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From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette, Wisconsin, publ. 1901- page 415
LAUREN L. THURBER, the genial, well known agent of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, at Muscoda, Grant county, and one of the old soldiers of that place, is a native of Door, La Porte Co., Ind., born Jan. 17, 1843.
Mr. THURBER is the son of Nathaniel and Sarah A. (LELAND) THURBER, who were born in Vermont and New York State, respectively, and were old settlers of La Porte county, Ind. As the country surrounding their home became settled, the same spirit which prompted their removal to Indiana urged them further westward, and in 1857 they located at Pulaski, Iowa Co., Wis., where two years later they were joined by their son, Lauren L. THURBER. Mrs. THURBER died at Muscoda, while her son, the subject of this sketch, was absent fighting for the honor of his country; Mr. THURBER survived her until 1867. These worthy people had four children: Lauren L., the only son; Mrs. Lauretta L. MACK, who died at South Bend Ind. in March 1900; Mrs. Sarah Augusta WALBRIDGE, now many years deceased; and Mrs. A. E. McCALLISTER, whose death occurred at her home in Madison, S. Dak., several years ago.
Lauren L. THURBER is a mason, having learned the trade in his native State, but of late years has had no occasion to work at that calling. Although he had not attained years of manhood when his country had need of him he was found willing and anxious to risk his life in defense of its honor, and enlisted Aug. 18, 1862, in Company C, 20th Wis. V.I., taking part in all of the engagements in which his regiment participated until 1865. While never wounded in the service, the hardships affected Mr. THURBER so that he has never since been in robust health, and has been obliged to guard against complications resulting from the forced marches, the exposure, and the thousand and one trials endured by our brave soldiers during that never-to-be-forgotten struggle.
On May 4, 1867, Mr. THURBER was married to Mariana H. SOPER, daughter of Platt SOPER, and four sons have been born to this union: Ralph L., Nathaniel P., Philip S. and William M.
Mr. THURBER has occupied his present position for thirty-two years, and cannot be spoken of too highly as a man of sterling integrity, unflinching honesty, and faithful adherence to duty. In every walk of life he has proven himself to be the kind of a man that is best representative of American independence, and one which should be held up as a model for the coming generation.
This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck