W. J. LEECH

W. J. Leech is a prosperous farmer and representative citizen whose home, known as Meadow Brook Farm, is located on section 28. He was born upon that place the 30th of September, 1874, his parents being James Harvey and Mary E. (Evans) Leech. The birth of the father occurred in Rockbridge county, Virginia, but at an early day he came to Iowa and entered land in Cedar county, where he continued to make his home, his time and attention being given to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in September, 1878, when he was sixty-one years of age. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary (McCrosky) Leech, by whom he had five children, four daughters and one son, but only two daughters are now living. For his second wife he wedded Mary E. Evans, a native of Sugar Creek township, who is now living in Wilton. Unto them were born three sons, namely: John B., of Sioux City, Iowa; James H., who had just graduated from the Northern Indiana Normal College at Valparaiso when his death occurred; and W. J., of this review.

The last named has spent his entire life upon the old homestead and has always engaged in farming, being now the owner of two hundred and ten acres of highly cultivated and well improved land on section 28. One hundred and thirty acres of this constitutes the home place. He received twenty-nine acres from his father and purchased the remaining one hundred and eighty-one acres, for he has met with success in his farming operations and is today one of the well-to-do and substantial citizens of his community. All of the improvements upon the farm have been placed there either by himself or his father, and his place is one of the most attractive in the locality. General farming and stock-raising have always claimed his attention, and he is today making a specialty of the breeding of Percheron horses.

Mr. Leech was married in 1900 to Miss Etta Weaver, also a native of Cedar county, born in Sugar Creek township in 1878 and a daughter of John and Margaret (Kiser) Weaver. Her mother is now deceased but her father is still living and makes his home in Wilton. The children born to our subject and wife are Herbert R., John Harvey and Charles Hilbert.

Mr. Leech takes quite an active interest in fraternal organizations and is today a prominent member of the Prairie Bell Grange, of which he has served as master. He also belongs to Wilton Lodge, No. 167, A. F. & A. M., and to Washington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M., of Muscatine, Iowa. His political support is ever given the men and measures of the republican party and although he has never cared for office, he takes an interest in public affairs and is regarded as one of the leading and public-spirited citizens of his community. His father served as the first judge of Cedar county, being appointed to that position before the day of the district judge. The family has always been one of prominence in the community.