Descendants of Francis "Frank" LEEPER - Dec 18 2003

COMPILED BY ALLEN L. POTTS

FIRST GENERATION

He had a sister Hannah who married Robert Pollock and died in Welchtown, Ireland about 1848. She had two children Richard Pollock and Sarah Jane Pollock. He was married to Isabell KEE. Isabell KEE was born about 1802 in Meenegrave, Townland, Donegal, Ireland. Letter dated May 8, 1993 from Dorothy Wall

Francis "Frank" LEEPER and Isabell KEE had the following children:

2 i. Sarah LEEPER was born on April 1, 1827 in Kilteevogue, Welchtown, Donegal, Ireland.

+3 ii. Hannah LEEPER (born about 1828).

4 iii. Isabel LEEPER was born on August 30, 1829 in Kilteevogue, Welchtown, Donegal, Ireland.

+5 iv. Francis "Frank" LEEPER (born on April 12, 1833).

6 v. Robert LEEPER was born on July 6, 1834 in Kilteevogue, Welchtown, Donegal, Ireland.

+7 vi. Elizabeth LEEPER (born on June 9, 1836).

+8 vii. William LEEPER (born on April 29, 1838).

9 viii. Thomas LEEPER was born on December 15, 1840 in Kilteevogue, Welchtown, Donegal, Ireland. Thomas was living in Marion County, Ohio by 1859.

10 ix. Rebecca LEEPER was born about 1842 in Kilteevogue, Welchtown, Donegal, Ireland.

11 x. George LEEPER was born on October 7, 1844 in Kilteevogue, Welchtown, Donegal, Ireland.

SECOND GENERATION

3. Hannah LEEPER (Francis "Frank"-1) was born about 1828 in Kilteevogue, Welchtown, Donegal, Ireland. She died in Claridon Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. History of Marion County and Representative Citizens 1907 page 745 She may not be a daughter of Francis and Isabell Key Leeper, but another Francis Leeper. She was married to John MARTIN in Donegal, Ireland.

John MARTIN was born on February 10, 1815 in Donegal, Ireland. He died on October 23, 1891 in Claridon Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. History of Marion County and Representative Citizens 1907 page 745

Hannah LEEPER and John MARTIN had the following children:

+12 i. Maggie MARTIN (born about 1844).

+13 ii. Belle MARTIN (born about 1847).

+14 iii. Jennie MARTIN (born about 1848).

15 iv. Thomas MARTIN was born about 1849 in Donegal, Ireland. History of Marion County and Representative Citizens 1907 page 745 President of a bank and a man of large affairs in Muscogee, Creek Nation, Indian Territory

16 v. John MARTIN was born about 1850 in Donegal, Ireland. History of Marion County and Representative Citizens 1907 page 745 Died age 21 years, in Montana

17 vi. Francis "Frank" MARTIN was born about 1852 in Donegal, Ireland. History of Marion County and Representative Citizens 1907 page 745 Engaged in a real estate business at Muscogee, Indian Territory

+18 vii. William MARTIN (born on June 22, 1857).

Francis Leeper age 21 and William Leeper age 17 from Ballybofey, Ireland to Philadelphia, Pa. in 1856 on the Superior. The Ship Superior docked in Philadelphia May 13, 1856. The passenger manifest by Master Mason. Sailed from Londonderry. The ship was owned by J & J Cooke 571 tons. #56 Francis Leeper 20 years Laborer Ireland US one package. #57 William Leeper 17 years Laborer Ireland US one package. The ship carried 202 passengers.

He enlisted in Civil War August 14, 1862, at Marseilles, Wyandot Co., Ohio, for three years with the 123rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. June 13th, 14th and 15th, 1863; Saturday, Sunday and Monday; the weather had been hot and the skies cloudy, a very violent thunderstorm had passed thru Saturday night and Francis Leeper and the 123rd OVI were in Winchester, Virginia. Maj. Gen. George Milroy was in command of 6,900 men in the Garrison at Winchester and his orders were that this post was not to be defended, but was a lookout and listening position and that in case of a large attack, he was to pack up and take his armies to Harper's Ferry. He had received reports of Confederate troop movements in the Winchester area and had sent several scouting parties out to find them, either they did a very poor job or were not looking in the right places, for they failed to warn of the very large Confederate forces under the command of Gen. Storrert Ewell who were moving toward Winchester. Ewell's men descended on Winchester from three sides on Saturday, June the 13th over-ran the defending Union out-post. At this time Milroy still had time to get his troops to Harper's Ferry but he still did not realize the strength of the Confederate forces and thought that he could win the battle, he sent a telegram to his superiors telling them that he could hold out for five days and that if they could send reenforcements, he could win the battle. Either the Confederates cut the telegraph line or the storm that came thru blew it down, anyway the messages did not get thru.

June the 14th and the Confederates kept the pressure on the Garrison at Winchester and Milroy saw that he was in an hopeless situation and called a meeting of his Officers to discuss a withdraw. At this meeting it was decided that all wagons, cannons would be left. The harnessess would be taken off of the horses and they would be led by lead straps, the soldiers would not be allowed to talk above a whisper and anything that made a noise was to be left. The withdraw began about 1AM, Monday, June 15th, the troops were awakened, given there orders and started the withdraw. The Confederates had expected this and were waiting at Stephenson's Depot, about 4 miles North of Winchester, when the Union forces got close, the Confederates opened up with cannon and musket fire, there was a lot of confusion in the Union ranks, it was very dark, some of the men were leading 2 or 3 horses, they broke loose and were running scared among the troops adding to the turmoil. Col. Keifer of the 110 OVI ask permission to charge the Confederate position, it was granted by Gen. Milroy, and the 110th. 122nd, 116th, and the 123rd OVI charged into the Confederate positions. The 110th, 122nd and the 116th were quickly repulsed and retreated back to the road, the 123rd was completely surrounded and seeing the situation was hopeless, was surrendered by their Commanding Officer. Because the Ohio Volunteer Infantry charged into the Confederate lines, many men were able to make their escape to Martin's Ferry. Francis Leeper became a POW around daybreak; Monday, June 15, 1863; at Stphenson's Depot, Virginia.

Eyewitness account of the battle at 126th OVI Home Page Leeper Background

Robert Leeper came to the United States around 1838 from Welchtown, County Donegal, Ireland. He died without a will in 1858. He owned two farms, one in Wyandot County and another one in Marion County. Robert never married so at his death it reverted to his brother Francis Leeper senior in Ireland. Francis senior transferred this property to his children, namely: Francis junior, William and Elizabeth Leeper. For 10 shillings silver, he sold his rights to the properties in America to these children. Later on this situation was taken to court in Marion County by the children of Hannah Leeper Pollock, who had died before Robert, a sister of Francis Leeper senior, as they thought that they had rights to the properties. The court awarded them their share of the property in Marion County.

Life must have seemed good for the newlyweds as they moved into a ready made farm and I am sure they thought the future looked great. But the Civil War was about to change their plans.

On August 14, 1862, Francis joined the Union army at Marseilles, Ohio. I do have copies of his army records, he was 29 years old, 5 foot 7 inches tall, had light hair and blue eyes. He was taken prisoner at the second battle of Winchester and for a short time held at the Libby prison and then paroled. At this time there was a very complicated parole system in place where you were sent home and went about your daily life until a southern prisoner was exchanged for you. When that happened you were notified and had to report to your company where ever it happened to be. When his number came up, he refused to report and was charged as a deserter, a Provost Marshal was sent to his farm and put him under arrest and took him to Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio. These charges were dropped as it was taken into account that he was a sick man, he was taken into the reserves corps and served until he received a disability discharge in 1864. He seemed to have trouble with his lungs [maybe TB] and was given a pension after a lot of legal wrangling, for the rest of his life.

