Thomas Leonard is a retired farmer residing with his son on section 15, Hazel Dell Township. In former years he was closely associated with agricultural interests and developed in this county one of its fine and well improved farms, his life being a busy, active and useful one. He was born in the County of Roscommon, Ireland, about seventy-seven years ago and spent the first seventeen years of his life on the Emerald Isle, after which he came to America, attracted by the broader business opportunities of the new world, hoping that he might acquire a competence more readily in this country than in the land of his birth. He resided in Boston for fifteen years and was there engaged in working in a brickyard.

His arrival in Iowa dates from 1867, at which time he took up his abode in Jackson County, where he engaged in farming until 1875. He then removed to Silver City in Mills County, and two years later came to Pottawattamie County. Here be purchased two hundred and forty acres of land partially improved, on section 15, Hazel Dell Township, and has made this one of the most productive farms of the county. His life has marked by untiring activity and industry and as the years have passed by good results have attended his labors enabling him to rise from a humble financial position to one of affluence. He has now divided his property between his two sons, James Leonard, near Neola, having a fine farm of over one hundred and sixty acres, while Thomas has the old home place of four hundred and forty acres.

Mr. Leonard was married in Boston to Miss Catherine Hoer, who died in 1864. They were the parents of six children but only the two, mentioned are now living. In 1867 Mr. Leonard was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Margaret Turner, the widow of Edward Turner, by whom she had three children: John, deceased; Patrick, living in Harrison County, Iowa; and Anna, the wife of Thomas W. Leonard, a son of our subject. He now owns and carries on the old homestead farm and by his marriage there were born six children: Mamie, at home; James L., who died at the age of thirteen years; Edward T., William J. and Francis M., all at home; and John P., who died at the age of five months.

The family are members of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Leonard has always been a stalwart democrat, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day and giving loyal support to the party. He has served as township trustee and as school director. Mr. Leonard is still a well preserved old man, enjoying excellent health for one of his years and yet doing no little work about the farm. He made no mistake in coming to America but on the contrary here found the opportunities which he sought and which he has improved until he is today one of the substantial residents the county.

In the course of years he became the owner of extensive and valuable farming interests and with generous spirit he has divided with his sons, giving to each a valuable and extensive farm. His life has at all times been honorable and upright, and good qualities have gained for him the warm regard of many friends.