Biographies

LEON LEMAIRE, dealer in grain and agricultural implements of Oquawka, has here built up a good trade, receiving from the public a liberal patronage.

A native of Paris, France, he was born November 1, 1862, and is a son of Edward Lemaire, who was also born in France.

The grandfather, Julian Lemaire, was a French soldier, who served as an officer under Napoleon.

The father of our subject kept a hotel in Paris until 1865, when he crossed the Atlantic to America. Afterwards, however, he returned to France, but in 1869 we again find him in the New World, living upon a farm near Basco, Hancock County, where he still resides. He married Miss Emily Juglard, daughter of Joseph Juglard, and their only child is our subject.

Mrs. Lemaire died at the birth of her son, and the father was afterwards again married, his second union being with Elvina Hiegel, by whom he had four children, a son and three daughters, Edward, Clemeuce, Emma and Mary, all at home.

Our subject was brought by his father to America and was reared as an American citizen. He spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm, and in attendance at the district schools of the neighborhood, where he acquired a fair English education. As soon as old enough, he began work in the fields, and remained upon the old homestead until twenty-six years of age, at which time he began business for himself. His first independent effort in life was as a buyer and shipper of hay, which enterprise he carried on for one year in Hancock County.

In 1889 he came to Oquawka, and began buying and shipping grain, which he has followed continuously since. In 1891, he also began dealing in agricultural implements, and has met with good success in this line.

It was on the 5th of December, 1889, that Mr. Lemaire led to the marriage altar Miss R. May Overman, a daughter of Charles and Martha (Garner) Overman. One child graces this union, a daughter, Emily Marthena. The parents hold an enviable position in social circles, being widely and favorably known in this community.

Mr. Lemaire votes with the Democratic party, and by his first ballot supported Grover Cleveland.

He served as School Director while living in Hancock County, but has never sought public office. Socially, he is connected with the Masonic fraternity. He was made a Mason in Basco Lodge, Hancock County, but now holds membership with Oquawka Lodge No. 123, A. F. & A. M. He also belongs to Oquawka Camp No. 1037, M. W. A.

He is a wide-awake and progressive young business man, and his undertakings deserve success.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.