BIOGRAPHY - SAMUEL LEFEVRE
Samuel J. LeFevre of Gibson City, is a native of Little York, Ohio, born April 16, 1841, and belongs to a family originally of French Huguenot ancestry. His parents were W. C. M. and Martha (Jewett) LeFevre, the latter a daughter of Doctor Jewett, a physician of St. Johnsbury, Vermont. W. C. M. LeFevre was born in Miami county, Ohio, and in 1856 came to Ford county, Illinois, settling here at an early period ,in its upbuilding. He, too, was a member of the medical fraternity.
Samuel J. LeFevre acquired his education in the common schools of Indiana, accompanying his parents on their removal to that state in his boyhood days. When fifteen years of age he began working for his father on the home farm and in 3872 came to Gibson City, where he entered the lumber business, continuing in that field of merchandising for several years. Subsequently he established a coalyard, which he yet conducts. He is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land adjoining Gibson City.
Mr. LeFevre was a young man of twenty-one years when in response to his country's call he joined the Union army as a private on the 24th of July, 1862, and was assigned to duty with Company K, Seventy-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He continued at the front until the close of hostilities, and was mustered out as corporal in 1865. He was wounded in the foot in one of the engagements in which he participated. He took part in the siege of Vicksburg and in various battles of the war. He now belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He is also a member of Gibson Lodge. No. 733. A. F. & A. M.: Gibson Chapter. No. 183. R. A. M.-. Gibson Council. No. 72. R. & S. M.: and Mt. Olivet Commandery. No. 38. K. T., at Paxton. Prominent in Masonry, he served as district deputy grand master for four years and was grand master of the state for the Royal and Select Masters. His political allegiance has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to positions of public honor and trust. He has filled all of the city offices, including that of president of the board.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Lefevre was married in 1866 to Miss Laura A. Carver, a daughter of David L. and Lorena (Nash) Carver. Their children are: Marietta, now Mrs. Fulton, of Charleston. Illinois, and Anna J., who is secretary to the dean of education in the University of Chicago. A resident of Ford county from his boyhood days. Samuel J, LeFevre is well known here as a man whose record in military circles, in politics, in business and in social life commends him to the good will and respect of his fellowmen, and as such he deserves classification with the representative residents of this part of the state.
Extracted 16 Oct 2016 by Norma Hass from History of Ford County, Illinois, From Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, author E. A. Gardner, Volume 2, pages 549-550.
