Trails-to-the-Past-Minnesota-Olmsted-biographies

Biographies

History of Olmstead County Minnesota

Written by Joseph A. Leonard 1910

LA BARE, JOHN -------was born in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, January 14, 1876, and during the same year was brought to Viola township, Olmsted county, by his parents, and here he has resided ever since. His father, Elihu La Bare, was born in Hinckley, Ohio, May 23, 1842, and came with his parents in the fall of 1864 to Viola township, and with the exception of five or six years spent near St. James, Minnesota, resided here continuously until his death, November 13, 1907. The father was married in the state of Wisconsin to Miss Emma Jones, of Juneau, November 29, 1868. She was born March 8, 1852. To this union seven children were born, as follows: Mrs. Hattie Cunningham, of Viola township, born June 9, 1870; Miss Anna, born January 8, 1873; John, born January 14, 1876; Mrs. Susie Williams, of Viola township, born September 23, 1879; Dora, born June 1, 1885; Ralph, born September 28, 1890, died March 25, 1898; Clifford, born October 11, 1894. Four of the children, John, Anna, Dora and Clifford, remain on the old homestead in section 15, Viola township.

They own 425 acres here, besides 120 acres in Langlade county, Wisconsin. This family might have remained residents near St. James had it not been for the grasshoppers. When they went west they drove with an ox team, and by the time they had a shanty built they had to borrow money of a brother who lived near with which to start housekeeping. They bought some stock as soon as they could raise the means. When they came away they had a lot of cattle, which helped to sell the place. On account of the grasshoppers the land was not worth much at that time, for those pests had been through that part of the country three years in succession. When grasshoppers had been present twenty-four hours the crops were not worth anything. The family sold out for about $1,200. When they returned from that point they purchased the place where four of the children now reside. John is a member of the Methodist church at Viola, and is a member of the Republican party. He is prominent and public spirited, and takes interest in all things calculated to benefit the community. Their fine modern home tells of their thrift, intelligence and comfort.

LAMP, JOHN F. -----was born in Rock Dell township, November 25, 1857, and is the son of Fred and Catherine (Wieget) Lamp, who were of German descent and were married in Illinois, December 16, 1856. Fred, the father, came to Olmsted county in 1855, and took up a tract of government land in section 26, Rock Dell town ship, and then returned to Illinois, where he married and brought his bride to the new home in this county. Her parents soon came to this township and made permanent settlement. Fred led a strenuous life until his death, February 20, 1888. He and his wife encountered and surmounted all the trials and hardships of the new country, and in time built a fine and comfortable home out of the primeval wilds. He was prominent in township affairs and occupied various official positions with ability and credit. To him and wife the following children were born: Katie, born October 26, 1859, married Charles F. Sibeck, and lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has three children; Mary, wife of H. M. Crofoot; Sarah, now with her mother at Stewartville; Carrie, wife of H. J. Minar, and lives in Folley, North Dakota, has three children; Charles married and resides on the old homestead; William, with his brother Charles;

John F. who married December 16, 1881, Miss Mary Snyder whose parents were pioneer settlers of High Forest township, coming from Illinois in 1855. Her father died in 1905 in California and is buried there. Her mother passed away at Sioux Falls, where she lies at rest. To John F. and Mary the following children have been born: Fred born in 1882 now banking in North Dakota; Harry, born April 13, 1885, died in 1902; William, born January 14, 1889, with his parents; Cosetta born July 13, 1890, graduate of the Stewartville High School, studying music.

Mr. Lamp first bought 160 acres in section 34, of his parents, and afterward added to it 160 acres in section 3 in the panhandle, High Forest township. He has brought this fine farm to a high state of tilth and improvement, and deserves great credit for his industry, public spirit and high character. It is probable that the buildings on the place could not be duplicated for less than $8,000. He also owns 480 acres in North Dakota. He holds stock in the Creamery, Lumber and Elevator companies. He also owns stock in the Bankers’ Life Insurance Company of Des Moines, with which he carries life insurance. He also holds a policy in the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. He is a Mason, a Modern Samaritan and a Modern Woodman. He belongs to the Methodist church. He is one of the most scientific farmers in this portion of the state. He is well educated and well posted and read on all modern improvements. His farm is devoted to stock and grain. He is able, public-spirited, progressive and industrious. All of his Shorthorn cattle are registered. He is a director of the State Dairies Association and is especially interested in the manufacture of products from the raw material. He has broad views on all public questions. He thinks the people should get back to the soil and that the day of small farms is approaching. He is one of the few men of the township who can understand and appreciate such subjects. Mr. Lamp’s father was an old soldier. He enlisted in 1861, at the call of President Lincoln, in the Third Minnesota Regiment, and served until honor ably mustered out. He participated in several battles and hard campaigns and was on hospital detail toward the close of the war.

