My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM LEMEN, who for some years has successfully engaged in school teaching, and is now a well known and highly respected citizen of Burksville, is numbered among the native sons of Monroe County. His parents, Josiah and Susan A. (Bales) Lemen, were also born in Illinois. In the public schools the father acquired his early education, which was supplemented by a college course. He remained at home until his marriage with Miss Bales in 1851. To them were born six children, Lewis, William, Albert, Jennie, and two who died in infancy.

After his marriage, Mr. Lemen purchased the old homestead, and carried on farming until his death, which occurred September 27, 1875. He held the office of School Director, and also served as election judge. He exercised his right of franchise in support of the Republican party. In every duty of life he was thoroughly conscientious, and was a kind father, true husband and loyal citizen. His wife held membership with the Baptist Church, and died in that faith December 7, 1863.

The great-grandfather of our subject built the first brick house west of the Ohio River. One evening, as Captain Dent, the father-in-law of General Grant, was on his way home, night over took him, and he came to this house seeking shelter. The lady, a very kind-hearted woman, who was then at home alone, consented to allow him to remain. The family consisted of father, mother and seven sons, all of whom were grown young men, large and robust. As night drew near, the sons came home after a day’s hunt. Captain Dent trembled as he saw them enter, their hands and clothes covered with blood, for he thought he was at the mercy of a gang of robbers. The father soon inquired of the boys concerning their success and was answered, “We laid one cold.” This frightened the Captain more than ever; he feared these were his last moments on earth, and he would never see his home and family again. The evening to him passed slowly away, and at last the hour of retiring drew near. The old gentleman remarked, “Well I guess it’s time,” but did not say time for what. He walked to the fireplace and reached above the mantle-piece, where hung a large rifle, but instead of the rifle, as was looked for by the traveler, he took the family Bible and commenced the evening worship. The Captain’s relief may be imagined when he found that instead of being among a gang of robbers, he was in a home of ministers, for the seven sons were all preachers.

We now take up the personal history of William Lemen, who was educated in a high school of Monroe County, and spent his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farmer lads. Having arrived at years of maturity, he chose as a companion and helpmate on life’s journey Miss Louisa E. Briegel. By their marriage was born one child, a girl, Hulda E., who is the light and joy of the parents’ home. Mr. and Mrs. Lemen have always resided on the old Lemen homestead, which is carried on by our subject, who, in addition to his farm labor, spends eight months of the year in teaching school. He has always been a close student, and has spent much of his leisure time in deep research in various directions. He began teaching at the age of twenty-one, and has followed the profession for twelve years, becoming a most capable instructor. He also has two brothers who are engaged in school teaching. He was also for four years engaged in operating a saw mill, operated a threshing machine for twelve years, and was the founder of Lemen Station, on the Mobile & Ohio Railroad.

In politics, Mr. Lemen has been a stalwart Republican since casting his first Presidential vote for R. B. Hayes. He belongs to the Farmers’ Mutual Benefit Association, and is a man whose many excellencies of character have gained him high regard throughout the community. By his industry and enterprise he has made for his family a fine home. He carries forward to a successful completion whatever he undertakes, and has therefore won a prominent place among the leading farmers and teachers of the county.