The full biographical sketch as printed in 1910, transcribed from the public-domain book. Spelling and wording are the original author’s; a few scanning errors may remain.
GEORGE W. LEAMER.
George W. Leamer, long connected with agricultural interests, is now living retired in Davenport but is still the owner of eighty acres of fine farm land in LeClaire township. His life of well directed energy and thrift has brought him a creditable measure of success, while his fidelity to upright principles has gained him the respect of his fellowmen.
Mr. Leamer was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1830, and has, therefore, passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey. His parents, George and Mary (Seibers) Leamer, were both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The father was a farmer by occupation and both he and his
wife spent their entire lives in the Keystone state. Their son, George W. Learner, pursued his education in the schools of his native county and through the periods of vacation worked with his father on the farm and continued to aid in the cultivation of the fields of the old homestead until he came to the middle west in 1856, settling in LeClaire township, Scott county. More than half a century, has since come and gone and he has witnessed many changes as this district has become thickly settled and all of the improvements and advantages of the older east have been introduced. He was influenced to choose this county as a place of residence from the fact that he had two older brothers living here, one of whom bought the farm for Mr. Learner. After cultivating his land for a year Mr. Leamer returned to Pennsylvania and was married in 1857. Immediately after- ward he started back with his bride, whom he had wedded on the 4th of June. She bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Jane Smiley and was a daughter of William and Jane Smiley, of Pennsylvania. Arriving in Scott county, they began their domestic life upon a farm which was a tract of eighty acres, only partially improved. Mr. Leamer continued to cultivate that farm until 1886 and in the interim purchased other land, for he prospered as the years went by and in the course of time acquired a comfortable competence that now enables him to enjoy a well earned rest. His life has been one of diligence and industry and his success has come as the merited reward of earnest, honest labor.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Leamer were born four children. William A., who' lives upon the old homestead, married Anna Shellenberger and they have five chil- dren: Herbert, Lillian, Mildred, Cecil and Duane. Emma is the widow of George Reid. Jennie died at the age of one year. Bertha J. is the wife of L. W. McCowen of Davenport, by whom she has three children : Ethel, Russell and Eugene. Mr. and Mrs. Leamer celebrated their golden wedding in June, 1907.
Mr. Leamer has served as a school director and has always been a champion of the cause of public education. He has been a lifelong member of the Baptist church, in which he has served as deacon and has ever been loyal to its teachings. His life has been a busy, useful and honorable one and his sterling qualities have gained him the respect and good will of all who know him.
Source: History of Davenport and Scott County, Iowa (1910. See the original pages at the Internet Archive.
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