Biographical Sketch of

Nathan H. Leonard

Transcribed by Suzanne Folk 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, Pages 371 - 372

Natham H. Leonard, who resides on section 28, in the town of Mackford, Green Lake County, 
was born in Orford, N.H., April 2, 1810, and was one of a large family of children, whose 
parents were David and Azuba (Fairbanks) Leonard. Jonathan, the eldest, died in the old 
Granite State; Lucy married Samuel Ames of New Hampshire, who entered the service of his 
country in the War of 1812 and was killed; Hanna married Phineas Ames, and both died in 
New Hampshire; David settled near Burlington, Vt., but died in Canada; Azuba became the 
wife of Samuel Phelps and both died in New Hampshire; Moses also died in his native State; 
Reuben remained in New Hampshire until 1848, when he came to the West and died at Fox Lake; 
James departed this life in Michigan; Naham is the next in order of birth; Mary A. became 
the wife of John McGill, and settled in Canada, where her death occurred; William died in 
New Hampshire, and Asel is now a resident of Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard were both 
descended from old New England stock. They were faithful members of the Methodist Church 
and stood high in the estimation of their many friends on account of their upright lives.

Nathan H. Leonard, whose name heads this sketch, passed his life in the usual manner of 
farmer lads. His education was acquired in a log school house, where he attended during 
the winter season and as soon as he was old enough, he was put to work upon the farm. 
Until twenty years of age his time was thus spent, but in 1830, he left the parental roof 
and started out in life for himself. Going to Upper Canada, he there became acquainted 
with Miss Catherine Spencer. The friendship ripened into love and they were united in 
marriage. Beginning their domestic life in that country, they remained until 1848, when 
they came to Wisconsin, settling in Waupun in the month of October.  He entered land near 
Princeton, but in 1855 purchased a farm in Mackford Township, where he has since resided. 
His first purchase consisted of a tract of forty acres but to that he has since added, 
until he now owns 160 acres of beautiful prairie land, highly cultivated and improved. 
He was ambitious and desired to make a comfortable home for himself and family. With that 
end in view he never tired of his labors, but worked on day after day until able to surround 
them with all that makes life worth the living. When his home was plentifully supplied with 
luxuries and he had acquired a comfortable competence, he was called upon to mourn the loss 
of his wife who died on the 7th day of July, 1887. She had proved herself a true helpmate 
to him, had aided him in all his efforts, had encouraged him through the darkest hours of 
pioneer life and nobly discharged her duties as the head of the household. Her Christian 
virtues and many acts of kindness to the poor and needy had endeared her to the hearts of 
all and her loss was deeply mourned throughout the community.

Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard as follows: John M., who was born Oct. 
28, 1837, died in childhood; Oscar D., born May 19, 1839, enlisted in the late war and gave 
his life for his country's cause; Alma, born March 6, 1841, is the wife of Cyrus Buxzell, 
a prominent farmer of the town of Mackford; Azuba, born Dec. 5, 1842, is the wife of Walter 
Chapel of Eau Claire, Wis.; Daniel C., born Oct. 20, 1845, wedded Mary Burns and resides in 
this county; Clark E., born Jan. 4, 1848, married Lucy Whitmore and also makes his home in 
this county; Matilda, born April 16, 1851, died in infancy; Rosella was born Oct. 1, 1855; 
George A., born May 4, 1858, died in infancy, and James E., born Jan. 17, 1860, also died in 
infancy.

Mr. Leonard is one of the truly self-made men of Green Lake County. He began life without 
capital, but has pressed steadily forward, overcoming all difficulties, until he is now one 
of the substantial farmers of the community. He has never by trickery or scheming added to 
his financial resources, but by fair and honest dealing has make all he possesses. His upright 
life, his gentlemanly and courteous manner has made him many friends and he is widely and 
favorably known throughout the county. The Leonard household is the abode of hospitality and 
the family holds a high position in the social world.






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