The 1875 Atlas has this to say about the name "Leon." ... jack (Jack Scott)

The Legislature in the winter of 1854-5 changed the name of the county seat to Leon, in compliance with a petition of the citizens. The petition to the Legislature was drawn up by a committee of the citizens of South Independence, consisting of S. C. Thompson, J. P. Findley and G. L. Moore. Different names were suggested, and among others that of Leon was proposed by Mr. Moore, who had been to California and became familiar with it there. The committee manifested good taste, as well as sense in adopting a named both short and musical, if not original.