevius Post, No. 1, G. A. R., and was elected its commander thirty-nine times, and in 1894 was elected na- tional commander, serving with distinction throughout his term. He was the first national commander to visit the southern states, and his example has been followed since that time by his successors. Under Republican administra- tions from that of President Hayes until his death, February 3, 1908, Mr. Lawler was post- master of Rockford. He caused the flag to be hoisted over every schoolhouse in Winnebago County, and was present at the installation services of each. The Centennial Methodist Church of Rockford held his membership and he was one of its first trustees and superin- tendent of the Sunday school for a time. A Thirty-second degree Mason, Mr. Lawler held the supreme office in every degree of the order. His widow still resides in the elegant Lawler home at Rockford. (See pages 330, 819.)

LAWSON, Aaron, who for a number of years was closely associated with the decorating busi- ness at Rockford, is remembered by his old asso- ciates as one of the substantial and represen- tative men of the county. He was born at Rockford, July 7, 1862, a son of Jonas Lawson. The parents of Aaron Lawson were born in Sweden, the father leaving there in early man- hood for the United States. He located at Rock- ford, and being a highly educated man his serv- ices were at once secured as a teacher. Later he went to Sterling, Ill., where he taught school for a short time, and then returned to Rock- ford. He was one of the founders of the Swed- ish Lutheran Church of this city, and passed away firm in its faith, at his home on South Fourth street, when he was fifty-eight years old. The mother died at Sterling, Ill.

Aaron Lawson was educated in the public schools of Rockford and early displaying talent took a course at the Chicago Art School of Decorating, being graduated therefrom. He then returned to Rockford where he developed into a contractor of painting and decorating. For some years prior to embarking in business for himself, he was associated with a Mr. Charl- son. After continuing alone for some time, he sold his business and went to work for the Harper Decorating Co. In 1915, with his son.

Stanley A. Lawson, he opened a place of busi- ness on South Third street, which is one of the finest stores of its kind on the East side. The firm did the decorating at the "Imperial," and in many fine residences. The heavy strain in- cidental to the new business ventures proved too much for him, however, and he died May 7, 1915, when only fifty-three years old.

In 1885 Mr. Lawson was married to Miss Emma Folk, a daughter ot Frank and Chris- tiana Folk, she being of Swedish birth. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson became the parents of the follow- ing children : Hazel, who married W. L. Kinney of Rockford ; Stanley A .; and Marion E., all of whom, with the widow, survive. Mr. Lawson was a Republican, but held no offices. When he was only twenty-three years old he did the fresco work and decorating on the First Luther- an Church of Rockford which has stood the test of time for twenty years. Later on he did the interior decorating and curtain of the Opera House, and was an artist of recognized ability and highest standing. Since the death of his father, Stanley A. has and will continue the busi- ness started by his father.

LAWSON, Hannes, founder of the Lawson Ex- press and Transfer line, with offices at No. 716 Sixth street, is one of the enterprising business men of Rockford who has risen to responsibility through his own' efforts. He was born in Scholerbren, Sweden, January 5, 1860, a son of Andrew and Caroline Lawson, both of whom were born in the same place as their son. They came to the United States in 1862, locating in East Rockford, where the father entered the employ of the Thompson Manufacturing Com- pany. Later, with a Mr. Lindall, he was in an elevator business, and remained in that line until his death in 1866, at the age of fifty years. The mother died when seventy-seven years old. They belonged to the First Lutheran Church of Rockford.

Hannes Lawson was reared at Rockford and here received his educational training. His practical experience began in the employ of Lawson & Walburgh in their stone quarry, where he was a deliveryman and collector for five years. He then had charge of the teaming for the Excelsior Furniture Company, controlling it until this concern was wiped out by fire. Mr. Lawson was with B. H. Murphy for a short time in an undertaking business, and he then founded his present business. He first lived on Rural street, then moved to Longwood street, thence to Benton street, and back to Long- wood street. He then went to Fifth avenue, and in 18SS moved to his present address at No. 716 Sixth street.

In 1879 Mr. Lawson was married to Miss Alexandra Elizabeth Hedlong, a daughter of Andrew Hedlong. Her parents were natives of Sweden who came to the United States at an early date, and located at Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson have had the following children : William R., Ernest, Walter, Mabel, Frank, Nellie, Hazel, Harold J., Ethel, and Edith, Mr.

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Lawson is a Modern Woodman, and a charter member of the P. K. and the S. S. S. Society. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. In politics he is a Republican. In his business Mr. Lawson is fully prepared to take care of all business entrusted to him, having two auto trucks and four teams. At one time he had an agency for pianos with warerooms in the Lum- berg building, but in 1908 sold to S. L. Larson.

LEACH, Stephen, page 658.

