Leonard, John 1831 - 1904

LEONARD, HOLAN, ALBRECHT, MEDER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/20/2021 at 17:18:37

Elkader Register, Thur., 21 July 1904.

Last Sunday evening word was passed that at five o'clock death had relieved the suffering and taken one of the familiar figures of our town.

John Leonard was born in County Dublin, Ireland, in 1831 and was therefore about seventy-three years of age at the time of his death. In 1842 he came to this country with his parents, Richard and Julia Leonard, and lived with them at Fall River, Mass. where he grew to manhood. When seventeen years of age he learned the machinist trade and going to New York entered the employ of the Singer Sewing Machine Co., working in their shops for about twenty-five years.

In 1851 he was married to a Miss Holan, and in 1875 they came to Clayton county where he purchased the farm - known as the old hop farm - on which he has since resided. Ten children were born to them of which seven are left to mourn: Wm. H., Richard, Joseph and Fred, of this township; Charles, of Dubuque; Mrs. A. B. Albrecht, of Mederville; and Mrs. Louis Meder, of Tuttle, Indian Territory.

The faithful wife and mother preceded him to the unknown shore in 1887, but Mr. Leonard still lived in the old home, some of his children always being with him and others living close by.

For years Mr. Leonard took an active part in the business and political affairs of this township and was known for his upright and honorable dealings. Many of his old friends and neighbors have already gone to their last rest but many remain to regret that the fullness of years has called him from this life.

The funeral was held from the home at two o'clock yesterday afternoon, Rev. G. W. Baxter officiating, the interment being in the East Side cemetery. It was largely attended.