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1907 Past and Present Biographies
Elmer F. LeGoreNumbered among the native sons of Iowa, he was born on the 22d of September, 1868, in Linn county, one of the seven children of William H. and Minerva (Stream) LeGore. The father, whose birth occurred in the vicinity of Elkhart, Indiana, came to Iowa in early life and was married in Cedar Rapids to Miss Stream. For some years they resided upon a farm in Linn county, after which they removed to Marshall county, where they made their home until coming to Greene county in 1871. Here the father purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 1, Kendrick township, and began the development of the fields. Later he purchased an improved tract of eighty acres and continued actively in farm work up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1879. His wife survived him for about eighteen years and passed away in 1897. They were people of genuine worth, gaining many friends in their community by reason of their excellent traits of character. Of their family of seven children, six are yet living: Mrs. Jennie Gose, who makes her home in Highland township; Elmer F., of this review; Mrs. Eva M. Fackler, living on a farm in Hardin township; John F., living in Rockwell City, Iowa; Mrs. Nora Gose, of Jefferson; and George W., a resident farmer of Cedar township. In his early infancy Elmer F. LeGore was taken by his parents to Marshall county and when three years of age was brought to this county. He was a young lad of eleven years when his father died, after which he lived with his mother on the farm, but he was put to work as soon as old enough and has since been dependent upon his own resources. When quite young he returned to his native county, where he worked at farm labor for five years, coming, on the expiration of that period, to take charge of his mother’s place, which he has since cultivated. He later purchased the same and now has one hundred and forty acres of fine land. He is systematic in his labors, progressive in his ideas and practical in all that he does, and his work is therefore bringing to him a good return in large harvests, for which he finds a ready sale on the market. On the 13th of September, 1893, Mr. LeGore was married to Miss Anna Garland, a native of Kendrick township, this county. Her father, William H. Garland, was born in Preston, Jackson county, Iowa, on the 27th of May, 1843, and wedded Miss Melissa Watts, whose birth occurred in Miles, Jackson county, on the 9th of September, 1849. At the time of the Civil war, then a young man of eighteen years, Mr. Garland espoused the cause of the Union and ofiered his aid to the government. He enlisted in July, 1861, being assigned to duty with the First Iowa Cavalry, with which he served for more than four and a half years, or until honorably discharged in February, 1866. He was at that time a sergeant in the Seventh Regiment of the Regular Army. At all times a brave and loyal soldier, he did able service in perpetuating the Union. In 1869 he came to Greene county, locating on sections 12 and 13, Kendrick township, where he engaged successfully in general farming until 1902, since which time he and his wife have lived retired in Scranton, his former labor having brought to him a handsome competence which supplies them with all the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He is now the owner of four hundred acres of valuable land in Kendrick township, from which he derives a good income. They are highly esteemed people of the community and have a wide circle of friends in the county. Their family numbered seven children, of whom six are yet living: Robert, a resident of Des Moines; Mrs. LeGore; Frank, residing in Jefferson, Iowa; Mrs. Pearl Sweeney, whose home is in Manning, Iowa; Clyde, located in Kendrick township; and Mrs. Verna Huffman, of Scranton, Iowa. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. LeGore has been blessed with an interesting family of three sons - -Ray W., Roy H. and Robert G., all at home. The parents are active and interested members of the Baptist church and Mr. LeGore affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his political allegiance is given the republican party. In matters of citizenship he is progressive and public spirited and gives his co-operation to many movements for the general good, at the same time carefully conducting his business affairs so as to provide a comfortable living for his family. |
Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead," by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver, Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.  Site Terms, Conditions & Disclaimer |