My Genealogy Hound

LEWIS LEMEN, a representative farmer of township 3, range 9, living on section 7, was born in Monroe County, July 29, 1853, and is a son of Josiah D. and Susan (Bales) Lemen, both of whom were natives of Illinois. The father was born and reared in this country, and attended the common schools, where he completed his education. A well spent life and close attention to the details of his business made his career a prosperous one. He was a good neighbor and a kind hearted man, and the community recognized in him a valued citizen. His wife was left an orphan when quite young. She proved to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate, but she died in December, 1863, at the early age of twenty-nine years. They were the parents of six children: Lewis, William, Albert, Jennie, and two who died in infancy. Mr. Lemen married for his second wife Bridget Riley, who is also now deceased. Of the six children of that union three died in infancy.

The great-grandfather of our subject, Elder James Lemen, was the third son of the Rev. James and Catherine Lemen, who emigrated from Virginia to Illinois in 1786. They were the parents of six sons and two daughters, all of whom were leading members of the Baptist Church, four of the sons being ordained ministers. Elder James Lemen was born in Illinois, October 8, 1787, and was the second white child born of American parentage in this territory. When about twenty years of age, he joined the church and commenced preaching. He was ordained in New Design, Ill., in the only Baptist Church in the state, in 1809, the organization having been effected in 1796. He and Elder John Baugh were the only members of what was then known as Cantine Creek Church, now Bethel Church, with which Elder Lemen continued his membership for over sixty years, or until the time of his death. He was an active and efficient minister of the Gospel, who traveled far and wide organizing and building churches and laboring with marked success. He did his work in Illinois, Missouri and other western states. His father was the first person baptized by immersion in Illinois, and at the father’s ordination Elder Lemen assisted. He also preached his father’s funeral sermon, and his brother Joseph preached the funeral sermon of their mother. By the marriage of Mr. Lemen and Polly Pullian, which was celebrated on the 8th of December, 1813, were born eleven children. On Tuesday evening, February 8, 1867, the life of this good man ended. He walked fearlessly in the path of duty, and nothing could turn him from the course which he believed to be right. He was conscientious and true in all things, and lived as a faithful follower of the divine teaching. He was untiring in his labors in the ministry, and both by precept and example he led many to enter the straight and narrow way. On his death, the following resolutions were passed:

Whereas, God in His wisdom and goodness has seen fit to remove from us our beloved brother, the Rev. James Lemen, Therefore

Resolved, That in his death, the ministers and churches of this association have lost an eternal friend and wise counselor; that by his firm adherence to, and advocacy of, Bible doctrine, completed with his consistent Christian life, he not only endeared himself to us while he lived, but left a name and memory that unite us to him and the God whom he loved, a memory that gives warning in danger, cheerfulness in adversity and humility in prosperity.

That in this heavy blow we recognize Him who handles the rod, and that we praise Him for the grace which enabled the departed and ourselves to know it was for our mutual and eternal good.

That we sympathize with the afflicted relatives, hoping that they may so imitate the virtues of the departed that he may not prove to be lost to them, but only gone before.

Lewis Lemen was reared in Illinois, and remained with his parents until their deaths. He was married May 19, 1881, to Mary V. Tolin, and they have become the parents of four children, Clyde V., Edith L, Carrie M. and William T. The wife and mother was born on the farm which is now her home. In early life she attended the common schools, and at the age of sixteen entered Almira College, at Greenville, Ill., where she studied three terms. She is a woman of intelligence, well posted on matters pertaining to history, and is a fine conversationalist.

Mr. and Mrs. Lemen began their domestic life upon the farm where they yet reside, and in connection with agricultural pursuits he has also engaged in teaching. He entered upon this work at the age of twenty years, and followed it for fifteen consecutive years, after which he rested from that labor for a few years. He is now teaching near Columbia, and is recognized as a competent and able instructor. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend, and he believes it to be one of the safeguards of the nation. He has served as School Director for several years.

In his political views, Mr. Lemen is a Populist and takes an active part in local politics. Socially, he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Baptist Church, and are highly respected citizens, who hold an enviable position in social circles. They are worthy representatives of one of the oldest families of the state, and well deserve mention in this volume.