LETTS, Sherman B., senior member of the well known and reliable firm of Letts & Bennett of No. 125 W. State street, Rockford, is one of the substantial men of Winnebago County. He was born in Scott Township, Ogle County, 111., April 12, 1873, a son of William and Frances (Bart- lett) Letts, natives of New York State. Mr. Letts came to Illinois with his parents in the early fifties, and they located on a farm in Scott Township, Ogle County. Later they moved to Rockford. When William Letts was married, he moved on the home farm in Ogle County, but in the spring of 1882, he went to Mason City, Iowa, where he purchased a large farm and where he is at present residing. There were three children in the family as follows : Charles B., who lives at Mason City, Iowa; Herman B. and his twin brother, Sherman B.

Sherman B. Letts was educated in the public schools of Mason City. In 1891 when eighteen years old he came to Rockford, and entered Johnson & Winan's Business College, complet- ing his commercial course in the spring of 1892, following which he went to Chicago and en- gaged with the Remington Typewriter Company, with which he remained until the spring of 1895. Returning to Mason City, he spent the summer there recovering his health, and then entered Olivet College at Olivet, Mich., but . on account of failing health was compelled to leave during the ensuing winter, and then came to Rockford. In the following spring he went to work for C. E. Jackson's portrait studio, and was on the road for him during the next two years. In the summer of 1898 Mr. Letts en- gaged with Mead Bros., furniture dealers, as salesman, but left them in 1901, and went with F. D. Goddard, furniture dealer, with whom he remained until August, 1906. In August of that year, Mr. Letts purchased a half interest in the real estate and loan business of A. C. Horton, located at No. 125 W. State street, which was then conducted under the name of Horton & Letts. Owing to illness in 1913. Mr. Horton was compelled to retire, and in Novem- ber, 1913. Mr. Letts bought out his interest, and continued the business. He is very aggressive and is successful in handling realty. The firm was one of the most successful in Rockford, and handled between half and three quarters of a million dollars worth of property annually. On March 1, 1915, George M. Bennett entered into partnership with Mr. Letts, and the firm is now Letts & Bennett. A full account of the work of the new firm is given elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Letts has demonstrated his faith in Rock- ford by his personal investments, and his judg- ment has been justified by the increase in values, so that he is now a very wealthy man. In the fall of 1914 he purchased a handsome brick residence at the corner of Ridge avenue and John street, where he now makes his home. Al- though it was a new house, he has fitted it up to suit his own taste, and it is conceded to be one of the most beautiful residences of Rock- ford. His excellent taste and artistic concep- tions were given full play in this home, and the results are delightfully pleasing. For the past twenty years Mr. Letts has been a mem- ber of the First Congregational Church and always one of its most liberal supporters, show- ing an active interest in its affairs. Not only is he one of the trustees of the church, but he also takes part in the Sunday school work. Politically lie is a Republican.

On April 15, 1897, Mr. Letts was married to Helen L. Cotton, born at Rockford, in Septem- ber, 1869, a daughter of Charles and Emma C. Cotton, Mrs. Letts died in May, 1911, leaving three children, namely : Harriet C., who was born May 31, 1903; Wendell B., who was born November 14, 1906; and Kathryn L., who was born July 23, 1910. On February 15, 1912, Mr. Letts was married (second) to Winifred M. Sherman, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Lawrence, who reside with Mr. and Mrs. Letts. Mrs. Letts was born September 19, 1875, at Fort Atkinson, Wis. She was married (first) to Robert Sherman, by whom slie has a son, Charles Lawrence S. Mr. and Mrs. Letts have a son, Philip W., who was born May 13, 1913. Mr. Letts is one of the men who has helped to make Rockford what it is today, and he is held in the highest esteem by many who have excel- lent reasons for their confidence in his business judgment.

LEVI, Samuel E., one of the largest market gardeners and florists of Winnebago County, is conveniently located in South Rockford. He was born in Delaware County, Ind., June 14, 1860, eighth child in a family of eleven children, born to James and Ellen (Hardie) Levi, natives of Scotland, where the father was born July 2, 1822. and the mother April 16, 1823. They were married in Scotland, June 23, 1844, and came to Canada, and four years later, to Indiana, where they lived for sixteen years. They then went to Iowa, where the father died December 25, 1906, the mother having passed away November 2, 1904.

Samuel E. Levi attended only the country schools of Indiana, but travel and experience were excellent teachers. When he was nineteen years old he went to work by the month on a farm in Iowa. As soon as he was able, he rented eighty acres of land in Mills County, Iowa, for a year, and then went to Carroll County, Iowa, where he continued renting land for three years, pro- ceeding then to Nebraska, and after spending two years in Wayne County, returning to Car- roll County, Iowa, where he remained for three

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 99

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 972

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972