Biographical Sketch of

George W. Leathart

Transcribed by Joan Benner for the Marquette Co WI Pages



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 423


George W. Leathart, who is engaged in general farming on section 35, in the town of Berlin, Green Lake County, 
was born in Canada near the village of granby, Aug. 16, 1844, and is a son of John and Caroline (Whedan) 
Leathart, both of whom were born in England but came to America prior to their marriage. For some years Mr. 
Leathart served as cabin boy on the high seas, and after his emigration to this country was for three years 
in her Majesty's army. Upon his marriage he turned his attention to farming and in 1856 resumed that occupation 
in the town of Manchester, Green Lake County, where his wife died, leaving a family of six children, five sons 
and one daughter. Mr. Leathart then married Sarah Matthews, and they are now living in Monroe County, Wisconsin. 
Five daughters were born of the second union. He casts his ballot with the Republican party and is a highly 
respected citizen.

Our subject was the second in order of birth in his father's family, and was reared to farm life. Being among 
the older children, he was forced to begin life early, and had little opportunity to attend school. He looked 
with interest upon the progress of war trouble and resolved to strike a blow for his country's cause if need be, 
so when the war broke out, though only seventeen years of age, he enlisted in Company I, 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry 
for three years' service, but about three months later his father having learned what had become of him went to 
the front and brought George home. His plans frustrated, he again engaged in farming, but on the 3rd of October, 
1864, having almost attained his majority, he again enlisted and served until the close of the war. He was 
assigned to Company I, 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, and shortly afterward the command was ordered to Lyon, 
Virginia, where he remained on duty until his discharge June 26, 1865. He was mustered out with the rank of 
Sargeant and then returned home.

When he again reached Green Lake County, Mr. Leathart resumed work as a farm hand, which he continued until his 
marriage, which occurred Nov. 25, 1868, when Miss Eva E., daughter of John and Catherine (Miller) Chaffin, 
became his wife. Her father was born in Berkeley County, Virginia, in 1816, and his wife was born in Frederick 
County, Maryland in 1820. When children both removed from their parents to Champaign County, Ohio, where they 
were married in 1847. Until 1854 Mr. Chaffin engaged in farming in the Buckeye State, when he came to this county, 
locating in the town of Berlin. He advocated the Democracy until 1856, when he joined the new Republican party. 
He died in Berlin in 1882, and his wife passed away in Milwaukee in 1888. Their family numbered three children, 
two sons who died in childhood and Mrs. Leathart, who was born near Urbana in Champaign County, Ohio, August 22, 
1848, and came to this country with her parents.

The union of our subject and his worthy wife has been blessed with three sons: Amos J., Aaron C. and Henry L.  
The eldest possesses great genius as an artist, and though having had but little instruction has done some very 
fine work both in landscape and portrait painting.

The fine farm of Mr. Leathart with its neat and tasty furnishings indicates the owner to be a man of enterprise 
and progressive spirit. He raises a good grade of stock, and 160 acres of highly improved land pay tribute to
his care and cultivation. 

Transcribed by Joan Benner for the Marquette Co WI Pages






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