LEIGH, Samuel 1839-1925

LEIGH, BEBBINGTON, BUNK

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 3/20/2015 at 13:56:56

Samuel Leigh, youngest son of Samuel and Sarah Bebbington Leigh, was born in Wales, Erie county, New York, March 9th, 1839, and died at his home in Grundy Center, Iowa, Feb. 4th, 1925, aged eighty-five years, ten months and twenty-six days.

The deceased spent his early boyhood days with his parents, who lived on a farm in the state of New York.

On the 22nd of September, 1861, he enlisted in the service of his country and fought in the Civil War, was made a corporal of Captain W. Blynn, of Company B, 19th Regiment of New York Cavalry Volunteers, giving three years of valiant service to his country, receiving his discharge October 3rd, 1864.

In his young manhood he was a loyal and devoted soldier in the service of his country, and those that knew him best testify to his great devotion to his home and loved ones. While the circumstances of his boyhood forbade a formal education beyond that of a common school, he nevertheless made up for this in large measure by extensive reading. He was a hard and willing worker, whose honor and integrity were never questioned, and holding no ill will for anyone.

Nov. 24, 1869, he was united in marriage to Francis Bunk, of Wales, New York, and shortly after they moved to Rochelle, Ill., where they remained for about eight years. With his family he moved from Illinois to Rockford, Iowa, in 1880, where he engaged in farming and resided in that community until August, 1923, when he moved to Grundy Center.

He was a member of the Chas. J. Pixley Post, G.A.R., of Rockford, Ia., until taking up his residence in Grundy Center, when his membership was transferred to Wilson Post No. 144 of Grundy Center.

About three years ago he suffered a stroke from which he never fully recovered, and since that time he has been in failing health.

Mr. Leigh is survived by his wife and four children. Two children, two brothers and four sisters passed thru the valley before him.

The funeral was held from the home Friday at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. David Alexander, pastor of the First Baptist church of this city. His country's flag was draped over his casket, while a smaller one lay next to his heart. Six Legion men, Messrs. Gravenstein, Schneider, Broderick, Watson, Mullarky and Sanders acted as pallbearers. Interment was made in Rose Hill Cemetery at Grundy Center.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 12 February 1925, pg 9