LaPLANT, HENRY JR., ------has resided since 1868 on his present farm of 240 acres on section 3, Orion township. He is the son of Henry, Sr., and his wife Mary, both of whom trace their ancestry to France. Henry, Sr., was the son of Peter and Maria (Foy), the former of whom came directly from France. Peter was the son of Charles, who died in 1878 at the great age of ninety two years and was buried at St. Bridget’s cemetery. His wife died, February 12, 1878, and both now sleep side by side in their final rest. Peter died in December 1895, and his widow died January 15, 1900; she was born February 7, 1816; they were most excellent people, industrious and honest. and had the respect of all who knew them. Henry, Sr., died December 23, 1904, at the age of sixty-five years, and his widow followed him to the grave on June 2, 1907. Henry, Sr., came to this farm in 1868 and passed the remainder of his life in this county. He was a man of much personal worth and high character. Charles La Plant was a soldier in the American army during the war with Mexico and was honorably mustered out at the end of that struggle with an excel lent record of hardships and dangers bravely borne for his country. The family of La Plant traces its origin far back in French history to the nobles who flourished before the Revolution and during the period of Napoleon’s triumphs.

Henry La Plant, Jr., was born in New York state—Plattsburg, Clinton county—on May 16, 1863, and received his primary education at the public schools of his native town. In due time he entered the higher grades, but left school at the age of seventeen years. While yet at home he made several trips to New York, Quebec and Montreal on pleasure bent, and had the thrilling experience of witnessing the great Chicago fire in 1871. He then returned home and remained up to his twenty-fifth year. In 1886 he drove with team to Grand county, South Dakota, where he took up a claim, perfected it and finally sold out after four years for a consideration of $1,400. He then returned home, bought a threshing machine and continued to operate the same for a period of twenty years. He next bought a farm of 120 acres, and in 1907 bought out the heirs of the old homestead. About the same time also he bought another tract of fifty acres on section 10, known as the Madden farm. Assisted by his father he built a handsome residence and the largest and best barn, without question, in the whole county. Besides, they made many other improvements which are a credit to their enterprise and to the county. At present he raises all varieties of grain usually grown in this portion of the state and uses his own separator in the handling of milk. He cultivates about 200 acres and uses the rest for pasture. He keeps on hand about 100 sheep and raises about 100 hogs per year. He usually has on hand about fifteen milk cows, fifteen head of horses, and about thirty head of cattle designed eventually for the market. He is up-to-date in all his farming operations and is prosperous and enjoying the blessings of life.

He is a Democrat and has been clerk of the board of education for twelve years. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church at Chatfield.

On June 21, 1898, he married, at Chatfield, Miss Mary Halloran, daughter of Florence and Mary, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. La Plant was born in Spring Valley, Minnesota, February 22, 1873. They have five children as follows: Walter Henry, born September 25, 1899; Harriet Grace, born May 11, 1902; Henry Florence, born December 2, 1904; Mary Lucile, born January 10, 1906, and Susan Esther, born March 20, 1908. No family of the county has a higher standing in all things worthy than does that of the La Plants.

LaPLANT, WILLIAM -----of Rochester, is a son of Luther and Anna La Plant, and grandson of Charles and Mary La Plant. Charles La Plant was a native of France, but immigrated to Canada in 1795, and settled at Three Rivers, in the Province of Quebec, where he married. He served Great Britian during the war of 1812, and participated in some of the notable battles of that conflict. In the year 1830, he moved with his family to Plattsburg, New York, and became a naturalized citizen of this country. Also his children all are citizens. Two of his children became residents of Olmsted county, Minnesota, and in many respects were remarkable people.

Luther La Plant was a farmer by occupation. In 1856, when all the Northwest was new and much of it unbroken, he came to Olmsted county and preempted a quarter section of land in Section 3, Orion township. his sister, Harriet La Plant, preempting 160 acres on Section 4 adjoining at the same time. Harriet La Plant remained here but a short time after the preemption of her property but returned to New York City. She was born in Canada and moved to Plattsburg, New York with her parents. As a girl and woman she was of a strong and independent character, self-reliant and resourceful. and for many years made her own way in the world working for others. She saved enough money to buy a hotel at 29 Centre Street, New York City, at the same time managing a farm in New Jersey. She accumulated considerable property in the East, but sold out in 1863, for what was then a large amount of money, and moved permanently to Olmsted county. She married William C. Shelton and died in 1882.

Luther La Plant was one of the foremost and progressive men of his time in Olmsted county and accumulated large holdings in real estate and personal property. In 1864, he volunteered his services to the Federal Government and loyally served his country during that trying period. Previous to his enlistment he had moved to Sank Center, living there ten years and dying in 1874 from an accident.

William La Plant, the immediate subject of this sketch was born in New Jersey, September 15, 1856, and became the adopted son of his Aunt Harriet, to whose loving care and kind ministrations he attributes much of the success that has come to him. His education was acquired in his native state, New York City and Olmsted county. He remained with his aunt on the farm until her death, then as her heir, he conducted the farm until 1895, since when he has made his home in Rochester. He is the owner of valuable real estate, is independent in his political views, voting for the man rather than the party, is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Commercial Club of Rochester.

January 24, 1886 he married Miss Margaret A. Campion, who was born in Eyota township, Olmsted county, July 14, 1863, daughter of John Campion, one of the most prominent of the early pioneers of Olmsted county, who settled in Eyota township in 1854. She died July 22, 1909, leaving four children: Stella Mary, a graduate of the State Normal School at Winona, and at present a teacher in the Rochester public schools; Ralph Ignatius, head book-keeper in the First State Bank of Rochester; Elizabeth Luella, a graduate of the Rochester High School, and William Spencer.

