JUDGE LEANDER R. LAKIN, the present incumbent of the office of county judge was elected in 1882. Judge Leander R. Lakin, among the most prominent of Greene county's citizens, was born in this county, Dec. 17, 1847, his parents being Jordan and Eliza Ann (Myers) Lakin, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Pennsylvania. His father was born Dec. 1, 1817, and was a son of John M. Lakin. He received his education in the common schools of Fidelity, O., and was reared to the duties of farm life. In 1827 they came to Illinois, locating in Greene county, on section 35, near what is now the village of Berdan, where Jordan was occupied at farming. He was united in marriage with Eliza A. Myers' and by this union there were nine children, of whom our subject was the youngest son. In 1861 he organized Co. H., 91st Ill. Inf., and proceeded to the front with the rank of captain. He participated in the battle at Elizabethtown, against Morgan, and there became distinguished for his great bravery. He resigned before the close of the Rebellion and returned to his home in Greene county, where he engaged in farming until death called him to his happy home, July 29, 1869. He was buried at the Hopewell cemetery, near the old homestead, and a fine monument was erected to the memory of one who stood high in the estimation of all. Leander's mother, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Rogers) Myers, died May 30, 1860. She was known for her gentleness of disposition and her kindness to the poor and needy, and was beloved by all who knew her. Judge Lakin was educated in the common schools of this county, and engaged in farming until his election as county clerk, in Nov., 1873. He served that term with such ability and gave such satisfaction that he was again elected in 1877 to fill the same important position. At the expiration of that term of office he was, in Nov., 1882, elected to the office of county judge, in which capacity he is now officiating. He was united in marriage, Nov. 28, 1874, with Henrietta Sayles Brace, a daughter of Dr. and Emily (Sayles) Brace, both natives of New York state. This marriage has been blessed with five children, four of whom are living - Jesse, Jordan, Eliza and Emily. The one deceased is Leela, born in Dec., 1875, died in Aug., 1877, and is buried in the Carrollton cemetery. Judge Lakin is one of our most liberal minded citizens, and his past life has been characterized by official ability, and by a generosity of spirit which makes him many friends.