He was captured in action at Winchester, Va., June 15, 1863; confined at Richmond, Va., June 23/34, 1863; paroled at City Point, Va., July 8, 1863; reported at Camp Parole on July 11, 1863; reported to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, July 17, 1863. Where he reported present Sept. 10 & Oct 31, 1863. He was transferred to 152^nd Co 1 Battalion Co I, 5^th Regt. V.R.C. Dec 15, 1863, by reason of functional disease of heart. He was reported absent July and Aug 1863. He was arrested as a deserter Aug 17, 1863. The charge of desertion removed .

His Declaration for Invalid Army Pension; stated: that while in the service aforesaid, and in the line of duty at a place called Camp Chase, in the State of Ohio on the 25^th day of October 1863 he was taken with a severe pain in the left breast which continued till about the 5^th of December 1863, when he was examined by the surgeon in charge of the camp. When pronounced his complaint heart Disease and ordered him to be transferred to the invalid corp at Cincinnati, He stayed there about two weeks and then was ordered to the 5^th V. R. C. at Indianapolis, Indiana. Discharge at Indianapolis July 31, 1864 for disability. The declaration was witnessed by Charles Baker and King Crawford residents of Marion County of Marion, State of Ohio. King Crawford was a brother-in-law.

Elizabeth - Widow's Declaration for Pension was filed May 16, 1891. Francis had received a pension of $17. James King and William Leeper witnessed the declaration.

Francis was living in Grand Township when he enlisted.. In the 1878 Marion County Atlas he had 10 acres in Grand Tp., Section 23. The property was right on the county line and he may have also owned property in Wyandot County.

Wyandot Ohio County History 1884

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD OHIO INFANTRY.

The military organization thus designated was recruited during the summer and early autumn of 1862. Its place of rendezvous was Monroeville, Ohio. On the 16th of October, it moved to Zanesville, whence it was taken down the Muskingum River to Marietta, thence by rail to Belpre, and across the Ohio River to Parkersburg, Va., thence by rail to Clarksburg, reaching that place October 20. From that time until early in January following, the command was constantly engaged in marching, and skirmishing with small parties of the enemy in Western Virginia.

On the 10th of January, 1863, the regiment left Moorefield for Romney. It arrived on the 12th, and remained about six weeks, engaged almost continually in scouting duty in that vicinity, protecting the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. While at this place, one whole company of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio, of the brigade, and a small detail from the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio, were captured by McNiel's rebel cavalry, and the train in their charge burned. The men were at once paroled and sent back into the Union lines. On the 1st of March, the regiment was ordered to Winchester, Va., arriving at that place on the 4th. From that point it made several raids up the Shenandoah Valley, going as far as New Market.

Nothing further of interest occurred until the 13th of June, at which time Lee's entire rebel army, then on its March to Pennsylvania, surrounded Winchester. On the afternoon of that day, the One Hundred and Twenty Third, with its brigade, under Brig. Gen. Elliott, had an engagement with Early's corps, in which it lost in killed, wounded and missing 105 men. On the 14th the Union forces were driven into their fortifications and hardly pressed by the overwhelming numbers of the rebel army. That afternoon they were under a severe artillery fire for two hours, during which time Gen. Milroy, the division commander, directed operations from the Crow's nest of the flag staff us coolly as if on parade. The outworks being carried by the enemy, it was then determined to evacuate the place. The troops marched out of the works in silence at 2 o'clock in the morning, leaving the heavy artillery in position, but spiked. At a point about four miles out on the Martinsburg road, at 4 o'clock in the morning, the rebels were found in position, and further retreat was cut off. In attempting to cut their way through, the regiment lost in killed and wounded about 50 men. In this affair, the regiment made three distinct charges, but to little purpose. While it was forming for a fourth charge, Col. Ely, of the Eighteenth Connecticut, then in command of the brigade, surrendered to the enemy, and the whole brigade, except Company D, of the One Hundred and Twenty-third, were made prisoners and marched away to Richmond, where the major portion of the officers of the One Hundred and Twenty-third. He was held a prison in Richmond until paroled. Lieut. W. A. Williams and Capt. D. S. Caldwell made their escape. Col. William T. Wilson and Lieut. Beverton were exchanged and sent home. The remainder of the officers, after eleven months' confinement in Libby Prison, were sent to Macon , Ga., thence to Charleston, S. C., and placed under fire by their inhuman captors-of the Union siege guns. Subse-

464 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

quently they were taken to Columbia, S. C. From that point several officers made their escape, among whom were Capts. J. F. Randolph, Alonzo Robbins and Oswell H. Rosenbaum; Lieuts. B. T. Blair, Frank B. Col. ver, Thomas W. Boyce, George D. Acker, J. B. Pumphrey and V. R. Davis. Capt. Randolph made his escape, with a number of the officers belonging to other States, in a wood-scow, down the Congaree and Santee Rivers, where they boarded the Union gunboat Neipsic. The remaining officers of the One Hundred and Twenty-third made their way successfully to the Union lines in Tennessee. Col. Wilson, Lieut. Col. Hunter, Capt. Chamberlain, Lieuts. Schuyler, M. H. Smith, Frank A. Breckenridge and Charles H. Sowers were exchanged. Capt. Charles H. Riggs died in Charleston, S. C., on the 15th of September, 1864, of disease contracted in prison. Capt. William H. Bender also died at Columbia, S. C., of yellow fever. The privates of the regiment were exchanged within a few months, and sent to the parole camps at Annapolis, Md., and Camp Chase, Ohio.

Maj. Kellogg, who was wounded and made his escape from the enemy at Winchester, collected the stragglers of the regiment at Martinsburg, Va., where the paroled men of the regiment, after exchange, joined him, about the 1st of September, 1863. At this place the regiment was newly armed and equipped; but being deficient in officers, it was engaged mainly in provost and picket duty until March 1, 1864, when it was distributed as guards along the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad between Harper's Ferry and Monocacy Junction.

About the 1st of March, however, the regiment was collected together at Martinsburg, and, with the Army of West Virginia, began one of the most remarkable campaigns, without adequate results, performed during the war of the rebellion. First under Gen. Sigel, and subsequently under Gen. Hunter, this army was marched up and down the valleys, and from mountain range to mountain range throughout the northwest quarter of old Virginia. As pursuers or pursued, they visited, en route, Winchester, New Market (on the 15th of May, where, in a fight with Breckinridge, the regiment lost eighty men in killed and wounded), Woodstock, Port Republic, Staunton, Lexington, Buckhannon, Liberty, Lynchburg, Salem, Gauley Bridge,' Camp Piatt, Charleston, Parkersburg, Cherry Run, Martinsburg, Harper's Ferry, and many other points. The regiment started on the Lynchburg raid with Hunter, with seven hundred men, and at the expiration of two months and a half it returned with two hundred and fifty present for duty.

However, a new era now dawned upon the Shenandoah Valley. Gen. Sheridan was placed in command of the Union troops assembled on the Upper Potomac, and with them he pressed forward to a round of victories. At Berryville, Winchester, Strasburg, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, the enemy were signally defeated, and ore the close of October, 1864, the Shenandoah Valley was cleared almost entirely of rebels in arms. This had not been accomplished without great loss of life, and in the One Hundred and Twenty-third alone about one hundred and fifty brave spirits had either been killed or severely wounded.

In December, the regiment, with other troops, was ordered to report to Gen. Butler, commanding on the north side of the James River near Bermuda Hundred, and attached to the Twenty-fourth Army Corps, Gen. Ord commanding. It arrived at Deep Bottom on the 27th of December, 1864, where it remained until the 25th of March, 1865, at which time it broke camp and moved to the Chickahominy to aid Sheridan across that stream..

HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. - 465

The Twenty-fourth Corps was then sent to the south side of the James, to the extreme left of the Union lines, on Hatcher's Run. On the 30th of March, an advance was made on the rebel works, and skirmishing continued until the morning of the 2d of April, when a general charge was made, and the rebel works were carried. The regiment during this time was for three days and nights on the skirmish line, without relief, and their rations had to be carried to them by Regimental Quartermaster, Lieut. Brown - a most dangerous duty. The loss of the regiment was quite severe while engaged in this long skirmish. It captured two battle-flags and a number of prisoners. The rebels were followed toward Petersburg, their forts on the way being captured, excepting at one or two points, where a sturdy resistance was made. On the 3d of April, the whole Union army marched in pursuit of Lee's rebel army toward Danville, the regiment reaching Burke's Junction in the night of the 5th, at 12 o'clock. At this point, the One Hundred and Twenty-third was included in a force sent on an expedition to burn High Bridge, fifteen miles in the advance, on the South Side Railroad. Within half a mile of the bridge, just as the regiment was opening a fight with a brigade of rebel home guards, the rebel cavalry, in advance of Lee' s army, came on in their rear, and, after ter a fight of three or four hours, duration, with heavy loss on both sides, the Union command, including the One Hundred and Twenty-third, was captured. Capt. Randolph, of the regiment, was shot through the right lung in this fight, and Gen. Reed, the commander of the expedition, was killed. The One Hundred and Twenty third. being a second time prisoners of war, was marched along with Lee's army to Appomattox C. H. At that point, the rebel army surrendered to the Union forces under Gen. Grant, and the prisoners were thus rescued.

Immediately after the surrender, the regiment proceeded to City Point; thence it embarked on transport for Annapolis, Md., and finally was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, where ore its members remained until June 12, 1865, when they were mustered out of service.

Following is an almost complete list of the Wyandot County men who served in this regiment:

Field and Staff. Col. and Brevet Brig. Gen. William T. Wilson, mustered out with regiment.

Maj. John W. Chamberlain, mustered out with regiment as Captain.

Surgeon Orrin Ferris, resigned November 10, 1864.

Assistant Surgeon J. H. Williams, resigned January 25, 1864.

Chaplain, Charles G. Ferris, resigned June 9, 1864.

Company A-Capt. J. W. Chamberlain.

First Lieut. J. B. Pumphrey.

Second Lieut. A. P. Ingerson.

Sergts. F. M. Anderson, J. H. Boroff, William F. Basom, J. P. Bear, Jac Clinger, D. D. Terry, Joseph Roll, H. S. Kaley, John Wentz.

Corps. D. L. Baker, W. S. Rifenberry, B. R. Reynolds, D. W. Nichols, S. A. McKenzie, W. H. Egeston, L. M. Zeigler, J. H. Ellis, D. P. Demarest, F. Egeston, T. C. Thompson.

Musicians, John Emerson. R. W. Lundy; A. S. Thompson, teamster.

Privates, Jacob Switzer, David Thompson, O. R. Torrey, E. H. Van Buren, John Thompson, Byal Tracy, W. Walters, Silas Wood, A. Davis, L. L. Wilcox, George B. Smith, George W. Smith, J. Suber, H. Stansberry, McKendree Smith, J. R. Cross, L. L. Wilson, Jacob Teal, John Davis, G. W. Davis, R. J. Craglow, E. P. Cozier, W. H. Crites, John Ellis, William Ellis, W. M. Ellis, R. J. Ewart, Elijah Emptage, George W. Finnell, R.

466 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

L. Ewart, A. Corwin, C. B. Drum, D. E. Gibson, Eli Frost, A. Debaugh, Albert Frost, D. Gipson, David Gibbon, F. M. Harris, James Haner, W. J. Hildreth, H. Hunter, Edgar Haner, G. P. Hoysington, James Gregg, E. G. Emptage, D. H. Inman, A. Ingerson, Welcome Inman, J. W. Kemp, I. B. Kemp, W. K. Humbert, H. W. Karr, J. O. Heckathorne, W. Inman, A. Kennedy, C. M. King, H. P, King, Frank Leeper, S. C. Heckathorne, Hiram Long, J. W. Bower, Coonrod Hufford, David Mincer, H. M. McMillan, Isaac Michaels, H. Perrin, S. M. Parsons, J. H. Niebel, B. O. Neal, T. A. Miller, I. Price, Henry Palmer, John Parlet, L. Rickenbach, N. L. Robinson, E. S. Rummell, R. V. Rummell Jedediah Sears, J. Shannon, F. Robinson, R. W. Smith, J. C. Bear, Alexander Carothers, S. C. Cole, J. S.. Anderson, John S. Anderson,

Company F-Capts. Curtis Berry, Sr., resigned January 31, 1863; Alonzo Robbins, mustered out with regiment.

First Lieuts. M. W. Willoughby, mustered out with regiment; James H. Gilliam, died in service.

Sergts. A. N. Sawyer, Eli Maskey, M. F, Allison:, W. G. White, B. F. Willoughby, Jamuel Dunn, S. K. Cook.

Corps. F. Blond, Thomas Clark, W. R. Willoughby, William K. Fry, John Keys, G. G. White, N. McFarland, A. L. McBride.

J. B. Willoughby, John Swinehart, Eli Smith, musicians; J. P. Dry, color bearer; J. Gephart, teamster; N. B. Brisbine, hospital steward.

Privates, Isaac Van Doran, J. A. Smith, A. B. Smith, N. D. Young, Ezra Snyder, C. Washburn, Joseph Williams, L. P. Willoughby, J. Whinnery Levi Woodling, John Snyder, N. Cowgill, C. Cooper, R. B. Craig, J. Cook, E. L. Dunn, D. W. Dougherty, M. M. Gipson, David Galbreath, W. H. Fisher, David Hall. W. A. Gipson, Joel W. Gibson, Samuel Henley, W. H. Hefflebower, S. Hoffman, A. D. Hesser, Jacob Hayman, E. B. Holly, H. Hough, G. W. Hufford, Simon Huffman, Robert Irvin, C. H. Kiehl, J. A. Hefflebower, LaFayette Lee, Benjamin Kriechbaum, Peter J. Lott, John Mackey, W. L. Maurice, Lewis Corf man, George Mackey, E. W. McJenkins, R. N. McConnell, M. O. McClain, A. H. McClain, David McClain, S. R. Cook, John H. Miller, J, L. Milum, William Mitchell. D. McClain, J. G. Norton, Levi Noll, A. P. Reardon, H. B. Ragon, C. E. M. Oliver, J. B. Oliver, M. P. H. Oberlin, B. C. Rummell, I. H. Cathright, George Seager 0. J. Scott, J. S. Barclay, H. L. Simmons, Nelson F. Bowsher, R. Bulan David Bowsher, N. Chambers, R. Cathright, A. Caylor, Peter Altvater, David Stalter, Charles Bolyard, Lewis Blond, Reuben Berleen.

Company D-Sergt. Thomas Parkin.

Corp. H. H. Pennington; Elias Osborn, musician.

Privates, C. C. Roberts, James Kenan, Isaac C. Stalter, Pitt Stevens, Peter Swartz, George Hatfield, B. Delapline, J. A, Heckman, B. L. Hoover, B. Kinney, W. A. Mitten G. W. Naugle, D. C. Moron, Henry Reynolds, J. G. Reynolds, Gilbert Richmond, B, W. Moore, A. Folkner.

Company E-Privates, LaFayette Dunn, John Halsey, Calvin Dunn, Isaac Holden; John Loder, Corporal.

Company H-Capt. V. R. Davis, mustered oat with regiment.

