So far, contradictory research, from which of the two Central German branches it originates, the Vogtland sheep pasture
or that Naumburg branch. As things stand at the moment, it is most likely that the confusion arose because the progenitor himself comes from the Naumburg area and was written with two "e", but his father came from the Vogtland region.
Progenitor
Johann Gottlob Lorbeer (1800-1878), supposedly born in Naumburg or the nearby Goldschau, emigrated to the USA around 1847, where he initially settled with his family as a farmer in Iowa.
Werdegang
Most of Johann Gottlob's children moved from Humboldt in Iowa to Pomona, California around 1900, where some rose to important local personalities, teachers, doctors, business people, and steam laundry owners.
Today is, for example Laurel Middle School
named after them in Diamond Bar at Pomona.
Outstanding biographies
Charles Irving Lorbeer (1859-1916), son of a carpenter and employee in a building society which, with his wife Mary Helen, b. Coe (1861-1940) brought nine children to graduate from Pomona College;
Carl Horace Lorbeer (1884-1975), building society president and namesake of a school in Pomona;
Lloyd Louis Lorbeer (1888-1968), missionary in India;
Howard Burwell Laurel (1899-1987), insect scientist;
Sara Frances (born Pillig) Laurel (1874-1978), reached the proud age of 103;
John Wendell Lorbeer (1864-1900) was murdered in Honolulu by a pistol shot.
Spread today
The laurels have reproduced diligently and can still be found mainly in the Los Angeles area.
Steam cleaning by Alfred Lorbeer in Pomona in 1891 (Pomona Public Library SCP03112)
This branch was also covered in the family magazine "Laurus" in 2014. The corresponding article can be downloaded here (PDF in German).
Do not be surprised about deviations from the above text. The article reflects the state of research from 2014. In contrast, the text on the homepage is up to date with family research.