LARSEN, CHRIS -----who has been a resident of Olmsted county since 1872, was born in the northern part of Denmark, April 22, 1849. He was educated and reared to early manhood in his native country, but in 1872 came to the United States and located at Byron, Olmsted county, Minnesota. Previous to leaving the old country he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Jensen, whose parents had died when she was yet a young girl, and who had been brought up by an aunt and one year after Mr. Larsen’s arrival here she also came to America and joined him in Olmsted county.

For seven years Mr. Larsen worked as a farm laborer, and by careful saving of his earnings was then enabled to buy a small farm in New Haven township. He later purchased another tract of fifty-two acres in section 35, Kalmar township. When Mr. Larsen first landed in America he had but two pennies in his pocket with which to face the trials and hardships of a pioneer life in a new country. However, he possessed an abundance of courage, and knew that in the end he would be successful. Gradually, as his means permitted, he added to his holdings, and at present is regarded as one of the most prosperous and up-to-date farmers of his community. Mr. Larsen, aside from his farming interests, is interested in hog raising, and also has a fine lot of cattle and horses on his place.

In his political views he is a Republican, and aside from having filled several minor township offices, he has been a delegate to three state conventions. Socially he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of Byron Lodge, No. 135, and in religious views he and family are identified with the Lutheran church. To Mr. Larsen and wife the following six children were born, five of whom are yet living: Jens, born July 8, 1868; William Peter, born August 12, 1875; Christine, born August 11, 1879; Alfred, born November 9, 1881; Lewis O., born December 14, 1883; and one who died in infancy. Mr. Larsen is interested in any movement that is for the good of the community, and is regarded by all who know him as one of the public-spirited men of Kalmar township.

LARSON, DAVID S. -----was born in Norway and was the son of Stark and Carrie, who crossed the Atlantic ocean and came to near Madison, Wisconsin, where they located on a farm and where the father finally passed away. The mother came to Rock Dell township, this county, and here she resided until she, too, died and was laid to rest in East St. Olaf’s cemetery.

David S. Larson, their son, was put to work at an early age on his father’s farm and in his boy hood was given a fair education at the district schools. In June, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Julia B. Nordhem, who was a native of Norway, and the descendant of an old and prominent family of that country. The marriage was solemnized in the city of Chicago. Immediately after the marriage they came to Rock Dell township and bought a tract of eighty acres in Section 16, to which another eighty acres were added after a number of years. At the time of his death Mr. Larson owned a total of 178 acres of excellent land, all well improved with good buildings and under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Larson was a hardworking man, a good neighbor, a kind husband and indulgent father, and the county was benefited by his presence and high character. He was a Republican and at all elections worked for the best interests of his party. He was a member of East St. Olaf’s Church, where he regularly attended services. His death, which occurred August 23, 1907, was regarded as a serious loss to the community. He lies buried in St. Olaf’s cemetery.

His children were as follows: Carrie B., born August 3, 1876 married Henry Nelson, a farmer of North Dakota; she is the mother of three children; Bennett E., born December 31, 1877, a farmer of North Dakota; Isabel S., born October 21, 1880, married Ole Moe, a farmer of this township; she is the mother of four children: Stark L., born February 3, 1883, a farmer of North Dakota; Dina J., born October 28, 1885, still with her mother. This family is one of the best in the county for industry, good conduct and intelligence.

LARSON, IVER ------was born in Norway November 6, 1844, and in youth received a fair education in the district schools. In early manhood he learned the trade of shoemaking, and this he followed a considerable portion of his early years. He crossed the Atlantic ocean to America in 1867 and, going westward, finally located in Olmsted county and worked at his trade in Rochester from 1867 to 1878. He carefully saved every cent possible during this period, because he had in view a better home in the country, one that he could rightfully call his own. In 1878 he bought a tract of 240 acres in Sections 8 and 9, Salem township, and moved with his family upon the same, and here he has resided ever since. This place is now well improved and constitutes one of the pleasantest homes in the country districts of the county. The buildings are substantial and good and the surroundings are convenient and comfortable. Mr. Larson is one of the most successful farmers of the county. He raises large quantities of grain and large numbers of hogs and cattle for the markets. His present residence was built in 1886 and his fine farm barn in 1889. He is a Republican and is prominent in local affairs.

He was united in marriage June 22, 1872, in Rock Dell township, to Miss Carrie Thorsness, also a native of Norway, where her parents passed away. To this union the following children were born: Benny, born February 7, 1874; Laura, born June 6, 1876; Harry, born November 3, 1878; Lennie, born December 16, 1880: Cora, born March 18, 1886; Emma, born December 24, 1888; Ella. born July 1, 1891; Florence, born March 20, 1894; Ruth, born August 12, 1896. These children are living. Two others are deceased.

LARSON, STARK A. -----was born in Rock Dell township, October 9, 1867, and is a son of Andrew and Sarah, who emigrated from Norway to the United States and settled in Olmsted county. The father worked at the mason trade for sometime and then bought 160 acres in section thirteen, Rock Dell township, and this land they made their home until their respective deaths. They were honest, industrious and law-abiding people and had the high regard of all who knew them.

Stark A. spent his early years in getting a common school education and in assisting his parents to clear, improve and cultivate the farm. He finished his education by taking a course in Darling’s Business College at Rochester. After finishing his schooling he worked at farming on shares for eleven years and then bought his grandfather’s homestead in section thirteen. Here he is now residing and doing well.

