AUGUST LENEGER. - August Leneger, now deceased, was a native of Germany, and his parents were also natives of the fatherland and spent their entire lives there. The son pursued his education in the public schools and after attaining his majority considered the question of establishing his home in America, of whose advantages and opportunities he had heard much. He decided in favor of casting in his lot with the residents of the new world, and, crossing the Atlantic, located first in St. Louis, Missouri. There he was engaged in the grocery business for several years, and subsequently he removed to Springfield, believing that there was a greater business opening in this city. Again he became connected with the grocery trade, establishing a store at the corner of Fifteenth street and Capital avenue, which he conducted throughout his remaining days. He secured the largest trade of any grocer in that part of the city, winning a liberal patronage through honorable dealing and earnest desire to please his customers. He carried a good grade of staple and fancy groceries, kept his store in good condition and its neatness and attractive appearance were features in his prosperity.

While residing in St. Louis Mr. Leneger was first married, the lady of his choice being Miss Catherine Datert, who was also a native of Germany. She died after the removal to Springfield and for his second wife Mr. Leneger chose Miss Catherine Eck, who was born in this city, March 27, 1844, a daughter of John Eck, one of the early pioneer residents of Sangamon county. Establishing his home in central Illinois when this portion of the state was largely a frontier district, he became the owner of a large farm near Springfield and extensively carried on agricultural pursuits. He is now deceased, but his widow still survives and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Leneger, on Reynolds street in Springfield. Five children were born unto Mr. Leneger and his second wife: Catherine, who is the wife of E. Hofferkamp and a resident of Springfield; Gus, who also makes his home in this city; Emma, who is the wife of John Young, of this city; Joseph, who with his wife Mrs. Lolo (Buck) Leneger, and their one child, Dorothy, makes his home with his mother; and George, who resides in New Berlin, this State.

Mr. Leneger's study of the political situation of the country and the issues of the day led him to give his support to the Democracy and he always kept well informed on political questions as every true American citizen should do. However, he never sought public office, preferring to support the community interests as a private citizen rather than as a public official. Both he and his wife are members of the German Catholic church. His business career was ever honorable and was characterized by indefatigable industry, strong purpose and unfaltering energy. He realized that these were the safest foundations upon which to build his success and therefore he used them as a means to bring him the prosperity that enabled him to leave his family so comfortably situated. His widow now owns a beautiful home at No. 1531 East Jackson street, where she and her children reside.