Biographical Sketch of

John Leach

Transcribed by Char Eckman



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 574 - 575


John Leach, who resides on section 10 in the town of Marion, has been prominently identified with the history 
of Waushara since the days of its early infancy, and his name is enrolled among the honored pioneers.  In many 
ways has he aided in its upbuilding and advancement and with its agricultural interests he is inseparably 
connected.  He was born in Leroy Jefferson Co., N. Y., Dec. 30, 1825, and is descended from one of the early 
New England families.  His father, Lemuel Leach, was a native of Vermont, born in 1790, and in Burlington, Vt., 
married Velora Statton, who was born in the Green Mountain State in 1796.  Their family numbered four sons - 
Milo, who died in Waushara County in 1888; Alonzo, who was engaged in the mercantile business and steamboating,
died in Oshkosh, Wis.; John is the third in order of birth; and Lemuel is engaged in farming in Minnesota.

The father of this family in early life engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods in the East, and was thus 
employed at the time of the War of 1812, and furnished the soldiers with material for their suits.  Later he 
engaged in the clothing business.  He was a member of the Baptist Church, and was a highly respected citizen 
of Jefferson County, N. Y., where he lived at the time of his death.  His widow afterward became the wife of 
Ezra Cole, by whom she had three children. Only one of whom is now living, George L. of Rock County, Minn.  
Mr. Cole died in 1856, but the mother of our subject still survives at the advanced age of ninety-three years.  
For many years she has been a member of the Baptist Church, and is beloved by all who know her.

The subject of this sketch acquired his education in a log school house in Northern New York, and was reared to 
farm life.  Not long after attaining his majority he determined to seek a home in the West, and in 1848, landed 
at Oshkosh, Wis.  He spent the first winter at that place, and in 1849 came to Waushara County, where he entered 
a claim on section 10 in the town of Marion, which forms a part of his present fine farm.  Not a furrow had been 
turned or an improvement made upon his land.  In company with his brother Milo he rolled the logs to the site 
which he had chosen for a cabin and when it was built, moved in and put up a bed and cook stove, although the 
house was not yet roofed.  His life has been an industrious one, and since an early age he has made his own way 
in the world.  His father died when he was a lad, leaving the care of four sons to his widow, so that it became 
necessary for Mr. Leach, when quite young, to earn his own livelihood.  When sixteen years of age he began working 
as a farm hand for $6.50 per month, and from his meager wages paid the doctor's bill which accumulated during his 
father's last illness.  When seventeen years old he removed with the family to Canada, and as his stepfather 
shortly afterward broke a limb he had to support the family.

Mr.  Leach was married in Canada to Miss Betsy Lemmon, daughter of Joseph Lemmon, and shortly afterward the young 
couple came to Waushara County.  The claim on which they settled comprised 160 acres.  Their cabin was 16 x 16 feet, 
and at one time it sheltered a family of eleven persons.  They endured all the hardships and trials incident to 
life on the frontier, but wishing to secure a comfortable home for their family they labored on, undaunted by such 
difficulties, and by the united efforts of husband and wife have acquired a handsome property and are numbered among 
the well-to-do citizens of the community.  The little log cabin has long since been replaced by a more commodious 
dwelling tastefully furnished, and the boundaries of the farm have been extended until it now comprises 284 acres 
of valuable land.  All the necessary improvements and many of an ornamental character, are there found; good barns 
and outbuildings have been erected, the fields are will tilled, and the entire surroundings indicate the care and
supervision of one who thoroughly understands his business and keeps abreast with the times.

Mr. and Mrs. Leach have been parents of seven children: Lemuel, who died at the age of eighteen years; Emerson
A., who married Nancy Scoville, by whom he has one child, is now living in Moody County, South Dakota; Caroline J. 
is the wife of James McBriar of Waushara County; Idilla is the wife of Hosea Gaylord, of Waushara County; Ezra is 
living in Moody County, South Dakota; John and Clarence E. are yet at home. The children have been provided with 
good educational advantages, and have become good and useful members of society. Mr. Leach has always been a warm 
friend of education. He was present at the building of the first school house in the town of Marion, it being a 
log structure 16 x 18 feet, and the teacher was paid by subscription. From that time he has done all in his power 
for the advancement of the grade of schools and has also given his support to every enterprise calculated to 
promote the general welfare. He supports the Republican party in politics, and is a man of sterling worth who 
receieves the high regard of all who know him. 

 




Back to the Marquette Pages Menu