John B. Leigh

As printed in 1901

TOHN B. LEIGH.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

Foster W. Leigh, the father of our subject, was married in Ohio, and in the fall of 1851 came to this county and settled in Linn township, where he became quite an extensive landowner, being at one time the proprietor of one thousand acres. His wife died in that township in June, 1862, and he passed away in 1878. They were the parents of nine children, five sons and four daughters.

The days of his boyhood and youth John B. Leigh spent upon his farm and early acquired an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits, which he has made his life work. He also received such educational advantages as the conn m schools afforded at that time. Before he attained his majority his father gave him one hundred and forty acres of land in Linn township, for which he had paid eighty-seven cents per acre. On reaching man's estate our subject located upon this property, and at once turned his attention to its improvement and cultivation. In his farming operations he has met with most excellent success, and has added to his landed possessions until he now has eight hundred acres of valuable and productive land, being one of the largest land owners in Linn township. His farm is well improved with good buildings, and in fact is one of the most desirable places in the locality. He has given considerable attention to the raising of thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle and has a herd upon his place which ranks among the best in the county. At present he rents most of his land and is practical! living retired in It. Wernon, enjoying the fruits of his early labors.

In October, 1855, Mr. Leigh was married in Linn township to !Miss Elizabeth Busenbark, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1834, her parents, Reding and Delilah (Paulin) Busenljark, being also natives of that state. They are now deceased. Mr. Leigh has traveled quite extensively and has gathered a fine collection of valuable curios from other lands. In this collection, which is one of the best in the west, are rare coins valued at two hundred and fifty dollars each; one dated two hundred and fifty years B C. and one thirty-seven years A. D., idols and other articles seldom found in private collections in the United States. These he takes great pleasure in showing to his many friends, or in fact to any one who manifests an interest in them. He also has one of the finest libraries to be found in the county. He is a constant student and a man of excellent judgment whose opinions are often ought and whose decisions are usually correct.

Politically ]Mr. Leigh is identified with the Republican party, and has filled the offices of township trustee and school treasurer for some years. He has always been strictly temperate in his habits, never using tobacco or liquor in any form, and to this mav be attrilnited his good health and sound constitution. He is a man of fine physique. Socially he is a member of Marion Lodge, Xo. 18, I. O. O. F., and is also one of the leading members of the Old Settlers' Association, in fact was one of the organizers of that body, which organized in 1872 on January 13. and at the first two meetings furnished a bountiful repast to those present free of charge. He also hired the brass band to furnish music for their entertainment. He has carefully preserved a copy of the Cedar Rapids Republican, published Thursday, December 14, 1876, which gives an account of the fourth annual reunion of this association, from which we rpiote the following:

"The meeting was one of great interest, not only to those present, who, by reason of their strength, have reached the verge of that period of life allotted to all mankind, but to those present of lesser years who have helped to make history for our noble state and country. Four years ago an organization was effected by John Leigh. Sr., of Linn Grove; Michael Hoover, of Lisbon; Harlow Post, of Mt. Vernon; and many others of the old people of the county, the first and second annual dinners taking place at;Mr. Leigh's residence. The third annual reunion took place at imt. Wernon and was largely attended. The reunion on yesterday— the fourth — surpassed all previous gatherings in attendance and interest, and will long be remembered by all who participated.

"The association convened in Hazlett's Hall at ten o'clock a. m., and organized, with Harlow Post, president, in the chair, after which S. H. Bauman was elected secretary. The meeting was opened with i prayer by Rev. rMr. Hanna, of Mt. \"vernon. The roll was then called, and it was found that eleven of those who had enrolled their names only four short years ago had passed away from earth. '. 'wilson, of Springville, made some very appropriate and feeling remarks in memory of the departed ones who had gone over the river.

"Dinner being announced, the convention adjourned to Guilds Hotel, where an elegant repast awaited them. During the dinner, and in fact all day, many personal reminiscences were brought up. and like old soldiers the battles were fought over again. After dinner had been discussed, about one hundred and fifty persons taking part, upward of fifty of whom were over seventy years of age, an adjournment was again had to the hall, and Dr. Rathbun, of Marion, spoke particularly to the mothers, to whom great praise is due for the sacrifices made in the early days of Linn county. Harvey Gillett, of Alt. Vernon, attempted to address the convention, but, overcome by emotion, his voice could not be heard. He was followed by Michael Hoover, of Lisbon, who spoke of the many changes that have taken place since he came to Iowa, about thirty years ago. Then Iowa was a wilderness, an almost unbroken prairie, to-day she stands amongher sister states, in intelligence, in enterprise, in energy, second to none. Harlow Post spoke of thepleasant associations connected with the meetings of the society. Hon. S. L. Dows. of Cedar Rapids, was present, and, being called upon, made some very happy remarks to the old settlers, one of whom he could justly claim to be, if not as advanced in years as many of those present. The following were among those present: William Litllefield, Mrs. A. Littlefield, William Wilson, Harvey Gillett, 'william Craven, Harlow Post, Mrs. C. Post, Niles Strong, Thomas Livinggood, Cornelius Goodrich, Jeremiah Burge, Mrs. Margaret M. Burge, Adam Neasley, John Ringer, Sr., Mrs. Mary Ringer, Andrew Hazlett, Mrs. Elizabeth B. Hazlett, D. O. Chubbuck, Samuel 'illhoite, Simon Archer, Hubbard Shedd, Mrs. Ann Shedd, William M. Sample, Mrs. Ann G. Sample, Preston Scott, Thomas Safely, John Safely, Isabell Safely, John Elliott, Mrs. Eliza Elliott, John Miller, John Elrod, Michael Hoover, Mrs. Mary Hoover, James S. Varner, H. Randall, Mrs. Cliota Clark, Richard Harbert, Mrs. Mary Ann Harbert, Chauncy Davis, Richard Thomas, Mrs. Julia E. Thomas, Jason C. Bartholomew, Edwin Woodbridge, Elias Ford, Mrs. Sarah 'wilson, David Herman, Mrs. Esther jMussey, Elsie Strong, John McShane, David Stentz, and Margaret Torrance."

As printed in Biographical records of Linn County, Iowa .. (1901). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.