For half a century Lake W. Sanborn was a well-known figure in Galesburg. He was born January 10, 1845, on a farm near Brimfield, Illinois. His parents were David and Sophia Ramsey Sanborn who came from New England.

David Sanborn had lost both of his parents by the age of six. He was taken in by a family with the surname of Lake, thus he honored them by naming his first born son Lake. In the nineteenth century, it was common to name children after famous individuals. That may be the reason for Lake's middle name.

The Sanborn family settled in Galesburg in 1851. David Sanborn was among the group of men who helped bring the railroad to Galesburg in 1854. He served as treasurer of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad for forty years. He also served as treasurer of Lombard College and organized the Second National Bank.

At the age of nineteen Lake enlisted in Company D, 139^th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered out of the army as a sergeant. Several years after the Civil War ended he followed his father into the banking and insurance business.

In 1882 Lake organized the Mechanics Homestead and Loan Association and was elected secretary, a position he held until his death. The institution helped many working families acquire homes.

Sanborn organized the College City Street Railway Company in 1885. Previously, other entrepreneurs had attempted to creat a public transportation system but were unsuccessful. He also led a group of investors in establishing the interurban line to Abingdon.

In 1905 Sanborn was elected Mayor of Galesburg. During his two-year term the city hall, police station and central fire station were completed. The land for Lincoln Park was purchased as well. City business affairs were conducted in an efficient manner and received praise from the citizens.

Lake Sanborn was involved in all the prominent clubs and organizations in the city. He was active in the Elks, the International Order of Odd Fellows, the Grand Army of the Republic, the Galesburg Club and Soangataha Country Club. He contributed generously to  theYoung Men's Christian Association and the Free Kindergarten. He was a member of the Universalist Church. It was also well known that he gave money to those who were “down and out” and in need of a helping hand.

Lake Sanborn was an outstanding citizen of Galesburg. His name appeared fairly often in the daily newspapers. As an avid reader of newspapers, Carl Sandburg would have been aware of the contributions Sanborn made to Galesburg and its residents.

Sanborn's funeral was held on Janury 14, 1919, in the Universalist Church. Burial was in Hope Cemetery. This poem, a fine tribute, was read during the funeral service:

It is well that worth endureth not in sculptured stone

But blossoms in the grateful heart,

The tribute of those who say:

“For us the world is better since he passed our way.”

And so today the poor and lowly bless his name.

There is no need of words on stately shaft to tell

The world he did his own part well.