William A. LEATHERMAN, son of James K. and Jane (BELL) LEATHERMAN, was born on May 29, 1873, in Ringgold county, Iowa. His maternal grandparents were Allen BELL, a native of Ohio, and Mary A. BELL. Their children were Isaac, William. Frank, Mattie. Emma, Nora and Jane. Allen BELL was a farmer in Ohio, moved west and lived in Iowa several years, but returned to Ohio after his wife's death.

James K. LEATHERMAN was born on July 29, 1844, near Mt. Blanchard, Ohio, and died on May 1, 1892. His wife was also a native of the same place, born on January 22, 1849. To them were born the following children: Frank, William, Jesse, Viola and Clyde. After his marriage James K. LEATHERMAN resided in Sidney, Iowa, for five years. He then homesteaded land in Rush county, Kansas, but on account of repeated droughts, left this land after five years and moved to Reno county. For two years he lived two miles south of Nickerson, and then moved to a farm northeast of Hutchinson.

William A. LEATHERMAN attended the public schools of Reno county when a lad, and took up farming as a vocation. Soon after his marriage he settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Medford township, it being the northwest quarter of section 17, township 22, range 8. Mr. LEATHERMAN has placed many improvements on this farm in the way of buildings, fences, etc., and here he is engaged in general farming and stock raising.

On September 1, 1898, William A. LEATHERMAN was married to Ruth BURKE, who was born in Rice county, Kansas, March 31, 1880. Her parents were John and Jane (WHITE) BURKE. Her maternal grandparents were Levi and Frances (HARVEY) WHITE, of Illinois, who came to Medford township in 1874, where they lived the remainder of their lives. Levi WHITE served in the Civil War for three years, receiving a slight wound in the leg while in the service. He died on January 23, 1885. John BURKE was a son of William BURKE, a native of Ireland, who reared his family in his native land, then brought them to America. His sons, Thomas, Robert and William, served in the Civil War and William was killed while in the service. John BURKE was born on January 16, 1845, and immigrated to New York state sixty-five years ago. He lived in New York about sixteen years, coming to Reno county, Kansas, in 1873. He was married, October 31, 1876, at the Reno House, Hutchinson. He was one of the pioneers of this locality and helped in the construction of the Santa Fe railroad. He homesteaded land northeast of Hutchinson, and lived on this farm for nine years. He then bought a quarter section of land in Medford township, and was the owner of a half section when he retired from active life. He and his family were prominent in the Methodist church. He died on November 13, 1898, survived by his widow and the following children: Ruth, John, Earle, Mary and Laura. Mr. LEATHERMAN and his wife are the parents of the following children: Alva B., born on August 12, 1900; Floyd, November 17, 1907, and Willard, October 3 1909. The family are all active members of the Methodist church and Mrs. LEATHERMAN teaches in the Sunday school. She is a member of the Yeomen and Royal Neighbors.

Mr. LEATHERMAN is a Republican in politics and has served as township clerk, and also as a member of the school board. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Yeomen.

[William A. Leatherman passed away in September of 1954.]

SOURCE: PLOUGHE, Sheridan. History of Reno County, Kansas: Its People, Industries, and Institutions Vol. II. Pp. 508-09. B.F. Bowen & Co. Indianapolis. 1917.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2009