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- Lawrence William Margheim was born and raised in a farmer's life in Ness County, Kansas. His ancestors traveled to Kansas from the Volga river valley in Russia. The Germans in Russia migrated to Russia, following the 7 years war that ravaged Europe in the late 1750's. The enticement to move was Catherine the Great's manifesto of 1763 that offered land and support to foreigners who pioneered in Russia. Political disruptions eventually caused over 95% of the 2,500,000 Germans who emigrated to Russia to leave for new lands. Many settled in the Great Plains of the United States. These immigrants are credited with introducing the "hard" winter wheat, which they brought with them from Russia, that is still grown today. Instead of planting in the spring and harvesting in the summer, the winter wheat is planted in the fall for harvest in the following summer. The wheat provides grazing for cattle in both the fall and spring. When "turned under" it helps replendish nutrients to the soil.
Lawrence and Eunice moved to a farm about 3 1/2 miles NNE of Ness City, Kansas in about 1943 where they farmed as tenement farmers until their move from the farm in 1956. Upon arrival in Aurora, Adams County, Colorado in August, 1956, Lawrence worked in gasoline service stations for several years and then joined the Cherry Creek School District's custodial/maintenance staff. Upon retirement, Lawrence was supervisor of the school districts custodial staff.
Prior to retiring, Lawrence started a saw sharpening business in his garage. The business grew with Eunice helping by picking up and delivering saws to be sharpened. Lawrence grew the business and eventually his second son, Gaylen, joined him. The business grew to support Gaylen's family as well as provide additional retirement income for Lawrence and Eunice. Gaylen eventually bought the business and continues to operate it today (2004) as his primary source of income.
When Lawrence retired, he built their "dream home" a few blocks from where they had lived in Aurora. Lawrence did most of the construction with help when needed. The home in Aurora became the retirement "paradise" where they lived until the end of life.
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1913 - 1996 (82 years)
