Leland, W. L. 1854-1931

LELAND

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg- volunteer (email)
Date: 6/1/2012 at 19:13:04

Hawarden Independent of Nov 12, 1931 p. 1
Pioneer Druggist Here Passed Away in Los Angeles Nov. 2nd

Word was received here this week of the death of W. L. Leland, pioneer druggist of Calliope and Hawarden which occurred on Monday, Nov. 2nd at his home in Los Angeles, Calif Word of his death came from his nephew, C. L. Bagley, an attorney of Los Angeles. Mr. Bagley stated that the end came peacefully and that Mr. Leland did not suffer. He had suffered a stroke about a year prior to his death. He had reached the age of 77 years and 2 months.

Funeral services were held in Los Angeles last Thursday and at Mr. Leland's request he was accorded a Masonic burial. Mr. Leland was a member of Silver Trowel Lodge No 415 of Los Angeles and Mr. Bagley, a past master of the lodge, officiated at the burial service. '

Mr. Leland was one of the most widely known of Hawarden's pioneer citizens. When still a young man he located in Calliope and engaged in the drug business almost fifty years ago.

Two or three years later, when it-became evident that Hawarden would outstrip Calliope in growth, he moved his business to Hawarden and for nearly fifteen years operated a drug store here. He erected the brick building now occupied by Schriven's Store and built their residence occupied by Dr. T. J. Glasscock and family.

During his long residence here he was active in republican politics. In 1894 he was appointed a member of the State pharmacy commission by Gov. Jackson, was re-appointed in 1897 by Gov. Drake and was given a third appointment in 1900 by Gov. Leslie M. Shaw. While still serving as pharmacy commissioner he sold his drug business here to Thos. B: Platt, now of Los Angeles.

Following the expiration of his third term as pharmacy commissioner in 1903 he moved with his family to Los Angeles where he again operated a drug store for a considerable number of years.

During his long residence in this community Mr. Leland was ever one of the town's most consistent boosters. Endowed with a rare sense of humor and no mean ability, he possessed the faculty for making and holding friends. To those who knew him in the old days "Bill, as a practical joker he had few equals and he radiated good cheer wherever he passed. The domestic difficulties which embittered his later life were not the mistakes of he "Bill" Leland whom Hawarden people knew and esteemed. He is survived by three sons, Ray, Harry and Fred, all of California, and one daughter, Lottie, who is married.