Descendants of John W. Leech

Generation No. 1

1. JOHN W.1 LEECH was born Abt. 1773 in Pennsylvania, and died April 28, 1839 in Putnam Co IL. He married MARY PARR May 23, 1811 in Jefferson County, Ohio, daughter of John Parr and Jane Gilmore. She was born March 15, 1794 in Ireland, and died November 15, 1886 in Putnam Co IL.

Notes for John W. Leech:

The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1896.

Page 534-535

JOHN LEECH. Among the pioneer settlers of Putnam county, the Leech family is especially worthy of notice in a work of this kind, as its members have long been prominently identified with its interests. John Leech, the father, was born and reared in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and when a young man removed to Jefferson county, Ohio. He was well educated, having attended Jefferson college, now Washington and Jefferson college at Cannonsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In Jefferson county, Ohio, John Leech married Miss Mary Parr, of Scotch-Irish descent, born in the north of Ireland. When a child she became a resident of Jefferson county, where their marriage was celebrated in 1811, and there nine children were born to them. It was in May, 1832, that they landed at Peoria, Illinois, having come by way of the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers, and there the father purchased eighty acres of land, which now lies within the cay limits. As his family were in poor health at that place, in April, 1833, he removed to the farm near Florid, still owned and occupied by members of the family. He secured three hundred and twenty acres at the government price of one dollar and a quarter per acre. A small cabin had been erected by the party who laid claim to the tract and he added another log cabin, but later built a frame house after a null was started in the vicinity. He also became the owner of other tracts of good land in Putnam, Warren and Pike counties. His death occurred on the home farm here in 1839 - at the age of sixty-six years.

In the family were nine children who grew to maturity, namely: James, who married Electa Hawks, and died in 1852, leaving a widow and seven children, the widow also now being deceased; Robert, born May 18, 1814, died August 4, 1895, at the age of eighty-one years; Jane married Lucian Livingston, a farmer, in Putnam county, by whom she had eight children. He died some years ago, and the widow is now living in Chicago; John Walker married Virginia B. Turner, and now resides in Hennepin. He owns a farm adjoining the old homestead, as well as his home in the village. Their children died in infancy; Mary is the widow of Rev. James Templeton, and resides on the old home farm; Susanna, who died two years ago, was the wife of Captain James Campbell Moore, of Peoria; Margaret first married Alexander Armstrong, and after his death, Gaspard L. Tetu, of Peoria; Samuel Gilmore manages the old homestead, and Elizabeth is the wife of Dr. J. T. Milling, of Peru.

More About JOHN W. LEECH:
Buried: Union Grove Cemetery, Putnam Co. IL

Notes for Mary Parr:

The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1896.

Page 534-535

The mother, whose death occurred in April, 1888, at the advanced age of ninety-three years was ever devoted to the interests of her home and family, and was well preserved, retaining all her faculties to the last. A consistent member of the United Presbyterian church, she was a great Bible student and followed closely its teachings. She had a wide acquaintance throughout the county, and her house was ever open for the entertainment of her many friends, and she also took great pleasure in extending her hospitality to many noted men of the state.

More About Mary Parr:

1850 Residence: Putnam Co. IL

1860 Residence: Hennepin Twp., Putnam Co. IL

Buried: Union Grove Cemetery, Putnam Co. IL

Residence: 1850, Putnam Co. IL

Children of JOHN LEECH and MARY are:

2 i. Robert Leech, born May 18, 1814 in Jefferson county, Ohio; died August 04, 1895 in Florid, Putnam Co. IL.
Notes for Robert Leech:

Taken From the Record of Olden Times by Spencer Ellsworth, 1880
Biographical Dept., Hennepin Twp, Page 636
Mr. Leech is a farmer living on section 19. He was born in Jefferson county, Ohio in 1814, removed with his parents to Peoria in 1832 and to Hennepin one year later. Has ever since resided on his present homestead. John Leech, his father, died in 1839, leaving nine children. His mother still lives, and is eighty-six years old. Mr. Leech never married, having dutifully remained with his parents, giving all his care to them. He has one of the finest farms in the township, containing 330 acres, his house occupying a beautiful location, skirted by a belt of timber on the north-west, interspersed with old oaks and other native trees.

Came to Putnam county in 1833. Living near Florid in 1890. Occupation farmer.

Hennepin, August 8, 1895
Robert Leech, an old and respected resident of Florid, Putnam County, died Sunday at noon, age 82 years. Funeral from family residence Tuesday at 2:00 PM, Rev. McGill officiating. Internment at Union Grove cemetery.

The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1896.
Page 534-535
After his father's death, Robert Leech took charge of the business, carrying on the home farm, and became the father of the family. In connection with his brother, Samuel G., he added to the original farm a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, and there devoted his attention to general farming and stock-raising with excellent success. He was very active in public matters, was a strong democrat in politics, and often served as a delegate to the conventions of his party. For some years he was supervisor of his township, and also held the offices of commissioner and school director. During the war he took an active and leading part in public affairs, and did much toward relieving the distress of many a soldier's widow.
In attending the various district and state conventions, Robert Leech had won the friendship of many prominent men, and at one time "vas a candidate for the legislature. He was a man of much natural ability and was well read, but never cared for discussion and did not force his views on others. He was never involved in litigation, but still maintained his rights and made no enemies.