Privates, James Culver, Conrad Haas, G, W. Eyestone, W. L. Foy, J. C. Andrews, Charles Hotelling, Lewis Foy, Lewis Rank.

Company K-Privates, P. Hennessy, A. L. Ragon, William Montee, Isaac Nutter, G. R. Marvin, Thomas Irvin, Benjamin Spittle, W. Costoloe, W. Straub, Leonard Zent, Jacob Switzer, C. Simmon.

Other Companies:

HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. - 467

First Lieut. R. D. Ferris, resigned March 12, 1863; T. C. Burnet, Samuel Hayman, William Hoover, J. H. Dunlap.

Brevet Brig. Gen. William T. Wilson, who served throughout its term of service as Colonel of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, was one of the most prominent residents of Upper Sandusky during what has been mild ly termed the late unpleasantness. " He was also known both before and subsequent to that period as the publisher and editor of the Wyandot Pioneer, a Republican newspaper.

In April, 1861, he was commissioned Captain, and led into the field one of the three Wyandot County companies, which served in the Fifteenth Ohio Infantry during its first term of three months. Soon after its muster out, the same regiment was re-organized to serve for a period of three years. Many of the original members of the old organization returned to the front with the new, and among them was the Upper Sandusky editor, now the second officer in rank in the regiment. He was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel August 7, 1861, and served with credit until August 11, 1862, when he resigned and returned home, Like his townsman, Gen. Kirby, however, he could not remain in the rear while his country needed his services, and on the 26th day of September, 1862, he was appointed Colonel of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, with which regiment he served until it was mustered out June 12, 1865. Toward the close of his term he was commissioned Brevet Brigadier General, to take rank from March 13, 1865. He now resides in the city of Columbus., Ohio.

Letter from Sarah Gracely Wood, 10-23-1989 Elizabeth McPherson Leeper came to America in 1858, when she was sixteen years old. She came by herself, to visit, her two Aunts in New York. The ship she was on sprung a leak and they had to throw all their belongings overboard, and bucket water over board most of the way. The ship was two weeks late. On the sea for six weeks and six days. She married Francis Leeper. They had six children: MATTIE: died when she was eight years old. An oil lamp blew up in her face, while she was carrying it. She was burned. JOHN: married ________Messinger (Correction he married. Mary Rice) John had the measles when he was young and his mind was affected (This may not be correct see the following statements of Jack Davis). He had five children, Tom, Frank, Walter, Sarah, and Betsy. John committed suicide, when his children was young. His children had a hard time growing up. J. Kay: Married Frances Lucas, they had two children, Ronald and Lela. They lived north of Marion. At one time Kay was a County Commissioner. GEORGE: Married Jessie Strawbridge. They had three children, Mattie, Kelley and Carl. Kelley was killed in a horse and buggy accident. The horse was frighten by a street car. Kelley was seventeen years old. MAGGIE BELL: Married Walter Cluff. They had two sons, Frank and Kay. She died when the boys were young. SARAH ELIZABETH: Married George Montgomery, March 11, 1884. She was born December 23, 1860 and died July 16, 1937. Burial is in Meeker Cemetery. They had eight children, Mayme, Martha, Sam, Frank, Bell, Jennie, Bertha, and Robert.

When the Civil War was going on Great Grandpa Leeper (Francis) enlisted in the Army. Left Great Grandma Leeper (Elizabeth) home with those little children. They lived up in Kildeer some where. I guess there was more money in the Army, than farming in Kildeer. He was taken a prisoner of the South and didn't have much to eat. He came home after the war not well and didn't live long. Great Grandma got a pension from the government of five dollars a month. She made her home with her two children in later years. Kay in the summer time and Sarah in the winter time. She died at Mrs. Robert Harvey's home in Marion, where she had been visiting. Great Grandma Leeper was quite a lady. When she lived with Grandma Montgomery, she had to keep every one busy. Keeping eight kids busy, she did. She had the neighbor kids working too. It was a waste of time sitting around with nothing in your hands a working. To her way of thinking. Elizabeth McPherson Leeper came to America in 1858. She was born in Ireland Aug 15, 1843. A daughter of John McPherson and Martha Shaw McPherson. She had two brothers and one sister. 1. John McPherson Jr. - married ______ _______. They had four children; Donald, John, Sarah and Mollie. 2. Tom McPherson 3. Sarah Jane McPherson King, married James King in Ireland in 1847. They came to America in 1848. They lived north of Marion, and had no children.

Elizabeth had dark eyes and dark hair. Francis Leeper had two brothers Tom and Bill. When the Civil War was going on, Bill went back to Ireland to live and stayed there till the war was over. Then he came back to America to live. The family wasn't to happy with Bill for doing that. The Leeper's owned a linen mill in Ireland that made linen from flax. It is said, that the Leeper's would have been better off staying in Ireland. They had a large home and I guess was pretty well to do people. Francis Leeper had reddish brown hair and blue eyes.

He was married to Elizabeth MCPHERSON (daughter of John MCPHERSON and Martha SHAW) on December 21, 1859 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Elizabeth MCPHERSON was born on August 15, 1842 in Ireland. She died on October 16, 1920 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She was buried on October 18, 1920 in Likens Chapel, Marion Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. THE MARION STAR: Mrs. Elizabeth Leeper, who resided with her daughter, Mrs. George Montgomery, north of Agosta, died Sunday Morning at 5 o'clock at the home of Mrs. Robert Harvey, No. 533 North State Street, where she had been visiting. Her death was due to uremic poisoning and she had been ill a week.

Mrs. Leeper was seventy-seven years of age and was born in Ireland, August 15, 1843 a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John McPherson. She came to America in 1858 and was married Dec. 25, 1859, to Francis Leeper, who died April 1, 1891. To this union was born six children, three of whom survives. They are J. K. Leeper, of North of the City, Mrs. George Montgomery, of North of Agosta and George Leeper of Detroit. Mrs. Leeper also leaves nineteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Dr. Jesse Swank officiated at the funeral. Burial in the Lykens Cemetery.

1910 Census Elizabeth was living with her son-in-law George Montgomery. She stated that her parents and herself were born in English-Ireland. Year of immigration appears to be 1859. This could not be correct.

1920 Census Elizabeth was living with her son-in-law George Montgomery in Big Island Township, Marion County. She gave her immigration date as 1856.

Francis "Frank" LEEPER and Elizabeth MCPHERSON had the following children:

+19 i. Sarah Elizabeth LEEPER (born on December 23, 1860).

+20 ii. Margaret Bell "Maggie Bell" LEEPER (born on April 12, 1862).

+21 iii. John Francis LEEPER (born on January 6, 1866).

+22 iv. George LEEPER (born in 1872).

+23 v. James K. LEEPER (born on February 14, 1869).

24 vi. Martha Jane LEEPER was born on June 20, 1874 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She died on August 13, 1887 in Grand Prairie Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. She was buried in Likens Chapel, Marion Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. Mattie died when she was eight (12 years of age) years old. An oil lamp blew up in her face, while she was carrying it. Birth recorded in Marion Probate Court, Marion, Ohio

She was married to King CRAWFORD Jr (son of King CRAWFORD and Margaret KING) on September 13, 1871 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. King CRAWFORD Jr was born on September 13, 1836 in Ringsend, Colraine, Derry, Ireland. He died on January 16, 1911 in Bromfield, Boulder Co., Colorado.

Elizabeth LEEPER and King CRAWFORD Jr had the following children:

+25 i. Harry CRAWFORD (born on November 12, 1871).

+26 ii. Frances Belle CRAWFORD (born on March 31, 1873).

+27 iii. Lydia Jane CRAWFORD (born on September 3, 1875).

+28 iv. Sarah Rebecca CRAWFORD (born on August 1, 1876).