On March 16, 1893, he married Martha Garvick, whose parents were early settlers of Vernon township, Dodge county. To this marriage the following children were born: Stella C., Caia A., Elvine S., Agnes B., Andrew K., Edgar F., Mabel S., Lillie L., Esther N., Lawrence T. Mr. Larson is a Republican and is a member of St. Olaf’s congregation, where he and all his family were confirmed. The parents are proud of their children, and well they may be all are bright and wide awake to the possibilities of the great busy world of which they are a part.

LAUDON, ROBERT L. -----was born in the grand duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, August 12, 1851, and there attended school until he was fourteen years old. In 1865 he came with his parents, Louis and Anna Laudon, to the United States, and settled on a rented farm of 160 acres in Dover township, Olmsted county, Minnesota. The following spring the father bought a quarter section of land which is still owned by the family, subsequently adding thereto until he owned 560 acres. Here the father and mother lived forty years and died in 1895, aged seventy-three and seventy-one years respectively. They were honest, industrious citizens and universally respected.

Robert L. Laudon completed his schooling in this country, and until the age of twenty-seven years assisted his parents on the home farm. Inheriting 160 acres from his father, to which he has since added 120 acres; he has built a modern residence, commodious barn and out-buildings, and is known as one of the progressive, up-to-date farmers of Olmsted county. He is a Republican in politics, a director of the Dover electric light plant, was a member of the Imperial Knights, now out of existence here, and is a steward and member of the Methodist church. December 5, 1878, he married Miss Mary Schmidt, daughter of Carl and Dora Schmidt, well-known farmers in Viola township, and they are the parents of two sons. named Fred Carl, a grain buyer at Altura, Minnesota, and Shirley who resides with his parents.

LAWLER, JOHN J. -----was born in County Kerry, Ireland, on June 28, 1834, and is a son of Jeremiah and Margaret (English) Lawler. He was reared to manhood in his native country and received a common school education. He assisted his father on the home farm, but in 1856, at the age of twenty-two years, he came to America in a sailing vessel, taking nine weeks to make the passage. At first he worked for a farmer in New York state for $8 per month.

He then came West and for a while worked as a teamster on the construction of the Winona & St. Peter railroad. In the fall of 1857 he came to Olmsted county and pre-émpted eighty acres of school land in what is now Haverhill township. This land he afterwards bought for $6 per acre. As time passed he kept adding to this tract until he owned a total of 540 acres, all in Haverhill except 160 in Marion.

On May 14, 1856, he married, at Dunkirk, New York, Miss Elizabeth McElligott, who was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in November. 183 5. She came to America with her brothers and sisters in 1856, and all first settled in New York state, but a little later came to Olmsted county. Her parents were Patrick and Mary (Dore) McElligott, and they were the parents of ten children, as follows: Patrick, Jeremiah, Margaret (all three dying in early childhood of diphtheria), Mary, now Mrs. O. H. Cronin, of Tyler, Minnesota; John J., now bishop of St. Paul; Edward, married Anna Bowler and died in 1894, leaving one son—Archibald; Catherine, who became Mrs. John E. McGovern and died in 1892; Thomas R.; Michael A. who married Anna Kane and resides in Rochester; Elizabeth, who married Stephen M. Liddane and is the mother of one daughter—Lucile. The father of this family was a Democrat but usually voted for the man and not for the party. For many years he was a member of the school board and also served in other offices in his township. He was a Roman Catholic, in which faith he brought up his children. He died September 24, 1904.

Thomas R. Lawler was born on the home farm in Haverhill township on May 6, 1870, and was educated in the common schools of the country, continuing thus until the age of fifteen years, when he took a business course in St. John’s Parochial School, in Rochester. Later, for two years, he attended St. Thomas College, St. Paul. He then began business for himself as a clerk in a wholesale clothing establishment in St. Paul, but two years later entered a furniture store in that city. Later he took a course in the school of embalming in St. Paul, and in 1897 he embarked in the furniture and undertaking business at Rochester. He has thus continued with success ever since. On June 28, 1898, he married Miss Catherine V. Harney, and they have the following children: Ralph E., Elizabeth, Catherine and Mary. Mr. Lawler and family are of the Catholic faith.

LAWLER, MARTIN C. -----proprietor of the Boston Store, at Rochester, is a son of Timothy Lawler, one of the pioneer settlers in Marion township, this county. The Lawlers have long been known as among the best citizens of Olmsted county, and Timothy Lawler was no exception to this rule. He was a native of Ireland, but in order to better his condition crossed the Atlantic ocean to America in 1855, settling first in Winona county, Minnesota. Two years later he located on a farm in Marion township, this county, subsequently residing on a farm in Haverhill township until 1891, when he moved to Rochester, where he died April 6, 1910.

Martin C. Lawler was the second child born in a family of eleven children, his native place being Haverhill township. His youthful days were passed in assisting in the work of the home farm and attending the district schools. In 1886 he came to Rochester, where he was employed in the clothing firm of D. S. Stern & Company. Ten years later he purchased the business and has since conducted the business at the Boston Store. Under his able management Mr. Lawler has become one of the reliable, substantial merchants of the city. He carries a full and complete line of gentleman’s furnishing goods and is considered one of the progressive, up-to-date men of Rochester. For his helpmeet through life Mr. Lawler was fortunate in the selection of Miss Mary Norton, daughter of Patrick Norton, and to their marriage have been born three children, named Norton, Fabian and Girard.

