GEORGE W. LESAN

LESAN, BROOKS, LEASURE, BEARD

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 11/17/2008 at 15:55:54

GEORGE W. LESAN

Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa
Lewis Publishing Company, 1887. pp. 376 - 377.

“GEORGE W. LESAN, an early settler of Ringgold County, and an enterprising farmer of Poe Township, is a native of Penobscot County, Maine, born February 11, 1830, a son of John and Elizabeth (Brooks) Lesan, also natives of Maine. In 1831 his parents moved to Ohio, and in 1836 to Illinois, where the mother died in 1852. George W. is the sixth of twelve children, six of whom are living. He commenced the battle of life for himself when twenty years of age, and in 1853 was married to Mary M. Leasure. In the spring of 1855 he came to Iowa, and entered 280 acres of land from the Government. His first dwelling in the county, which was also the first one in Mt. Ayr, was a round-log cabin, 16 x 18 feet, covered to clapboards, with the ground for the floor for some time, until one of puncheon could be substituted. He lived in this house ten years, and opened up his farm. His present residence is commodious, and his farm buildings are large and comfortable. Before the railroad was built the town was laid out and called Lesanville, but on the advent of the railroad the name was changed, and both village and postoffice are called Lesan. He established the first store in the place, which at present is conducted by his nephew, Arthur L. Lesan, his son, O. L. Lesan, being postmaster, appointed in April, 1884. Mr. Lesan has had a family of seven children, but four are living – Laura E., wife of A. F. Beard; Owen L., Burrett M. and Cassius T. Mr. Lesan has served his township as justice of the peace, trustee and supervisor. He is an intelligent, public-spirited citizen, lending his influence to the side of law and order.”

Submitted to the Ringgold County GenWeb site by Christy Jay, email: Jaygenie@aol.com