29 v. Hannah May CRAWFORD was born on May 31, 1878 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She died on January 20, 1970 in Santa Monica, Los Angeles Co., California. ZIP at time of death 90807

He was married to Sarah E. MUTCHLER (daughter of George MUTCHLER and Amanda WILSON) on January 7, 1868 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Sarah E. MUTCHLER was born on May 20, 1845 in Marion Co., Ohio. She died on January 6, 1913 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She was buried in Marion Cemetery, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Sarah was a member of First Presbyterian Church and faithfully attended church. She died at her home, 531 So. Prospect St., Marion, Ohio. She was a life long resident of Marion County, Ohio. William and Sarah lived most of their live on a farm in Claridon Township. Moved to Marion when William retired.

William LEEPER and Sarah E. MUTCHLER had the following children:

+30 i. Clara Mae B. LEEPER (born on September 16, 1868).

+31 ii. Francis George LEEPER (born on April 21, 1871).

+32 iii. Eva Rebecca LEEPER (born on November 11, 1877).

+33 iv. Latta Jane LEEPER (born on October 20, 1883).

THIRD GENERATION

She was married to James KING. James KING was born about 1847. History of Marion County and Representative Citizens 1907 page 745 Living in Iowa 1907

He was married to Jennie HILL (daughter of Samuel HILL and Anne Jane MITCHELL) on November 21, 1888 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Jennie HILL was born about 1856 in Scott Twp., Marion Co., Ohio.

William MARTIN and Jennie HILL had the following child:

34 i. Clifford Marcellus MARTIN was born on February 12, 1890 in Claridon Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. He died in May 1965.

She was married to George MONTGOMERY on March 11, 1884 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. George MONTGOMERY was born on March 23, 1844 in Coleraine, Derry Co., Ireland. He died in 1933 in Agosta, Marion Co., Ohio. He was buried on August 31, 1933 in Frame Cemetery, Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio.

Sarah Elizabeth LEEPER and George MONTGOMERY had the following children:

+35 i. Mary Elizabeth "Mayme" MONTGOMERY (born on April 8, 1885).

36 ii. Martha MONTGOMERY was born on January 17, 1886 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She died on January 25, 1952 in Washington D.C.. She was buried in Frame Cemetery, Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio. Martha never married.

+37 iii. Samuel MONTGOMERY (born on December 6, 1888).

+38 iv. Francis "Frank" George MONTGOMERY (born on March 23, 1891).

+39 v. Isabelle "Belle" MONTGOMERY (born on April 13, 1893).

+40 vi. Jennie MONTGOMERY (born on April 3, 1895).

+41 vii. Bertha M. MONTGOMERY (born on August 18, 1898).

+42 viii. Robert MONTGOMERY (born on November 7, 1902).

She was married to Walter Shelby CLUFF (son of Ami CLUFF and Joanna JUMP) on November 3, 1883 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Walter Shelby CLUFF was born on December 31, 1860 in Claridon Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. He died on January 17, 1948 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. He was buried on January 20, 1948 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. !THE MARION STAR; Walter Shelby Cluff, 87, retired farmer of 353 Pennsylvania Ave., died about 8 a.m. today in the home. He had been seriously ill a year.

Born Dec. 31, 1860 near Morral he was a son of Ami and Joanna Jump Cluff, native of Marion County. Nov. 3, 1883 he married Maggie Belle Leeper, who died July 5, 1900. His marriage to Mary F. Harruff was July 5, 1903 in Marion. A resident of Marion 11 years, he came here from a Marion County Farm. He was a member of the Methodist Church at Kirkpatrick, and after coming to Marion attended services at First Church of the Brethren.

Surviving are his widow, a son Cay H. Cluff of near Marion, a Stepson, Clarence W. Court of Rochester, Mass. seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Two sisters and a brother preceded him in death.

Funeral held in the Wesley Methodist Church in Marion. Burial in the Marion Cemetery.

Margaret Bell "Maggie Bell" LEEPER and Walter Shelby CLUFF had the following children:

+43 i. Francis Ami "Frank" CLUFF (born on September 4, 1884).

+44 ii. Henry Cay CLUFF (born on November 6, 1888).

45 iii. Ray CLUFF was born on June 15, 1890 in Caledonia, Marion Co., Ohio. He died on December 20, 1890 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. He was buried in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio.

[Again if you check on the net or at the Marion Library, it states in two different places that he had measles when he was young and this affected his mind later on in life. We have two doctors on this list Email and I wish Rick or Tim would tell me if having measles can cause a person to lose his mind later on in life].

John Leeper had a hard time holding down a job, because just when things were starting to look good, he would get drunk and be out of work. This happened over and over, into this situation, my mother, Bessie Leeper was born in 1896. In 1892 they had scraped up enough to buy a two room home on Fairview Ave, the first property east of the Marion Coliseum. This property is today still owned by Elsie Leeper [111 years in the Leeper family], the widow of Donald "Gypy" Leeper [My first cousin]. The home there now is the 3rd house that the Leepers have built on this property. Bessie "Mom'' had one sister and three brothers. Their names were Sarah [Sally] Frank [Pat] Tom and Walter. Someone told John that if he would move to Missouri he would give him work, so off he went. Mary, with her hopes riding high, thought that maybe at last if they could get away from Marion things might be better. Taking all the money she could get together, her and the kids followed later. It was quite a trip for Mom and she told me that they rented a place where you could look across the fields and see where the Mississippi and Missouri rivers came together. But the same things started over again, John was drinking and out of work, thank goodness they had kept the home in Marion and with a very sad heart, Mary moved her family back, John followed later, but he had reached a new low in his life. On May 24, 1906, John Leeper ran some water in a bowl, stuck his hands in it and cut his wrists with a razor blade, mother saw the scene shortly after and there was blood all over their little two room home. My Mother was ten years old. If John thought this action would get him sympathy, he was very wrong, if the Leepers were ashamed of him before, they now distanced themselves from his widow and his children. Mary and the kids never forgave him, he left them in a very bad situation.

John is buried in the Leeper plot at the Lykens cemetery beside the graves of his parents, off of Pole Lane Road. Mother talked to me about the day he was buried, it was a dreary day, raining and a long line of horse and buggies were going single file, following a horse drawn hearse and how very bad she felt. Her sister Sarah "Sally" was around one year old.

In those days there was not much help and to say they were poor would be an over statement, they had nothing. There was no social security, no Medicare, they got no financial help at all. Mary did her best to hold the family together and in spite of all kinds of odds, she did it. She took in washings, she did house work for families. My mother told me that on one of the holidays, she asked her mother when she got home if she was going to fix something special for them, her mother replied "Bessie, I have fixed three different meals for three different families today and I am just worn out, if you kids want something special, you will have to do it yourself." When the Leeper family would butcher, they would send the hogs heads over for her mother to scrape the meat off of, for this my mother never forgave them, they were pretty well to do and they could have done better. They wore clothes that their mother made and hand me downs that people would give them , they went to bed hungry sometimes and in spite of everything Mary held her family of three boys and two girls together in that little two room house. When mother was 14 years old she quit school and started keeping house for a family to help out. They never owned a horse and carriage, never owned a car and the kids never had a bicycle. When they went some where they walked or rode the streetcar. For my mother life was a constant struggle, they grew up pretty fast

Their was no radio, no movies, no electricity, no inside plumbing. They had to learn to entertain themselves. There used to be a woods where Fair Park is now and Gypsies used to camp in it every year, mother and her brothers and sisters would go over and sit around their campfire and listen to the stories they would tell. A lot of families would tell their kids not to go to the gypsy camp as they would steal little kids and take them with them, but Mom and her brothers really enjoyed it. As they lived close to the fairgrounds they would sneak in the back during the Marion County fair. Mary Rice Leeper died of a stroke that she had while waiting on a streetcar on North State Street about where the Marion Star is. They did not have the money to bury her, so the County buried her in a pauper's grave at the Marion cemetery, when they could afford a marker later on, they had the inscription to read Mary Rice, not Mary Leeper. I really believe that they had such hard feelings for the Leeper family they all would have liked to have changed their last names. Zelma is the only one of Mom's kids that remembers meeting her g grandma Leeper, one day they were playing out in front of the house on Milburn Avenue. G grandma Leeper pulled up at the curb, sitting in back of a big touring car and called the kids over, she never got out to see my mother, but gave each one of Mom's kids a dime and left. That was the sum total of her interest in the lives of my mothers family, her grandchild [Mom] and g grandchildren. G grandma Elizabeth Leeper died in 1920.

