J. T. LAIZURE

J. T. LAIZURE. An example of what industry and intelligent management can accomplish in agricultural enterprises in Southern Kansas is found in the career of J. T. Laizure, one of Cherokee County's prosperous farmers. Mr. Laizure has his residence on the northeast quarter of section 21, township 33, range 23, in Salamanca township. He came to the county in the spring of 1874, from Madison County, Iowa, having moved there in 1856 from Ohio. Mr. Laizure was born in Harrison County, Ohio, on January 13, 1831.

The subject of this sketch was reared in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, to which county his parents removed then he was a child. Remaining there until after his marriage, he went to Madison County, Iowa. There he rented land until 1864, when he purchased a farm in that county, which he continued to improve until failing health admonished him to seek a different climate. On his arrival in Cherokee County, he settled on the southwest quarter of section 22, township 33, range 23 where he remained until 19O1, the date of his removal to his present home. As he prospered, Mr. Laizure invested in land at different times. The place where he now lives, he purchased of James McEwan in 1876. He also owns a 40-acre tract in section 27 in Salamanca township. During his lifetime Mr. Laizure has been a very active worker. In his youth he first learned carpentering, and later blacksmithing, both of which he has utilized in connection with farming, having erected nearly all of his buildings, and having operated a blacksmith shop on the farm in his earlier years. His home farm presents a most thrifty appearance, with its fine orchards and well fenced fields, and the substantial character of its outbuildings.

Turning briefly to family history, the parents of J. T. Laizure, William Laizure and Elizabeth (Trickle) Laizure, were natives of Ohio. The mother, who was of Irish extraction, died in 1838. The father was by occupation a general tradesman,—shoemaker, carpenter, etc.,—being especially noted for his skill in hewing timbers. His home was in Uhrichsville, Ohio, during the later years of his life. The subject of this sketch was the second of five children born to these parents, the others being now deceased.

Mr. Laizure was married, in 1854, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, to Lovinia Gramm, who was born in that county in September, 1834, and was a daughter of Henry and Rachel (Prinkle) Gramm. Her parents, who were natives of Pennsylvania, removed to Ohio at an early day. The father was a miller by trade, and also followed farming. Later, they moved to Martin County, Indiana, in which county they made their home until their death. They had quite a number of children, most of whom are now deceased. Two sons, Henry and John, came to Cherokee County, Kansas, Henry being one of the earliest settlers of Salamanca township.

Of the 11 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Laizure, two died in infancy. The others are as follows Mrs. Rachel A. Law, a widow residing in North Dakota; William H., of Canon City, Colorado; George W., who resides in Lyon township; James D., who is a farmer and resides near his father; Francis M., who resides in Salamanca township; Mrs. Mary Boston, of Hallowell; Benjamin, who is connected with a railroad at Pittsburg, Kansas; Edward, who is a Missouri farmer; and Charles, a railroad man of Carthage, Missouri. These children are all filling responsible positions in their respective communities, and are a credit to their training.

Mr. Laizure, during his career in Cherokee County, has earned the commendation of all. He has ever been ready to forward the interests of education and good government, and has served with willingness in unsalaried minor offices at different periods. He supports, by his vote, the principles of the Reform party, is a member of the A. H. T. A., and both he and his family are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His declining years are being spent among hosts of friends, who delight to do him honor.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Jeremy Essley, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 5-1-97.