WILLIAM M. LARIMER

William M. Larimer, controlling important lumber interests in Russell, has been a resident of Lucas county since 1851 and is a representative of a well known pioneer family. He was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1847, and is a son of Hugh and Nancy Larimer, natives of that section. The parents came overland in the spring of 1851 and they settled in Iowa, in what was then Chariton township, Lucas county, in April, 1851. The father was a member of the board of supervisors when the name of the township was changed and on section 35 he engaged in general farming until his death, which occurred January 27, 1884. He had long survived his wife, who died in Lucas county, September 13, 1865. Eleven children were born to their union, as follows: Mrs. Mary Gobel-Lodge, who was born January 8, 1841, and who resides in South Dakota; Isabel, whose birth occurred November 28, 1843, and who died in Lucas county, February 13, 1883; Mrs. Martha Morris, who was born November 17, 1845, and who resides at Abingdon, Illinois; William M., of this review; Eli, who was born March 16, 1849, and who died August 9^th of the same year. Alexander, born in Noble county, Indiana, and now residing in Webster City, Iowa; LeRoy, who was born March 25, 1853, and who resides on a farm in Lincoln township; Mrs. Laura Sophia Delano, whose birth occurred April 24, 1855, and who died June 6, 1908; Joseph Henry, whose birth occurred May 3, 1857, and who died December 22, 1886; Wilson A., who was born March 13, 1860, and who resides in Cedar township; and Mrs. Margaret Shirer, born September 16, 1862, now of Chariton. William M. Larimer is a grandson of Hugh Larimer, who was born March 9, 1780, and who died in November, 1858. He was twice married. On the 10^th of May, 1803, he wedded Miss Jane Shannon, who was born in May, 1782 and who died January 5, 1817. To this union were born the following children: Martha; Mary C., born March 21, 1805; Samuel, October 1, 1806; Thomas, February 27, 1809; John, June 24, 1811; John, the second of the name, born October 3, 1812; and Jane S., born November 23, 1814. After the death of his first wife Hugh Larimer was again married, wedding on the 25^th of November, 1817, Miss Nancy McDowell. They became the parents of the following children: Hugh, the father of the subject of this review, born November 28, 1818; Alexander, born February 19, 1820; James J., born July 19, 1822; William McDowell, April 19, 1824; Eli Coulter, May 29, 1826; Wilson K., October 27, 1828; George S., March 29, 1832; Cyrus, November 10, 1833; Nancy, August 17, 1835; Joseph, August 1, 1837; Eliza McDowell, April 14, 1839; Noah, April 28, 1841; and Catharine, born January 8, 1844, residing at Ness City, Kansas.

William M. Larimer was four years of ago when he came with his parents to this county and he grew to manhood here, acquiring his education in the district schools. On May 19, 1864, he enlisted in the Union army and served one hundred days, receiving his honorable discharge September 23, 1864. He returned to Lucas county and engaged in farming, following that occupation until about the year 1882, when he moved into Russell, where he became connected with lumber interests. He has remained identified with the lumber business here since that time and today controls an important patronage and is ranked with representative and progressive business men of the city.

Mr. Larimer has been twice married. He wedded first, on November 24, 1868, Miss Eliza Jane Hall, who was born in Peoria county, Illinois, June 9, 1848. She came to Lucas county at an early day and died in Russell, Iowa, February 21, 1883. She was a daughter of Thomas and Jennie (Maple) Hall, both of whom have passed away. They were the parents of five children: Mrs. Larimer, first wife of the subject of this review; George, who resides in Peoria county, Illinois; and Tracy, Joseph and Catharine, deceased. By his first wife Mr. Larimer became the father of five children: Mrs. Etta Russell, who was born September 24, 1869, and who resides in St. Joseph, Missouri; Charles L., who was born August 17, 1871, and who makes his home in Russell; Emma, who was born august 24, 1873, and who died March 17, 1874; Mrs. Jessie Hatcher, who was born December 27, 1874, and who resides in El Paso, Texas; and Harry B., who was born March 22, 1877, and who died January 22, 1908. On the 13^th of January, 1885, Mr. Larimer was again married, his second union being with Miss Anna Marks, who was born in Hennepin, Illinois, April 10, 1852. Her parents came overland to Mills county, Iowa, at an early day. Both have passed away.

Mr. Larimer is connected fraternally with the Russell post of the Grand Army of the Republic and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He has resided in this county since his childhood and has become widely known here, his business integrity, his progressive spirit and his genuine personal worth having gained him the respect and esteem of all who come in contact with him.

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