Leonardb  
 
 

Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin Counties", published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.


     BENJAMIN D. LEONARD is one of the well known business men of Connell, where he has wrought for some time with display of good wisdom and energy, which have brought him a gratifying success in financial matters, while his genial ways and kindness to all have won for him many friends.  He is manager for the Interior Warehouse Company, while also he does a general carpentering and contracting business in addition, and also handles a good trade in a feed and grain store.
     Benjamin D. Leonard was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, on July 28, 1865, the son of E. M. and Catherine J. (Hayes) Leonard, natives of Tennessee, and now dwelling there.  During his youthful days, our subject gained his education from the common schools and labored with his father on the farm until of age.  Then he entered a dry goods establishment in Johnson City as salesman and there operated until 1899.  In that year, he executed a determination he had long cherished, that of coming west.  In due time he landed in Walla Walla and at once went to work at the carpenter trade, which he had mastered in his younger days with his other accomplishments.  He continued at that until January 1, 1901, when he came on to Connell.  He was one of the first to settle here and at once went to carpentering and contracting.  This labor he has continued steadily since, although he has also added the other occupations mentioned above.  He does a good business in each one and is well prospered.  Mr. Leonard located a homestead just north of town when he first came here and there he dwells at the present time.  He is a man who takes an interest in the questions of the day and also is active in political campaigns.  Fraternally, he is affiliated with the I. 0. 0. F., the M. W. A., and the M. B. A.
     In December, 1893, Mr. Leonard married Miss Mary A. Dodd, the daughter of W. I. Dodd, now dwelling in Greene county, Tennessee, where he has served as sheriff for some time.  Her mother died long since. To this union one child, Lacy L., was born and is now living with his grandfather in Tennessee.  In 1896, Mr. Leonard was called to mourn the death of his beloved wife.  In February, 1899, Mr. Leonard married a second time, the lady of his choice on this occasion being Miss Ricina Pickering, the daughter of George and Catherine C. Pickering, natives of Tennessee and now deceased.  On October 27, 1900, in Walla Walla, death again entered the happy home and he saw his wife snatched away.  She left one son, Randolph R., who is now living with Mr. Leonard's sister in Oregon.  Mr. Leonard stands first class in this community and has many friends.  He has shown good ability in his various labors and is a man of substantial worth.
 
 

BACK