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.
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