Born: Sangamon County, Ill., 1838.
Died:
Grew up on the farm and attended the public school. Enlisted in Company D, Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Lost his right leg and index finger on his left hand in the battle of Black River--the last stand the Confederates made outside of Vicksburg.
After the war, attended Bible College at Lexington, Ky., three years. Then taught school. Entered the ministry in 1874. Has served fourteen congregations in central Illinois, that at Buffalo seven years.
Mr. Lemmon is a man of clear and deep convictions-- sincere, frank and outspoken. When a ministerial institute had given a half-day to the consideration of an unprofitable subject, he then publicly asked: "How long will it take this kind of talk to convert the world?" He holds that the same wise economy should be used in the management of public trusts as is exercised in one's personal business.