My Genealogy Hound

LAKIN, LEANDER R. County Clerk. Among the more prominent citizens of Greene County, who are worthy of more than a passing notice, we mention the name of Leander R. Lakin, an old resident of Greene County, who was elected to the above responsible position Nov. 6, 1873, officiating in this capacity up to the present time, to the general satisfaction of all. Nov. 28, 1873, Mr. Lakin united his fortunes to Miss Nettie S. Brace, a daughter of Jesse and Emily, whose maiden name was Sayles. There were born of this marriage two children, Leila E., deceased, and Jessie. Prior to entering upon the duties of Clerk of the County, Mr. Lakin took a leading position as an agriculturist, owning the homestead property of his parents, consisting of 286 acres of land, situated in one of the best townships of Greene County. This sketch would be incomplete were we to omit to mention Jordan Lakin, many years ago Sheriff of Greene County. He was born in the State of Ohio in 1817; in 1827 he made his way to Greene County, Ill., where he afterward took a leading position; it was during his pioneer days that he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza A. Myers, by whom he had nine children, the subject of our sketch being the youngest son. Passing by those pioneer days, fraught with no ordinary interest, owing to limited space, we may state that the head of the family was far above the average in ability and force of character. During the late Civil War he organized Co. H., 91st Ill. Infantry, proceeding to the front with the rank of Captain; resigning his commission before the close of the Rebellion, he returned to Greene County, where he became a successful farmer. He passed away August 29, 1869, and was laid at rest in the Hopewell Cemetery, a handsome monument marking the spot. His wife had preceded him to that World of Spirits many years prior, dying in 1860. As an instance of the pluck and energy displayed by him whose name heads this narrative —during the earlier years of his manhood, he gave proof of an ability far beyond his years. His father, fully realizing that his days upon earth were numbered, gave the entire charge of his property into the keeping of his youngest son, believing that by so doing the property that he had battled for so many years would be equitably divided among his family, through the ability of the son. These expectations were fully realized; one by one, the heirs received their just portion of a valuable estate; and today Leander Lakin, one of the best men and ablest financiers of Greene County, remains owner of the homestead property, through his ability as a farmer, stock buyer, and manager, and a more live, energetic, or generous citizen than Mr. L. does not dwell within the borders of Greene. Further notice will be given elsewhere in this volume.