My Genealogy Hound

LAKIN, W. T. real estate agent for lands of the Burlington and Mo. River R. R. and Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, for the Counties of Greene, Scott, Morgan, Calhoun, etc., etc. William T. Lakin is a native of Greene County; born near the city of Carrollton, on the old homestead of his parents, Alexander and Maria Lakin. Elsewhere a biographical sketch will be found of the older members of this family, and we now enter upon a short description of the subject of this sketch. From his earliest years he became identified with the farming interest, and during the winter season applied himself diligently to his studies, and received a liberal education, as the reward of well directed energy. At the early age of sixteen he became apprenticed to the trade of a harness maker, with N. Williams, of White Hall. Continuing in this capacity two years, he became a baggage master on the St. L., J. & C. R.R. In 1866, prior to its lease to the C. &. A., while officiating in this capacity, on the 5th day of November of the year above mentioned, while endeavoring to board a train, he was thrown from the car to the rail and so seriously injured by the moving train as to necessitate the amputation of part of one hand and leg. On his recovery from his almost fatal accident he turned his attention to telegraphing, and for a period verging on nine years was employed on various railroads throughout the union. In 1875 he became a resident of the five town of White Hall, where he embarked in business and established the Greene County Democrat, and succeeded in building up a live paper and receiving a liberal share of the public patronage. We cannot, owing to limited space, follow Mr. L. in his enterprising career as editor and correspondent, where he displayed marked ability. For the past two years he has transacted a successful business as land agent, through energy, integrity and honesty. In 1871, at Greenfield, Mr. L. was married to Miss Addie Roe, a daughter of George Roe, of Wheeling, West Va., by whom he has two children: George A. and Leni Leoti.