Rollin A. Lanpher was born in Dayton (Ill.) on May 11, 1841, the son of Morris and Elvira Lanpher. The family moved to St. Paul (Minn.) when he was a young boy. Lanpher was mustered into Company D on June 17, 1861, at the age of eighteen. He was promoted to corporal and then to sergeant in 1862. He was discharged on the expiration of his term of service on July 4, 1864.
In 1868 he began a men's hat company in St. Paul, known as R. A. Lanpher and Company, which he owned and operated for the remainder of his life. He married Charlotte M. Taylor in August 30, 1867. They had two sons, Morris and Rollin A., Jr. and one daughter, Mrs. W. B. Geery.
From the description of Rollin A. Lanpher papers, 1862-1865. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 313853648