More About Robert Leech:

+ 3 ii. Jane Leech, born Abt. 1819 in Ohio; died Aft. 1896 in Illinois.

+ 4 iii. John Walker Leech, born Abt. 1823 in Ohio; died Bet. 1896 - 1900 in Putnam Co IL.

+ 5 iv. Susanna Leech, born Abt. 1825 in Ohio; died 1894 in Probably Peoria, Illinois.

+ 6 v. James Leech, born Abt. 1827 in Ohio; died Bef. 1860 in Putnam Co IL.

7 vi. Samuel Gilmore Leech, born May 07, 1829 in Ohio; died February 01, 1908 in Florid, Putnam Co. IL.

Notes for Samuel Gilmore Leech:

The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1896.
Page 534-535
Samuel G. Leech, the youngest son of the family, as he grew up aided his brother in the operation of the farm, and by purchase, became half owner of the place. For about ten years he dealt in grain at Hennepin, but since that time has given his entire attention to the cultivation and improvement of the farm. After the death of his brother he became sole owner.

Florid, February 6, 1908
Samuel Gillmore Leech, who has been in failing health for sometime, but only bad sick about two weeks, passed peacefully away at the old Leech homestead last Friday morning at 6:30. He will be missed in our community as for all that knew him liked him. Another good man gone to the great beyond. We all sympathize with those that are left; especially the aged sister who is in such delicate health. Mr. Leech was 76 years old.

More About Samuel Gilmore Leech:

+ 8 vii. Margaret Leech, born Bet. August 1828 - 1831 in Ohio; died Aft. 1910 in Probably Peoria, Illinois.

+ 9 viii. Mary Leech, born Abt. 1832 in Ohio; died Aft. 1880.

+ 10 ix. Elizabeth Leech, born November 1834 in Ohio; died September 1907 in Florid, Putnam Co. IL.

Generation No. 2

3. Jane Leech (John W.) was born Abt. 1819 in Ohio, and died Aft. 1896 in Illinois. She married Lucian Livingston Bef. 1836. He was born Abt. 1811 in Ohio, and died Aft. 1880 in Illinois.

More About Jane Leech:

More About Lucian Livingston:

Children of Jane Leech and Lucian Livingston are:

11 i. Robert3 Livingston, born Abt. 1836 in Illinois.

12 ii. John W. Livingston, born Abt. 1840 in Illinois.

13 iii. Margaret J. Livingston, born Abt. 1843 in Illinois.

14 iv. James A. Livingston, born Abt. 1846 in Illinois.

15 v. Julia Livingston, born Abt. 1848 in Illinois.

16 vi. Mary Livingston, born Abt. 1852.

17 vii. Fanny Livingston, born Abt. 1856.

18 viii. Mattie L. Livingston, born Abt. 1858.

-------------------------------

4. John Walker Leech (John W.) was born Abt. 1823 in Ohio, and died Bet. 1896 - 1900 in Putnam Co IL. He married Virginia B. Turner Bet. 1860 - 1868 in Putnam County, IL, daughter of Oaks Turner and Rebecca Butler. She was born Abt. 1842 in Illinois, and died January 03, 1921 in Hennepin Township, Putnam Co. IL.

More About John Walker Leech:

More About Virginia B. Turner:

Child of John Leech and Virginia Turner is:

19 i. Mary V.3 Leech, born Abt. 1868 in Putnam Co IL; died March 29, 1876 in Hennepin, Putnam Co IL.
Notes for Mary V. Leech:

TAKEN FROM THE HENRY REPUBLICAN
April 6, 1876
Died at Hennepin, March 29, Mary, aged 9 years, only child of Walker and Jennie Leech.

-----------------------------------------

5. Susanna Leech (John W.) was born Abt. 1825 in Ohio, and died 1894 in Probably Peoria, Illinois. She married James Campbell Moore Bef. 1850. He was born Abt. May 1820 in Ohio, and died Aft. 1900 in Probably Peoria, Illinois.

More About James Campbell Moore:

Children of Susanna Leech and James Moore are:

+ 20 i. Mary Ella Moore, born September 1849 in Illinois.

21 ii. Olive P. Moore, born October 1852 in Illinois.

More About Olive P. Moore:

22 iii. George E. Moore, born Abt. 1856 in Illinois.

More About George E. Moore:

23 iv. Robert Moore, born Abt. 1865 in Illinois.

----------------------------------------

6. James Leech (John W.) was born Abt. 1827 in Ohio, and died Bef. 1860 in Putnam Co IL. He married Electa Hawks Bef. 1840. She was born Abt. 1821 in Massachusetts, and died Bet. 1860 - 1870 in Putnam Co IL.

