Leonard, James Jasper – 1844-1924

LEONARD

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 9/7/2021 at 12:29:37

James Leonard Sr. Died
Was Among Early Pioneers of Jasper County and Had Much To Do With Development
James Leonard Sr., one of the early pioneers of Jasper county passed away at his home in this city on Sunday evening, May 4th, 1924.
Mr. Leonard was born June 15, 1844, at Duglas, Ianarkshire, Scotland. His boyhood and early manhood was spent in this Shire.
His father and mother died when he was but a boy; and as a result he early knew the hardships and bitterness of the orphan. Shortly after the close of the Civil War he came to America, married, and established a home. After moving around America with a wife and family for a while, he eventually settled in Jasper county, Iowa, in the year 1878. He located his first home about three and one-half miles north and west of Colfax. He changed locations a number of times until the year 1890 when he bought a beautiful one hundred and twenty acres of land three and one-half miles north and east of Colfax. This farm is known as the Leonard home and was the apple of his eye. He sold this home to one of his sons in 1921 and retired, moving to Colfax.
Here he passed away the evening of May 4th at 4:30 o’clock, aged 79 years, 10 months and 18 days. He leaves behind to mourn his passing a wife, three sons, two daughters and a host of grandchildren. His family was with him during his fatal illness; and faithfully attended him to the end. Mr. Leonard was reared in the old country in the devout influence of the Scottish Presbyterian Church; and for many years has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Colfax.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. E. G. Williams of the First Presbyterian Church of Colfax. The services were held at the old home northeast of the city; and John A. Davis sang a comforting message in two solos. Interment was made in the McKeever cemetery.
Source: Colfax (IA) Tribune; Thursday, May 8, 1924, page 1

The funeral services for Grandpa James Leonard were conducted Tuesday afternoon at the James Leonard Jr. home and he was laid to rest at the McKeever cemetery. Mr. Leonard was a pioneer resident of this vicinity and a very much respected citizen. He has lived in Colfax the past few years but the old farm was home to him.
Source: Colfax (IA) Tribune; Thursday, May 8, 1924, page 7