LEONARD, JOSEPH ALEXANDER -----died December 28, 1908. He was born January 24, 1830, in Cambridge, Maryland, the youngest of five children of Rev. William and Harriet (Laverty) Leonard, natives of Salisbury, Maryland, and Berks county Pennsylvania respectively. The father was a member of the Philadelphia conference of the Methodist church. The family lived at West Chester and Columbia, in Pennsylvania, and in 1840 moved to Philadelphia.

There Joseph A. received his early education and worked in a dry goods store and in a book publishing house. When 17 years old he entered the office of Prof. James McClintock lecturer on anatomy and surgery in the Philadelphia Medical College, from which institution, after three years he was graduated in 1851, then being about six months under legal age. He practiced at Dowagiac, Michigan, until the summer of 1853, then moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where he continued practicing about one and one-half years. During this time he was local editor of the Whitewater Gazette, afterwards becoming one of the owners of the paper. In December, 1856, the owners moved it to Waukesha, Wisconsin, and consolidated it with the Waukesha Plain Dealer, the name then becoming the Waukesha Republican. Mr. Leonard was editor of the Republican until the spring of 1858, when he went to Madison, the state capital, and became clerk of the committee of the state legislature appointed to investigate loans of the state school funds.

In June, 1858, he came to Rochester, Minnesota, studied law under the direction of Hon. M. W. Fay, was admitted to the bar and became a partner of Mr. Fay in the practice of law under the firm name of Fay & Leonard. He subsequently retired from the firm, and in 1859 was elected county attorney, he being the first elected to that office in Olmsted county, the new office superseding under the state organization the office of district attorney which had existed under the territorial organization. Mr. Leonard occupied the position two years. In April, 1861, he was appointed by President Lincoln the first Republican postmaster at Rochester. In May, 1864, he was appointed by the president captain of commissary and, resigning as postmaster, he was assigned to the First Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps, a command which included four Minnesota regiments. At the close of the war he was stationed at Selma, Alabama, as depot and post commissary, and in August, 1865, returned to Rochester with the brevet rank of major. In November, 1865, in partnership with Walter S. Booth, he purchased the Rochester Post, Mr. Leonard acting chiefly as editor of the paper. In January, 1868, he was elected president of the Minnesota Editorial association, serving as such two terms. In 1868 he was elected state senator from Olmsted county. In May, 1874, he was appointed by President Grant register of the United States land office at Jackson, Minnesota, and held that office until August, 1875. In the latter year he was appointed by Governor Davis a member of the first board of directors of the Minnesota Inebriate Asylum at Rochester, since made the State Insane Hospital, and was treasurer of the board. In 1876 he resigned the office, and the same year, upon the retirement of Mr. Booth from the Post, Mr. Leonard continued the publication of that paper. As the appointee of President Hayes, in June, 1877, as one of the visitors to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis at the annual examinations and graduation exercises, he was selected by the board of visitors to write their report. July 1, 1881, he received the appointment of President Garfield as United States consul at Leith, Scotland, later being appointed consul general at Calcutta, India.

In 1885 he returned to Rochester and resumed control of the Post, continuing thus until 1889, when he was appointed consul general at Shanghai, China. Again Mr. Leonard returned to Rochester and resumed editorship of The Weekly Post and of the Daily Post. In 1896 he was elected judge of probate for Olmsted county, a position he occupied until 1903. Too much work and advancing years lead to the disposal of his newspaper holdings in February, 1899. During the latter part of his life he lived practically retired, the greater part of his time being devoted to gathering data and writing a history of Olmsted county. The historical part of this volume is the result of his labor.

October 30, 1861, he married Miss Kate Cowles, daughter of Zalmon J. Cowles, and they were the parents of two daughters: Miss Maud Leonard, of Rochester, and Mrs. Kate Leonard Kelly, of Chicago. Judge Leonard was a man of distinctive personality. He was a Republican of the uncompromising kind. Olmsted county has been greatly benefited by his life. Mrs. Leonard died January 17, 1909. She was born in New York December 19, 1842, and came with her parents to Olmsted county in 1858. Coming as she did when the town was young, she identified herself in a quiet, supplemental way to the notable achievements of her husband. She won many friends and succeeded in retaining their friendship.

LEWIS, HARRY -----wholesale dealer in second-hand machinery, scrap iron, hides, furs, wool, etc., at Rochester, was born in Covna, Racine, Russia, in February, 1874, the son of Hyman and Hannah Lewis, natives of that country. The father for years dealt in horses in the old country, and subsequently immigrated to America. He first located at Dubuque, Iowa, for six years, then at New Hampton for eight years, then at Rochester, Minnesota, for ten years.

His son Harry, the immediate subject of this review, attended the public schools of his native country in youth and is essentially a self-made and self-educated man. After coming to this country he traveled for several years through the State of Iowa, but in 1893, because of financial stringency, engaged in the scrap iron business on a small scale and in time made his head quarters at Algona, Iowa. Possessing an unusual amount of shrewd business sagacity. he prospered, and in 1898, in partnership with his brother Abraham, and Joseph Miller, engaged in the wholesale scrap iron business one year at Winona, the firm name being Lewis & Miller Scrap Iron Company. This partnership was later dissolved and ever since Mr. Lewis has been successfully engaged alone at Rochester, Minnesota. He employs fifteen men in his yards, has a completely equipped plant for the handling of all kinds of iron and steel in the way of cutters, lathes, etc., and has about seventy-five agents throughout the country who buy for him on a commission basis. Mr. Lewis’ annual business transactions approximate $100,000, and he is one of the largest scrap iron dealers in southern Minnesota.