Vickie asked one time what her grandma [my Mom] was like. Because of our very extended family and the fact that mother had 8 kids and 3 of us after she was 40, I have around 65 nieces and nephews. It made life very interesting growing up, I was never alone. I never remember Larry being a baby, he was born 1 Year and two weeks after me, I am 2 weeks older than Sharon, my Niece and 2 years older then Fred, my Nephew. So there was always a gang at our house and mother loved it. A lot of her grandchildren remember her and Sharon wrote me a nice memory of her and gave me permission to post it on our family page, Pete also has fond memories of her, Fred, Di [Peep] and Sharon at one time or another called her "Mom," that gives you some idea of their closeness to her. But Sharon and Peep were her closest grandchildren. Peep said that the last time she saw her, Mom patted her on the stomach and said to her "I can't believe my little Peep is going to be a mother" Mom died in March, Dana was born in July. Greg recently related to something that she had told him, in a newspaper article. She left her mark on a lot of her descendants. When Cheri was born, she walked two miles to the hospital to see her and two miles back home, she was 60 years old. Mom never drove a car and Dad would be out on the railroad sometimes for a week at a time. I guess she had learned to be without one as a kid, she walked, rode cabs or walked the mile back and forth to Oakland Heights to catch a bus.

Its hard to tell anyone what she was like, but I will give you some idea of how I remember some of her traits. Even though she quit school in the 7th grade, she was always interested in politics, she liked to read and would read the Star from front to back and when we got a TV set, every Sunday she would watch Meet The Press. She did not like small talk and if you wanted to talk about the weather, etc., you would soon bore her to death. But if you wanted to discuss the world's problems, politics, religion, etc., she would be ready and she knew what she was talking about. She did not like what I call "car salesman talk" someone that just will bull shit you and not mean a word of it. She had a knack or knowing when someone meant what they said and for her BS was a waste of time. She loved to dance and I mean she loved to dance, Zelma and Betty spent a lot of time at dance halls when they were kids, by the time we came along she had slowed down some, but I remember going out with Mom and Dad when we were very young and watching them dance.

Mom was not a religious person, and did not attend any church, she seemed to have the attitude that you were born, you die and in between you just make the most of things, you keep close to family and friends, you help out when you can and you have fun. If she ever worried about life after death, I never heard about it. I have heard her say, some people think they are high and mighty and goody goody, but if it all fell apart they would steel like a common crook to feed themselves or their family. She had been there. She did not like wine, but she liked her beer, when Dad was in off the railroad and they wanted to go out, Larry and I would go with them, as a kid I think that there was not many bars that Larry and I had not been in and around Marion. We enjoyed it as much as they did, they would set and play cards with farmers from around town and Larry and I would drink pop and play games. Its different now, people used to drink to have fun, now they drink to get drunk, its changed. A lot of Saturday nights, family and friends would come over, bring their kids, bring some beer and pop, make some popcorn and the adults would play cards and all of us kids would have a ball playing outside. She was hard to get to know, when most people met her, their first impression was that she was shy. It took her awhile to take you into her confidence, but when she did, you had a buddy. She always wore an apron, we had 3 apple trees and she could make the best apple dumplings you ever saw, she was a good cook and housekeeper even with half the neighborhood kids and all of us running in an out. She liked her flowers and when in season always had a vase on the table with her favorite flowers in it.

Sometimes on a warm summer night, when Dad was out on the railroad, Mom would say to Larry and me, do you kids want to sleep out tonight? This is before we were even in school, she would put some cardboard down in the backyard, throw a sheet over it, get some pillows and Mom, Larry and I would spend the night listening to the buzz of the nightlife, talking softly and falling asleep staring up at the stars. The doors on our home were never locked, we did not even have a key. During the depression, when a lot of men were riding trains from town to town trying to find work, the word was passed thru their ranks, that my Mom would feed them if she had it to share, she would have them set on the porch and go in the kitchen and put something together. Some people referred to them as bums, but to my Mom they were just people facing hard times, once again, she had been there. One time she told me that she was hanging clothes up and the neighbor kid came home from school for lunch, he went in his home and was back in a very short time. she said to him "My, you must have ate your lunch in a hurry'' he replied "it doesn't take long to eat a slice of bread and drink a glass of water.'' These are the kind of things that stuck in her mind. These were hard times and as far as she was concerned, President Roosevelt pulled this country back from the doom and gloom of the depression, She was a staunch Democrat and in to days vacuolar would probably be labeled a Liberal. Mom was extremely easy going and she gave us kids a lot of room while growing up, but we knew there was a point that when she said no, she meant NO!!! I am repeating a memory here that I have concerning her temperament. Larry and I were playing a game of pick up baseball with kids our own age, right after we started the game, Paul who was much older then we were and some of his friends pulled up in his car and said that they were going to play ball with us. This did not please us smaller kids because this was our ballpark, we kept it mowed, we built the backstop and as far as we were concerned it was ours. But what are you going to do when the big kid in the neighborhood says they are going to play...you let them play. I don't know what happened, but it was at first base, Larry and Paul got into a shouting match and Larry started to call big OLE Paul a few cuss words. Paul had enough and picked Larry up and began to spank him, now I lost it and I began to call Paul a few cuss words that Larry had forgot. Needless to say, Larry and I went home very upset and told Mom what had happened. It was soon after that Paul pulled up in front of our house [we found out later, to apologize] with his girlfriend in his car, he got out and started up the stairs. He had just reached the top stair when Mom came out the front door, She hauled off and poked big OLE Paul right in the nose and said "if Jack or Larry ever need spanked, Harold and I will do it and don't you ever lay a hand on these kids again" To say he was in a state of shock would be an understatement, he was mortified. Larry and I were thrilled, not only did we have the best Mom in the neighborhood, we had the toughest, she had just poked the neighbor big guy, if we couldn't kick their butt, Mom could. I never heard another word from Mom about that day, but as far as we were concerned, she did it right. Larry and I never had any more trouble from Paul.

Its hard to put anyone's life in a box, we are all more complicated than that. What do you use as a measuring stick? is it a comfortable life with little tragedy or pain, or is just the opposite true? Maybe you could base it on experiences that you encounter [been there...done that] thru life, if that be the case, then mother certainly had a full life and that is how I see it. Later on when all of her extended family had moved out, they owned their own home, bought a new car and she was able to put few dollars back, she felt good about things. I know she was pleased with how her life had turned out.

[One of my biggest regrets is the fact that I did not find out about her Rice roots until after she was gone, she would have been very proud to know of all the contributions the Rice, Hartman and Hench families made to the American Revolution and all of the plaques and monuments that are In Chester County, Pennsylvania regarding her mother's side of her family.]

He was married to Mary RICE (daughter of Martin RICE and Catherine YAUHN) on January 6, 1893 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Mary RICE was born in 1871.

