Leach, John Milton 1838-1893

LEACH, SHERMAN, MEYER

Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 7/22/2017 at 18:42:50

Our community was saddened Wednesday morning, as the news was passed from one to another, that shortly after midnight Postmaster J.M. Leach had peacefully sank in death. Although in poor health he had visited Chicago and returned home on the 10th. Sunday, the 17th, he was taken with what seemed to be a bilious attack, and compelled to take his bed. His illness continued without any alarming features until Tuesday morning when a change came that bade his friends prepare for the worst, which came all too soon.

John Milton Leach was born Sept. 12th, 1838, at North Bridgewater, Mass., where he resided until the 26th of March, 1857, when, his mother having previously died, with his father he came to Monona and opened a boot and shoe store. The father dying in 1859.

J.M. continued the business until the spring of 1862, when he enlisted in Co. E. 27th Iowa. Aug. 12th, 1863, he was appointed quartermaster sergeant of the 1st West Tennessee Infantry, and for his promptness and reliability was promoted to quartermaster with the rank of first lieutenant, Feb. 12, 1864, and was mustered out with his regiment, Jan. 31st, 1866.

Remaining in the south a year he returned to Monona. In May, 1867, and opened a general merchandise store, which business he continued for four years.

On the 7th of October, 1867, he was united by marriage to Miss Sue Sherman. In January, 1872, he came to Elkader as deputy auditor under Martin Garber, which position he held for eight years, being then elected auditor for two terms, retiring in 1884. He then followed the abstracting business for a few years, when in 1889 he was appointed postmaster at Elkader, which position he held at the time of his death.

Mr. Leach was an energetic, hard worker, whether in politics, business, or whatever he engaged in, he labored with all his might. This untiring energy had broken him down until he labored with poor health. Those most intimate with him knew well his kindness of heart and deeds of charity.

By his death Elkader sustains the loss of a respected citizen; his brethren of the Masonic, A.O.U.W. and Woodmen lodges, an esteemed brother; the G.A.R., their faithful commander; the family, consisting of Mrs. Leach, one daughter, Mrs. H. Meyer, and one son, John S., a kind hearted and affectionate husband and father.

The funeral services will be held at the family residence Friday morning at 9 o'clock by the Masons, after which Mr. Leach will be taken to Monona for burial under the auspices of the Grand Army.

~Elkader Register, Thursday, September 28, 1893