More About James Leech:

More About Electa Hawks:

Children of James Leech and Electa Hawks are:

24 i. Mary3 Leech, born Abt. 1838 in Illinois.

25 ii. John Leech, born Abt. 1840 in Illinois.

More About John Leech:

26 iii. Adah Leech, born Abt. 1843 in Illinois.

27 iv. Lucy J. Leech, born Abt. 1845 in Illinois.

28 v. James H. Leech, born Abt. 1847 in Illinois.

+ 29 vi. Charles F. Leech, born Abt. 1850 in Illinois.

30 vii. Eugene Leech, born Abt. 1852 in Illinois.

---------------------------------------

8. Margaret2 Leech (John W.1) was born Bet. August 1828 - 1831 in Ohio, and died Aft. 1910 in Probably Peoria, Illinois. She married (1) Alexander Armstrong 1853 in Putnam County, IL. He was born in Ohio, and died Bef. 1860 in Putnam Co IL. She married (2) Gaspard P. Tetu Abt. 1865 in Illinois. He was born January 1830 in Canada, and died Bet. 1900 - 1910 in Peoria, Peoria Co IL.

More About Margaret Leech:

More About Gaspard P. Tetu:

Children of Margaret Leech and Alexander Armstrong are:

31 i. Agnes3 Armstrong, born April 1855 in Illinois; died Aft. 1920 in Probably Peoria, Illinois. She married James M. Morse Abt. 1876 in Probably Peoria, IL; born August 1854 in Illinois; died Aft. 1920 in Probably Peoria, Illinois.

More About Agnes Armstrong:

32 ii. Mary Armstrong, born Abt. 1857 in Illinois; died Aft. 1910 in Illinois.

More About Mary Armstrong:

------------------------------

9. Mary Leech (John W.) was born Abt. 1832 in Ohio, and died Aft. 1880. She married James Templeton. He was born in Union Co Pennsylvania, and died December 03, 1843 in Putnam Co IL.

More About Mary Leech:

Notes for James Templeton:

The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1896.
535-536

Rev. James Templeton, who married Miss Mary A. Leech, was a native of Union county, Pennsylvania, and died December 3 1843, after a short married life of only three years and a half. He was of Scotch-Irish descent. and his boyhood was passed in his native state and at Jefferson college at Cannonsburgh, he secured both his classical and theological education. He at once entered the work of the ministry in Ohio, and in 1839 came to Illinois, organizing the Associate church at Granville. Putnam county, which has now disbanded. He devoted his entire time and attention to the Master's cause. and was a most earnest and devout Christian. He lies buried at Union Grove cemetery. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Templeton -Samuel Rutherford, well and favorably known throughout the county who died July 22. 1893 and Mary C. On coming to Putnam county. Mr. Templeton purchased several tracts of land which are still owned by his heirs. His death was a sad loss not alone to the wife and children. but to the community and the church he loved so well.

More About James Templeton:

Children of Mary Leech and James Templeton are:

33 i. Samuel Rutherford3 Templeton, born Abt. 1844 in Illinois; died July 22, 1893.

More About Samuel Rutherford Templeton:

34 ii. Mary C. Templeton, born in Ohio.

-------------------------------------------

10. Elizabeth Leech (John W.) was born November 1834 in Ohio, and died September 1907 in Florid, Putnam Co. IL. She married John Thomas Milling July 10, 1850 in Putnam County, IL. He was born April 16, 1819 in County Louth, Ireland, and died Bet. 1900 - 1907 in Illinois.

Notes for Elizabeth Leech:

TAKEN FROM THE HENRY NEWS REPUBLICAN
Florid, September 26, 1907

Mrs. Milling died at the home of her brother, S.G. Leech, last Friday and will be buried Monday. Mrs. Milling was quite an old lady and very feeble for a number of years. Her husband and two daughters died some years ago.

More About John Thomas Milling:

Children of Elizabeth Leech and John Milling are:

35 i. Mary Virginia3 Milling, born Abt. 1851 in Illinois; died Abt. 1874.

More About Mary Virginia Milling:

36 ii. Frances Elizabeth Milling, born Abt. 1854 in Illinois; died Abt. 1872.

Generation No. 3

20. Mary Ella Moore (Susanna Leech, John W.) was born September 1849 in Illinois. She married Brud Abt. 1880.

More About Mary Ella Moore:

Child of Mary Moore and Brud is:

37 i. Allyn C.4 Brud, born April 1882 in Illinois.

-------------------------

29. Charles F Leech (James2, John W.1) was born Abt. 1850 in Illinois. He married Elva V. Bef. 1875. She was born Abt. 1853 in Ohio.

More About Charles F. Leech:

Child of Charles Leech and Elva V. is:

38 i. Francis4 Leech, born Abt. 1875 in Michigan.

Back to Putnam County Illinois History and Genealogy