My Genealogy Hound

LEWIS C. LYBROOK. Of the younger element of our prominent, energetic and influential citizens, none are better known than Lewis C. Lybrook, one of the practical and successful farmers of Cass County. During the years he has followed his chosen occupation here, he has shown himself endowed with superior ability, and his comprehensive knowledge of everything pertaining to his calling and soundness of judgment have placed him among the substantial farmers of his locality. He was born on the farm where he now lives, section 28, Silver Creek Township, in 1856, and from an early age has displayed much aptitude for his calling.

His grandfather, Isaac L. Lybrook, was a native of the grand old State of Virginia, and was there reared to manhood and married, selecting his wife in the person of Miss Nancy Burk. He was a man of education and learning, and in connection with farming was for many years engaged in tilling the soil. At an early date he moved to Giles County, that State, and there his son Baltzer, father of our subject, was born in 1824. Like most of the farmer boys of that day, the latter received his education in the district schools, and his early experience as a farmer was most beneficial to him in later years. When but a child he emigrated with his mother to the Buckeye State but a few years later he came with her to Cass County, Mich., where he made his home up to the time of his death. They were among the first settlers of their township, having settled there about 1828 or 1829, and were classed among its representative citizens.

There Baltzer grew to manhood, but later he went with his mother to Berrien County, where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Miller. Following his marriage he entered a piece of land in that county and there remained for some time. Later, he entered the land where our subject now lives, one hundred and sixty acres, and lived to see this all well improved. He was a stanch advocate of the Democratic party and was called on at different times to hold township offices. He was Treasurer and Highway Commissioner and was an able and careful official. His death, which occurred in 1886, was the occasion of great sorrow, for all felt the loss to be sustained by the departure of such a man.

Our subject, the eldest of the four children born to his parents, has always been a resident of Cass County, and is one of the young but representative citizens. His brother and sisters were named as follows: Andrew, at home; Eliza, wife of James Snyder; and Anna B., wife of Edward Moore, Lewis C. supplemented a common-school education by attending the Dowagiac High School, and has always remained under the parental roof. He is well informed and well educated, and for some time taught school, where he made quite a reputation as an educator. Since his father’s death he has taken charge of the farm, and with the assistance of his brother has carried it on successfully. In politics, he is a Democrat and has held the office of Supervisor and Clerk of the township.