In 1895 he was united in marriage with Miss Dora Goldstein, daughter of Solomon and Mary Goldstein, and the following children, all living at home, have been born to them: Abraham Meyer, Sarah Lena, Anna Fagie, Samuel Moses, Etta Freda, Libbie Velva, Rosia Rebecca. The family are communicants of the Hebrew church. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Court of Honor, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Rochester Commercial Club and the Iowa State Traveling Men’s Association. Although a Republican in politics, Mr. Lewis generally votes for the best man, regardless of party affiliation, particularly as regards state and local affairs.

LIBBY, ABRAM -----one of the well-known, progressive farmers and old pioneers of Dover township, is of Canadian nativity, his birth occurring October 19, 1829, his parents being Nathan and Mehitable Libby. He attended the public schools of his native country and lived there until 1851, when he immigrated to the United States.

For four years and a half he was in Iowa, but the fall of 1856 came to Olmsted county Minnesota, and pre-empted 160 acres in Quincy township from the government. Only two years prior to this period the first settlement had been made here, and the howls of the wolves were more frequently heard than the lowing of cattle. Mr. Libby built his cabin in the wilds and proceeded to grub, clear, break and improve his property. The scarcity of money, the lack of proper implements and the need of assistance rendered his labor one of extreme hardship. Gradually, as the years passed, the times improved and the unbroken fields gave way to the advancing civilization of the plow, the spade and the hoe. A commodious home took the place of the rude cabin, a barn arose, modern in its uses, in place of the stable, convenient out buildings were added and where once an unbroken tract of land was to be seen there is now the prosperous home of the present-day farmer. Mr. Libby has lived to see the results of privations and severe years of toil return to him in a golden harvest. He has taken an equal part with his neighbors in the general improvement of the times and in the support of all worthy public enterprises.

In Jackson county, Iowa, on November 13, 1856, he married Mary Brumbaugh, who shared with him the hardships and happiness in making their home, and in 1906, this estimable couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Two children have been born to them, named Luva, the wife of Ellsworth E. Rank, a banker of Dover, and Otis B., who died when two years old. The parents of Mrs. Libby were Samuel and Magdalena Brumbaugh, of Holland ancestry. The former died in 1880 aged seventy-six years, and the latter January 16, 1901, at the age of ninety-three years and ten months. They were the grand parents of forty-one grandchildren, the great-grandparents of eighty-two and the great-great-grandparents of three. In the evening of life Mr. and Mrs. Libby look with contentment back over a period of praiseworthy life, and forward with the hope of an immortal life in the world to come.

LIVINGSTON, JAMES -----of section 35, Haverhill township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, was born July 24, 1863, on the place that has always been his home, a son of James W. and Mary McKill, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father was born in 1820 and was reared and educated in the old country, but about 1822 he first came to America. After spending three years in this country, he returned to Scotland and was married, and then he and wife left their native land for good and came West to the unsettled heart of Olmsted county, Minnesota, and prepared a home. The date of their arrival in Haverhill township was 1856, and the father immediately entered 160 acres of government land, which he cleared and cultivated and added to from time to time. Another addition was an adjoining 160 acres which he and his sons cleared and cultivated. To him and wife four sons and six daughters were born, all on the old home place in Haverhill township. Originally, in politics, the father was a Republican, but in the latter years of his life became independent in his views. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, took an active part and interest in all public affairs, and died in 1895 mourned by his many friends and relatives.

The boyhood days of James Livingston were spent in assisting in the work on the home farm and attending the district schools. He and one brother now own the home farm, and the same has been brought to be one of the finest in the county. Aside from the active business cares of life, Mr. Livingston has found time to cultivate the social side as well, and as such is identified with the Royal Arcanum and the Presbyterian church. He is largely interested in the raising of fine stock and is one of the progressive farmers of the community.

LOMBARD, LUTHER MELVIN -----one of the prominent businessmen of Chatfield, is a son of Abel M. and Martha Lombard. The father, who was a native of the state of Maine, came to Chatfield in 1855, and thereafter for several years traveled as a machinist; but when the rebellion broke out in 1861 he volunteered as an engineer and was assigned to duty on board a gunboat and saw active and dangerous service for one year. After awhile his health so failed him that he was compelled to retire from the service, whereupon he was honorably mustered out after brave and arduous, service. He returned to Minnesota and located in Freeborn county, where for a time he served as engineer in a sawmill continuing thus for about one year. He then settled in the town of Chatfield, where he bought a half interest in a tin shop and was thus associated for about one year, when he bought out his partner and conducted the business alone until 1872, when the concern was wholly destroyed by fire, though protected by insurance. Soon afterward he erected a new and better building and added general hardware to his other pursuit and the combination he successfully carried on until 1888, at which time he bought a third interest in what is now the First National bank, but which was then known as Lombard, Jones & Ober, a private banking institution. Mr. Lombard was thus associated for nine years, beginning in 1889. After a business career of more than ordinary activity and prominence, he finally retired from the stirring duties of life in 1898. Three years later, after a long life of honor, usefulness and success he passed away.

