James Henry Lakin
(1838-1922)
James Henry Lakin was born on March 11, 1838, in Ohio, to William P. Lakin and Sarah Bretney. His father was 46 years old at the time of his birth, and his mother was 40.
He married Sarah Abigail Thompson on April 19, 1870. Following her death, he later married Helen Nelson Sabin on February 11, 1890, in Duluth, Minnesota.
Education and Early Life
James attended Clermont Academy and later studied at Upper Iowa University for two years. His studies were interrupted by the Civil War, and he did not return to complete his degree.
Military Service
During the Civil War, James served in the 3rd Iowa Regiment. He participated in major engagements, including Shiloh, Matamoros, and Vicksburg, and was eventually discharged with the rank of colonel.
It was said that during battle, the regimental colors were shot from his hands two or three times, reflecting the intensity of his service.
Career and Public Life
Following the war, James pursued a varied and active career. He worked as a merchant, railroad contractor, miner, and banker, demonstrating a wide range of enterprise during a period of rapid economic development.
He was also active in public life as a prominent Republican and served on the staff of Governor Carpenter of Iowa.
In 1890, he moved from West Union, Iowa, to Brighton, Colorado. Five years later, in 1895, he relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah.
Family Life
James Henry Lakin and Sarah Abigail Thompson had three children:
- Marie Thompson Lakin (1874–?)
- Lee Henry T. Lakin (1879–?)
- Irene Ritchie Lakin (1882–?)
Siblings
James Henry Lakin was one of eleven children. His siblings included:
- George Tobias Lakin (1817–1843)
- Elizabeth Sinnard Lakin (1818–1891)
- Nancy Bretney Lakin (1821–1866)
- Rebecca Jane Lakin (1823–1903)
- Solomon N. Lakin (1825–?)
- John Solomon Lakin (1826–1861)
- Sarah Maria Lakin (1829–1888)
- William Benjamin Lakin (1831–1910)
- Martha Ann Lakin (1833–1837)
- Joseph Henry Lakin (1836–1837)
Later Years and Legacy
James Henry Lakin died on November 14, 1922, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 84.
His life reflects the character of a nineteenth-century American shaped by war, enterprise, and public service, contributing across multiple fields during a time of national expansion and transformation.
Additional Resources
Further historical records and local accounts of his life can be found through the Iowa GenWeb Project: http://iagenweb.org
