My Genealogy Hound

JOHN HENRY LAUGING. Noting the success which Mr. Lauging, though young in years, has already attained, and the honorable position which he occupies among the farmers of Pettis County, even a casual and inexperienced student of mankind would at once conclude that he is the possessor of perseverance, energy and wise judgment. It is, in fact, largely to the result of his exercise of these qualities that his present prosperity is due. He is the son of Frank H. Lauging, a well known and respected German-American citizen of this county, of whose life mention is elsewhere made.

During the residence of his parents in Bates County, Mo., the subject of this notice was born, May 7, 1859. He is the eldest of three children, and is the only son in the family. His sister Carrie was born in Bates County, July 20, 1861, and is the wife of J. Alva Heck, who cultivates the farm belonging to his father-in-law in Pettis County; they have had four children, but one of the number is deceased. The younger sister, Mary, was born in Pettis County, April 24, 1864, and married William Durrell.

At the age of three years our subject was brought by his parents to Pettis County, where he received such advantages as the country schools afforded. However, very little of his time was devoted to his studies, as he was obliged to assist in the task of clearing and improving the farm, and worked early and late at home. Trained to a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits, on arriving at man’s estate he chose farming for his life work, and this occupation he has since followed with success.

April 12, 1888, Mr. gauging married Miss Elizabeth Schenk, of Washington Township, Pettis County. This estimable lady was born in Madison County, Ill., April 10, 1866, and received a fair education in the common schools. Her parents, J. G. and Annie (Stroeter) Schenk, were born in Germany, emigrated thence to America with their respective parents, and were married in Wisconsin. She came to Missouri with the other members of the family when eighteen years old, and settled upon a farm adjoining that of Mr. Lauging.

Five children have been born to our subject and his wife, named as follows: Frank H., who was born on the home farm March 6, 1889; John Anton, whose birth occurred June 16, 1890; Martha Anna and Frederick Oshar, who died at the ages of six and five months, respectively; and Freedom Valentine, who was born February 14, 1895, and was named by the writer of this biography. The surviving children are bright and intelligent, and will be given good educational advantages as soon as old enough.

The first Presidential ballot of Mr. Lauging was cast for James G. Blaine in 1884, and he has since that time advocated the measures of the Republican party , though he does not take an active part in political affairs. As a farmer he cannot be surpassed by anyone in the county. He is keen, shrewd, enterprising and painstaking, and his farm, which is situated on section 24, township 44, range 22, bears evidence of his thrift and oversight. His arrangements for taking care of the milk and making butter are especially noticeable, and he has introduced other novel plans into his farm work. His dwellings and outbuildings are neat and substantial, and within his home every modern convenience may be found. In religious belief he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. They are a worthy couple, and are worthy of the high esteem in which they are held by their associates.