JOHN W. LARIMER, a well known and influential citizen of Salem, is engaged in the abstract and title business. He is a native of Marion County, having been born in Stevenson Township, May 14, 1852, to Smith and Sarah (Brown) Larimer, natives of Perry County, Ohio. The father was born in 1811, and was the son of John Larimer, a native of Ireland. The mother of our subject was born in 1818, and died in 1861, after having become the mother of eight children.
The parents of our subject remained in their native state until 1840, when they made their way to Illinois and established a home on a tract of land in Stevenson Township, Marion County, where they owned and improved a fine farm. There they continued to reside until 1858, when they abandoned farm life and became identified with the residents of Salem, in which city they were living at the time of their decease, the mother, as before mentioned, dying in 1861, and the father living until 1887.
Previous to his marriage to Miss Sarah Brown, Smith Larimer had wedded, and by that union became the father of one daughter, Susannah, widow of William Everitt.
The elder Mr. Larimer held a prominent place in the affairs of his community, and for twelve years was County Assessor and Treasurer. Always interested in school affairs, he gave satisfaction as a member of the Board, with which he was identified for many years, and was also the popular Justice of the Peace for some time.
In politics he was a stanch Democrat and took a great interest in both local and national issues. Of the parental family, which comprised eight children, all are living with two exceptions.
John W. Larimer, of this sketch, was reared and educated in his native place, and when of sufficient years to earn his own way in the world entered the office of J. O. Chance, who was engaged in the abstract and title business, having his office in the court house. In 1874 Mr. Larimer was taken into partnership with his former employer, which connection lasted for thirteen years. In 1887 our subject purchased the interest of Mr. Chance in the business and has since conducted affairs alone.
May 6, 1879, our subject and Miss Rosa R., daughter of Seth S. and Kate (Parkinson) Andrews, were united in marriage. Mrs. Larimer was born March 25, 1853, in Walnut Hill, Marion County, and was given a good education in the public schools. She is a very fine pianist, completing her musical education in New York City. She is also much accomplished as an organist, and at the present writing (1894) plays the organ in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
To Mr. and Mrs. Larimer has been born a family of three children:
They both occupy high positions in church society and are consistent members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Socially, Mr. Larimer is an influential Mason, belonging to Marion Lodge No. 130, of which he is Master. He is also a member of Salem Chapter No. 64, in which he has taken all the Council degrees. He was Junior Warden in Cyrene Commandery No. 23 for some time, and was Master Workman in the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Politically a Democrat, Mr. Larimer takes a leading part in local matters and is thoroughly posted in the issues of the hour. He has been Chairman of the County Central Committee and is the present Secretary of that order. For four years he served as Deputy Circuit Clerk, and is recognized as a man of extended influence in his party. He was Deputy County Clerk for eight years, and in 1887 was elected Clerk of Salem Township, after having served five years as Clerk of the city. He has been Alderman from the Third Ward for two years, and was elected Mayor of Salem.
For three years he did efficient work as a member of the School Board, which at that time had just been organized. Mr. Larimer is a man of excellent jndgment and firm convictions upon all subjects of importance, and is regarded as one of the substantial citizens of the community.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 341- 342
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer