James Leffler

LEFFLER, CAVIN, HATCH, BONER

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/5/2001 at 09:47:46

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890
JAMES LEFFLER
James Leffler follows farming as a means of livelihood, carrying on operations in that line on Section 18 Harrisburg Township. He was born in Van Buren County on August 20, 1845, and is a son of Mansuet and Irene Cavin Leffler. His father, a native of Baden Germany, was born in 1803, grew to manhood in that country and served for six years in the German Army. With a desire to benefit his financial condition he sailed for America in 1833, and four years later, in 1837, became a resident of what is now Van Buren County, but at that time was a part of the Territory of Michigan. Little indeed is known concerning the early history of this settlement that is not familiar to Mr. Leffler, who is still residing in the community at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. The death of his wife occurred in 1880. She was a native of Tennessee and by her marriage became the mother of eleven children.
James was the fifth in order of birth in that family. He was reared to manhood in the county of his nativity and like a dutiful son remained at home assisting his father in the labors of the farm until twenty-two years of age, when he left the parental rood and started out in life for himself beginning operations as a farmer on rented land. As success in this life is generally due to determined effort, supplemented by industry and business ability, little fears were entertained concerning his future and his course has justified the expectation of his friends. As quickly as possible he gathered together the funds necessary for securing a farm of his own and at length procured his present home, settling down to steady work. A rich and well cultivated tract of land of one hundred and eighty-eight and three-fourths acres now pays tribute to his care and cultivation, many good improvements add ornament and value to the place and the best grades of farm stock are there seen. For a number of years he has also successfully engaged in practice as a veterinary surgeon.
In 1871, Mr. Leffler was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Hatch of Van Buren County, daughter of William and Margaret Boner Hatch. Two children grace their union, a son and a daughter—Mattie and Omar L.
Mr. Leffler is a charter member of Des Moines Valley Lodge No. 138, I.O.O.F. and was the first secretary of the organization. He keeps himself well informed on all matters of general interest, is a worthy citizen and an active local politician, supporting the Democratic Party. He has now served acceptably as Clerk of the township for about seven years, Trustee three years, Assessor one year and has been a delegate to both county and State conventions. The name of Leffler is inseparably connected with the history of Van Buren County. The honored father of our subject as one of its pioneers and James, as one of its worthy citizens have borne their share in the building up of the county, have aided in its progress and have been witnesses of its wonderful development and transformation. They shared in the hardships and trials of pioneer life, their home was in this community when the Indians were more numerous that the white settlers, while wild animals were yet seen and when wild game of all kinds was to be found in abundance. It was no easy task to give up the comforts and luxuries of the East to make homes in a wild and unbroken western country and the greatest gratitude should be rendered unto the noble men and women who bore such sacrifices and laid the foundation for the prosperity and advancement which now characterize the county.
I am not related, and am only copying this for the information of those who might find this person in their family.