His son Luther M. was born in Freeborn county, Minnesota December 20, 1862 and received his primary education in the public schools of Chatfield. He finished his schooling in Darling’s Business college, Rochester, in 1876. He then returned to Chatfield and assisted his father in the hardware store and tinshop for three years and a half. Having become in the meantime proficient in music, he concluded to see something of the world, and accordingly accepted a position as musician on the first electrically lighted steamboat to play on the Mississippi river. Beginning thus at about the age of seventeen and a half years, he continued for some three years and a half, gaining much valuable experience of the great and busy world. In 1883 he returned to Chatfield and became manager of his father’s shop, and so continued until the concern was sold out, after which until 1891 he did little owing to ill-health. He then occupied a position with the Hayden tinning and plumbing concern and was thus occupied for about twelve years. He next bought a farm of 160 acres and lived thereon and cultivated the same for a year and a half, succeeding which he returned to Chatfield and resumed old place with Hayden Tinning and Plumbing Company, in the meantime renting his farm. He was the manager of that firm for one year and a half. In 1904 he established an independent business of his own as plumber and heater and has thus been successfully occupied ever since. He is well known in this portion of the county and is highly respected. In politics he is a Republican, though he does considerable independent thinking and acting.

On December 8, 1886, at Chatfield, he married Miss Alda Holden, daughter of Oscar and Lizzie Holden, a successful carpenter and prominent businessman of Chatfield. Mr. and Mrs. Lombard have two children: Jennie, who is now in high school and Donald, also in high school.

LOWRIE, GEORGE H. ------is one of the best known scientific and practical farmers of Olmsted county. He is of New England nativity, born June 4, 1833, at South Canaan, Litchfield county, Connecticut, a son of John Bradford and Lovissa Lowrie, and a direct descendant of Governor Bradford, of Colonial fame. His boyhood days were passed on a farm with common-school educational advantages, and in order to better his circumstances, in 1857, he came West, locating in Eyota township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, where he secured 160 acres of land on sections 20 and 21. For a period of twenty nine years he lived on this place, altering its condition from the original state to that of modern development and convenience. In 1886 he sold the property and moved to his present home in Pleasant Grove township, where he is the owner of 405 acres. The ordinary interpretation of the farmer is that he does as did his progenitors before him, requiring no particular intelligence and relying chiefly upon plodding and hard work to success. Mr. Lowrie has demonstrated that farming is a science; that with brains and intelligence applied to husbandry, the chances for success are practically assured. He has carefully read the results of experiments made by the Agricultural Department of the United States Government has studied the soil as to its adaptability to his needs, and has conquered by reason of intelligence where others have failed because of not having mastered the scientific principles underlying the vast subject of modern farming. In other ways Mr. Lowrie has demonstrated that to be a good farmer it is necessary to be equally well informed on the general affairs of the country, and that a good agriculturist is the most independent of all mankind. He is a Republican in his political views and has served in various official positions.

To his marriage with Miss Susan White, solemnized in 1865, the following children have been born: Edward; Lucy, now Mrs. Brown; Nellie, now Mrs. McCaruthers; Jessie, Mrs. Fox; John; Frank; Oscar; George; Mae, Mrs. Stevens; Charles, and Fred. The children have been given the best of schooling opportunities, and are surrounded with every comfort, pleasure and advantage that love can bestow.

LULL, GEORGE L. -----one of the best-known and most successful farmers and stock-raisers in Olmsted county, was born in Marion township, January 22, 1867, a son of Legrand W. and Amanda (Brown) Lull. Legrand W. Lull was one of the earliest settlers in the county. He was a native of Otsego county, New York, his birth occurring May 8, 1832, and first came to Minnesota in 1857. Here he followed his trade as carpenter two years in the village of Marion, and then returned for a year and a half’s residence in the East. In 1861 he came back to Olmsted county and purchased 240 acres of land, which he cleared and cultivated, and which is still in possession of the family. This tract was located on section 22, Marion township, and with the exception of seven years spent in the city of Rochester, during the latter years of his life, was always Mr. Lull’s home. He was keenly interested in all the important topics of the day, politics included, and in 1884 served as treasurer of the county. He also for a number of years acted in the same capacity for the Burr Oak district, and was chairman of the board of county commissioners for eight years. He passed away on February 20, 1908, in his seventy-sixth year, a man greatly beloved and respected for his many sterling qualities of mind and character. He was of that class of men who helped build and organize our country and make it the premier nation of the world. He was greatly interested in every movement that tended to the growth and development of home and country, and with his death Olmsted county lost a good and true man and citizen. His wife, Amanda Brown, was born in New York State on December 31, 1838, the daughter of William R. Brown, one time merchant and farmer of Marion, and to their union four sons, Howard A., George L., William B. and Frank E., and one daughter, Goldie E., were born, all on the old homestead in Marion township.

Of the above named children, George L. Lull, the immediate subject of this review, was reared in, and educated in the district schools of, his native township. He supplemented his early schooling by courses in the Rochester High School and Darling’s Business College. In 1892,when twenty-five years old, he left the home place and went to Owatonna, Steele county, Minnesota, and there was apprenticed to and learned the jewelry business. This line of endeavor he followed for about fifteen years, and then returned to the home farm in Marion township, Olmsted county.