John Francis LEEPER and Mary RICE had the following children:

+46 i. Thomas J. "Tom" LEEPER (born on January 30, 1893).

47 ii. Frank "Pat" LEEPER was born on June 9, 1894 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. He died in 1949 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Birth record Marion County Probate Court, Marion, Ohio

+48 iii. Bessie Isabelle "Belle" LEEPER (born on August 17, 1896).

+49 iv. Walter Dorsey LEEPER (born on March 14, 1898).

+50 v. Sarah E. LEEPER (born on July 27, 1902).

George LEEPER and Jessie STRAWBRIDGE had the following children:

+51 i. Mattie Belle LEEPER (born on January 9, 1893).

52 ii. Callie LEEPER was born on November 24, 1891 in Scott Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. He died on September 10, 1914 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Kelley was killed in a horse and buggy accident. The horse had been frightened by a street car. Rolly was seventeen at the time. Birth recorded in Marion County Probate Records, Marion, Ohio Marion Star Thursday September 10, 1914: Callie Leeper - thrown from a Buggy onto the Street Car tracks at the corner of Park and Fairground Street, Marion, Ohio. The accident occurred at 9:25 PM. The buggy and Miss Leeper where thrown in front eastbound car # 15. Motorman M.S. Ruth. She had acted as the mother to her younger brother 4 year old Carl after the death of her mother a year ago. The family resided on the old Robert Strawbridge homestead, her mother's birthplace, 2 1/2 miles northeast of the city. She attended Liken's Chapel Methodist Church. She was with Herschel Crawbaugh at the time of the accident. The couple had attended the Khorrassan Parade and had later attended a vaudeville show.

+53 iii. Carl LEEPER (born on October 11, 1908).

He was married to Frances E. LUCAS (daughter of Abraham E. LUCAS and Catherine SEARCH) on January 13, 1892 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Frances E. LUCAS was born on November 25, 1867 in Grand Prairie Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. She died on September 6, 1939 in Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio. She was buried in Marion Cemetery, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Obituary: She died at Grant Hospital, Columbus, Ohio

James K. LEEPER and Frances E. LUCAS had the following children:

54 i. Edith LEEPER was born in 1893 in Grand Prairie Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. She died in 1895 in Grand Prairie Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. She was buried in 1895 in Marion Cemetery, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio.

55 ii. Lowell Clare LEEPER was born on May 25, 1894 in Grand Prairie Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. He died on September 4, 1894 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. He was buried on September 5, 1894 in Marion Cemetery, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Birth recorded Marion County Probate Court, Marion, Ohio

+56 iii. Roland Lucas LEEPER (born on June 28, 1899).

57 iv. LEEPER was born in 1895 in Grand Prairie Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. He (or she) died in 1895 in Grand Prairie Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. He (or she) was buried on September 28, 1895 in Marion Cemetery, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Stillborn

58 v. Lelah LEEPER was born on November 1, 1897 in Grand Prairie Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. She died in June 1982 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She was buried on June 28, 1982 in Marion Cemetery, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio.

59 vi. LEEPER was born in 1902 in Grand Prairie Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. He (or she) died in 1902 in Grand Prairie Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. He (or she) was buried on March 16, 1902 in Marion Cemetery, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio.

He was married to Ada Elizabeth COWARD on September 25, 1899. Ada Elizabeth COWARD was born about 1875.

She was married to Kristian Goddard LAMBERTSON. Kristian Goddard LAMBERTSON was born about 1875.

She was married to John Alexander HARRIS. John Alexander HARRIS was born about 1870.

She was married to William Collins GATHWRIGHT on October 17, 1906 in Yuma, Yuma Co., Arizona. William Collins GATHWRIGHT was born about 1875. He was christened. He died. He was buried.

She was married to Madison J. HARVEY.

He was married to Margaret B. WATKINS on October 11, 1893 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Margaret B. WATKINS was born in 1871.

Francis George LEEPER and Margaret B. WATKINS had the following child:

+60 i. Zona M. LEEPER (born on January 27, 1895). He was married to Clara KURT on May 20, 1920 in Toledo, Lucas Co., Ohio.

She was married to Ralph H. LEHMAN (son of David LEHMAN and Sarah GILBERT) on January 1, 1895 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Ralph H. LEHMAN was born on April 6, 1870 in Wadsworth, Medina Co., Ohio. He died on January 13, 1945 in Toledo, Lucas Co., Ohio. He was buried on January 15, 1945 in Marion Cemetery, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Obituary: Saturday Jan 13, 1945, Marion Star, Marion, Ohio. He had lived in Toledo since 1916. His parents were natives of Canada.

She was married to Frank T. LEE on October 16, 1906 in Erie, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Frank T. LEE was born on August 29, 1870 in Morrow Co., Ohio. He died on November 9, 1951 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. He was buried on November 12, 1951 in Marion Cemetery, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio.

Obituary: Saturday Nov 10, 1951, Marion Star, Marion, Ohio. Frank T. Lee, 81, of 519 Polk St. died at 3:15 p.m. Friday in his home. He had been in failing health two years. Born Aug 19, 1870, in Morrow County, he was a son of John James Lee and Marilla Ann Callahan Lee, his father a native of Charlestown, W.Va. and the mother of Marion County. Oct 16, 1906, in Erie, Pennsylvania he married Lottie Jane Leeper. A resident of Marion 50 years, he came here from Cardington and was a sign writer and painter. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge and of the Eagles Band. Surviving are his widow, and children, Darrold T. Lee of the Polk St. address, John B. Lee at home, Mrs. Dorthia Jane Schultz of 591 Van Buren St. and Lavinda Lee of Sharon, Pa., two granddaughters, a great grandson and a brother, J. Bert Lee of 242 Thew Avenue. A brother and three sisters preceded him in death.

Latta Jane LEEPER and Frank T. LEE had the following children:

61 i. Darrold T. LEE.

62 ii. John B. LEE.

+63 iii. Dorthia Jane LEE.

64 iv. Lavinda LEE died before January 30, 1964. Lavinda Lee was living in Sharon, Pennsylvania at the time of her fathers death but not mentioned in her mothers obituary. She does not appear to have married.

FOURTH GENERATION

She was married to Ernest Ray SHIELDS on November 26, 1906 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Ernest Ray SHIELDS was born on June 2, 1884 in Tuppers Plains, Ohio. He died on January 12, 1952 in Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio. He was buried on January 14, 1952 in Frame Cemetery, Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio.

Mary Elizabeth "Mayme" MONTGOMERY and Ernest Ray SHIELDS had the following child:

+65 i. Harold SHIELDS (born on October 15, 1926).

He was married to Catherine COE. Catherine COE died on August 12, 1963 in Ravenna, Ohio.

Samuel MONTGOMERY and Catherine COE had the following children:

66 i. Elizabeth MONTGOMERY was born in 1915. She died in 1915.

67 ii. Paul Francis MONTGOMERY was born in 1916. He died in 1929.

68 iii. LIVING.

69 iv. LIVING

70 v. LIVING

He was married to Anna Mae MILLER (daughter of Green Grove MILLER and Margaret KIMLER) on December 24, 1917 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Anna Mae MILLER was born on January 29, 1890 in Montgomery Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. She died on February 3, 1975 in Kenton, Hardin Co., Ohio. She was buried in LaRue, Marion Co., Ohio.

She was married to Daniel SCHMIDT (son of John E. SCHMIDT and Christina BERGER) on June 19, 1917 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Daniel SCHMIDT was born on August 31, 1887 in Big Island Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. He died in September 1970 in New Bloomington, Marion Co., Ohio. Marriage License: Gives residence as Big Island Township. Occupation as Farming.

She was married to Paul Clifford GRACELY (son of E. W. GRACELY and Bertha WILHELM) on November 25, 1922 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Paul Clifford GRACELY was born on November 10, 1894 in Agosta, Marion Co., Ohio. He died on November 22, 1971. He was buried in Frame Cemetery, Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio.

She was married to Loren B. KALB (son of M. L. KALB and Emma C. MCALLISTER) on June 21, 1923 in Agosta, Marion Co., Ohio. Loren B. KALB was born on May 14, 1893 in Delaware Co., Ohio. He died on February 15, 1960 in New Bloomington, Marion Co., Ohio. He was buried in Frame Cemetery, Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio. Marriage License: Gives address as Agosta, Ohio and occupation as Clerk.

He was married to Ruth STOUT. .

He was married to Rosy Florence BAKER (daughter of John C. BAKER and Adeline HANCHEY) on December 25, 1903 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Rosy Florence BAKER was born on December 27, 1881 in Grand Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. She died on May 21, 1959 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She was buried on May 25, 1959 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Frank and Florence raised Marie Baker Green daughter of Isaac & Ida Seitz Baker.

Francis Ami "Frank" CLUFF and Rosy Florence BAKER had the following children:

+83 i. Geneva Bell CLUFF (born on September 4, 1906).

84 ii. Gladys L. CLUFF was born on June 28, 1908 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She died on February 23, 1919 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She was buried on February 24, 1919 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio.

+85 iii. Walter Deloy "Walt" CLUFF (born on November 10, 1912).

86 iv. Francis B. CLUFF was born on October 12, 1917 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. He died on October 14, 1917 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. He was buried in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio.

He was married to Nancy Ann "Nannie" FLEMING (daughter of David FLEMING and Mary CRITCHFIELD) on February 10, 1910 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Nancy Ann "Nannie" FLEMING was born on November 6, 1888 in Ironton, Lawrence Co., Ohio. She died on February 12, 1970 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She was buried on February 16, 1970 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. THE MARION STAR: FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13, 1970 TRAGEDY IN GRAND PRAIRIE HOME BLAZE CLAIMS WIDOW; FAULTY FURNACE IS SUSPECTED. Tragedy struck northern Marion County Thursday afternoon with the death of 84-year-old Mrs. Nancy A. Cluff in a fire that destroyed her residence at 1314 Linn-Hipsher Rd. The Morral Volunteer Fire Department receivced the first call at 3:05 p.m. Upon arrival, fireman found the house completely engulfed in flames and aid was summoned from the Caledonia Volunteer Fire Department and the Marion Township department. ------- !THE FIRST floor of the two story frame dwelling collapsed into the basement during the four hours firemen fwere on the scene. Mrs. Cluff's body was found in the basement of her Grand Prairie Township home near the furnace. The investigating Morral Department ruled that the probable cause was a defect in the fuel oil furnance. ------- THE SHERIFF'S

DEPARTMENT SENT CRUISERS TO CONTROL traffic which was heavy in the area. The fire site was a quarter of a mile north of the U.S. 23 bypass.

The dead woman was in the house alone at the time of the fire. The alarm was sounded by a neighbor who saw smoke and flames shooting from the house.

Mrs. Cluff, the widow of Cay H. Cluff and a native of Lawrence County, was born March 29, 1885, to Mr and Mrs. David Fleming. The marriage on Feb. 20, 1910, was in Marion County and Mr. Cluff died July 29, 1964.

She was a member of Kirkpatrick Liberty United Methodist Church. Surviving are two sons, floyd F. of 3232 Lucas Rd. and Paul F. of 3918 Marion-Bucyrus Rd., five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A sister and a brother preceded her in death.

Services will be Monday at 2 p.m. in Denzer Funeral Home in Marion. Rev. C.W. Lancaster will officiate. Burial will be in Marion Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Henry Cay CLUFF and Nancy Ann "Nannie" FLEMING had the following children:

+88 i. Paul Francis CLUFF (born on June 20, 1911).

+89 ii. Floyd Francis CLUFF (born on April 27, 1913).

90 iii. Henry CLUFF died on February 1, 1925 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio.

He was married to Beulah COPEN (daughter of George COPEN and Mary PERRY) on September 4, 1924 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Beulah COPEN was born on February 10, 1895 in Lawrence, Ohio. She died on August 6, 1959 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She was buried in Chapel Heights Cemetery, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She was the widow of Herbert Ames

She was married to Harold C. DAVIS (son of Elmer DAVIS and May BETZ) on November 16, 1914 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Harold C. DAVIS was born on July 23, 1894 in Ohio. He was buried on January 21, 1974 in Marion Cemetery, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio.

He was married to Bessie TILLOTSON in 1922 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Bessie TILLOTSON died in September 1941 in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

She was married to Russell C. MASTON on September 25, 1919 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Russell C. MASTON was born on June 4, 1898 in North Baltimore, Ohio. At time of marriage Railroad Emp.

She was married to Clarence M. PETERSON (son of Charles W. PETERSON and Jennie LINN) on April 11, 1912 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Clarence M. PETERSON was born on January 7, 1890 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. He died in May 1974 in Ohio. Zip code at time of death 43130.

He was married to Lucille FELLMETH (daughter of John FELLMETH and Minerva SEARCH) on September 6, 1931 in Tiffin, Seneca Co., Ohio. Lucille FELLMETH was born on February 1, 1912 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Residence at time of marriage RFD Marion, Ohio

He was married to Lucile ALMENDINGER (daughter of Samuel ALMENDINGER and Celia MAYFIELD) on June 28, 1927 in Prospect, Marion Co., Ohio. Lucile ALMENDINGER was born on September 29, 1900 in Prospect, Marion Co., Ohio. She died on April 12, 1988 in Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio. She was buried on April 15, 1988 in Marion Cemetery, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Obituary: Marion Star Apr 12 1988. She was living in Worthington, Ohio at the time of her death. She died at Riverside Hospital. A member of North Coummity Lutheran Church and the Worthington Garden Club.

She was married second to Harry HEASTON on March 2, 1920 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Harry HEASTON was born on February 28, 1892 in Troy, Ohio.

She was married first to Seymore THOMAS (son of Wilmeth O. THOMAS and Lillie LESLIE) on November 13, 1915 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Seymore THOMAS was born on September 4, 1893 in Marseilles, Wyandot Co., Ohio. Farmer

FIFTH GENERATION

He was married to Margaret BURNSIDES (daughter of Lewis Edgar BURNSIDES and Mae SOULE) on July 9, 1944 in Agosta, Marion Co., Ohio. Married by Rev. Gorner C. Matter all parents signed the marriage applications He was divorced from Margaret BURNSIDES. Margaret BURNSIDES was born on March 8, 1927 in Union Co., Ohio. She was buried in Frame Cemetery, Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio.

Harold SHIELDS and Margaret BURNSIDES had the following child:

102 i. Terry Lee SHIELDS was born in 1944 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. He died on December 27, 1944 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. He was buried on December 29, 1944 in Frame Cemetery, Meeker, Marion Co., Ohio.

He was married to -LIVING-:

She was married to Lewis M. WICKERSHAM (son of William H. WICKERSHAM and Mary A. CLICK) on August 17, 1926 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. Lewis M. WICKERSHAM was born on November 4, 1905 in Richland Twp., Marion Co., Ohio. He died on May 1, 1980 in Claridon, Marion Co., Ohio. He was buried on May 3, 1980 in Claridon, Marion Co., Ohio.

He was married to -LIVING-

He was married to Helen Esther TROUT (daughter of C. L. TROUT and Martha Esta SYCKS) on August 16, 1935 in Elyria, Ohio. Helen Esther TROUT was born on April 25, 1916 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She died on November 25, 2001 in Marion, Marion Co., Ohio. She was buried on November 28, 2001 in Marion Cemetery, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio.

He was married -LIVING-).