He was married January 26, 1898, at Owatonna, to Miss Myrtle Anderson, a native of that place, and three children have been born to their union, as follows: One who died in infancy, Laverne and Helen. In his political views Mr. Lull, like his father before him. is a firm believer in the ideas advanced by the Republican party, and he takes an active interest in the success of any local movement that tends to the betterment of his community.

LULL, LEGRAND W. -----was born in Morris, Otsego county, New York, May 8, 1832, and is a son of Oliver T. and Sene (Mudge) Lull, both of whom were descendants of old New York families. The father was a clothing merchant and was a man of prominence in the community where he resided.

Legrand W. was educated in the Otsego county schools and in early manhood learned the carpenter trade. In 1865 he came to Olmsted county and for two years worked at his trade and saved much of his earnings. After his marriage he took up a tract of 240 acres, which he still owned at the time of his death, and which his widow still owns. Mr. Lull became prominent in this township. He was treasurer of the “Burr Oak” school district for many years. He was a strong Republican and took an active part in party and public affairs. He became so well known throughout the county that he was finally elected county treasurer, and served with high credit from 1884 to 1887. Again he was brought forward by his party in 1893 and elected county commissioner and served as such from 1893 to 1901. He was chairman of the county board at the time the new poorhouse was built and his knowledge of the carpenter trade was of much use to the county. At all times he was the friend and supporter of all worthy movements, and was warmly esteemed by every person who met him and felt the impress of his cordiality, high character and magnetism. He removed to Rochester in 1900 and there resided until the final summons came, February 20, 1908. His family still resides at 1106 West Fifth street, Rochester.

On October 24, 1858, he married Miss Amanda C. Brown, of Marion township, daughter of John R. and Sallie (Rockwell) Brown, both representatives of old American families. Amanda C. was born at Bethel, Sullivan county, New York, December 31, 1838. She and her husband had the following children: Cora Emma, born April 1, 1862, died in 1865; Howard Almond, born September 10, 1863, resides in Rochester; George Legrand, born January 22, 1867, resides on the old homestead; William Brown, born January 19, 1871, a jeweler at Owatonna; Frank Eugene, born September 7, 1880, electrical engineer with the Malleable Iron Company, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin; Goldie Eugenia, born December 20, 1883, resides with her mother in Rochester. This family is one of the oldest and most prominent in the county.

LUNDE, REV. PEDER J. -----is a native of Stavanger, Norway, where he was born July 30, 1873. His father, Jesper J. Lunde, was a successful farmer of that country and there passed his entire life. dying May 26, 1882. The mother was formerly Rakel Garpestad and also passed her life in Norway and died April 18, 1908.

Their son Peder J., the subject of this sketch, was reared in that country and was educated in the local schools and spent his days of vacation in assisting his parents to make a living for the family. More than ordinary care was spent on his education and he was finally confirmed in his church. In 1890 he came to this country and settled in South Dakota, where he attended school for some time and engaged in farming for some eight or nine years. In the meantime, having made up his mind to become a minister of his church, he attended Grand Forks College and later on for a number of terms Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, in order to still further fit himself for his important calling. He took a general course and spent considerable time in perfecting himself in English. In the fall of 1903 he was admitted to the Theological Seminary of The United Norwegian Lutheran church of America, where he spent three years and received his diploma, June 1, 1906. He was duly ordained as minister June 17, 1906, and took charge of an appointment in Williams and McKenzie counties, North Dakota, where he organized the congregation of West Prairie.

In 1909 he was called to take charge of the United Lutheran church at Rock Dell, Olmsted county. Here he is laboring at present. He is a Republican in politics. On June 26. 1906, he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Skree in Clay county, Minnesota. They have one child, Luther Jerome.

LYMAN, EDDY L. -----for years actively and successfully engaged in the mercantile business at Rochester, was born March 2, 1863, in Rock county, Illinois, the eighth in a family of nine children born to the marriage of George P. and Mary (Whitney) Lyman, the father being a native of Vermont and the mother of England. The Lyman family is of old Colonial stock. Early in life George B. Lyman, the father of our subject, located in Boone county, Illinois, and engaged in farming. In later years he removed to Sharon, Wisconsin. and there spent the rest of his life in the mercantile business. To him and wife nine children were born.

Of these, Eddy L. Lyman, during boyhood days, attended the public schools and assisted his father in the store. He continued thus until nineteen years old, and then for five years was employed as a commercial traveler for a Cincinnati establishment. On February 8, 1892, he came to Rochester, and, locating at the corner of Broadway and Fourth streets, engaged in the millinery business. He remained there for a period of eight years and then removed to his present quarters at 119 South Broadway, 30x100 feet, with two stories and basement. Mr. Lyman’s shrewd but conscientious business dealings with the people insured success from the start, and he now carries a large force of sales ladies and milliners and handles a complete line of millinery and ladies’ and children’s ready-to-wear clothing. He has the only exclusive ladies’ furnishing store in the county.

On November 19, 1884, Mr. Lyman was united in marriage with Miss Alma Parker, daughter of George J. Parker, of Boone county, Illinois, and to them have been born Ethel, Constance and Dorothy. Aside from his mercantile establishment, he also is interested largely in real estate and has a fine farm of 480 acres in Marshall county. Mr. Lyman has served as school commissioner and is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen and the Royal Neighbors. He is regarded as one of the progressive men of the county.

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