Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 342 - 343

JOHN T. LESLIE, a native of the Old Dominion and now a stock-grower and capitalist of Park Township, came to this State in 1873 and pre-empted eighty acres of land in Attica Township. Upon this he effected some improvements, sold it, and purchased again from time to time until he is now the owner of a half-section in Park Township. This has been brought to a high state of cultivation and is supplied with a substantial set of frame buildings. His has been an exceedingly busy life, in the course of which he has improved several farms in Attica Township. He took up his residence in the latter in 1873. He usually keeps a herd of cattle numbering from seventy-five to 100, and at the present writing, 1888, has ninety-seven head of cattle, besides eighteen head of fine horses, and also handles good grades of swine.

     Our subject, a native of Loudoun County, Va., was born April 30, 1838, and is the son of John and Rachel (Morrison) Leslie, natives of the same county as their son. The father, born in March, 1804, was reared to farm life, which he followed all his days, and departed from the scenes of his earthly labors at his home in Loudoun County, in July, 1874. He was a Class-Leader of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and a Colonel of the State Militia. The mother was born Feb. 7, 1794, was married in 1828, and died at her home in Loudoun County on the 2d of August, 1862. She also was a Methodist by membership and belief, and a devoted mother to the six children comprising the parental household. These were named respectively: Virginia, America, Hannah, Angeline, Benjamin F., and John T. of our sketch.

     Mr. Leslie was married quite late in life, on the 30th of May, 1872, and while a resident of Loudoun County, to Miss Julia J. Smith, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride in Columbiana County, Ohio. Mrs. L. is the daughter of Thomas and Phebe (Jolly) Smith, and was born Feb. 14, 1844, in Columbiana County, Ohio. Her parents were also natives of the Buckeye State. Thomas Smith was born in 1804, followed farming all his life, and departed hence in February, 1884, in Columbiana. He was a man of industry and good judgment, and accumulated a handsome property. Possessing excellent principles, he was a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church, together with his estimable wife. They were married in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1830, and became the parents of six children - Elizabeth C., John C., Hannah, Julia J., Sarah A. and Williard. Mrs. Smith was born in Frederick County, Va., in 1812, and died at her home in Columbiana County, Ohio, July 5, 1885.

     Mr. and Mrs. Leslie are the parents of three children, namely: Phebe M., born May 5, 1873; Jessie L., Nov. 14, 1874, and Daisy A., April 19, 1876. In their well-ordered household Mrs. Leslie has done her part, and exhibited in a forcible manner, during their years of life together, to what extent a wife may become the able assistant of her husband and aid in his efforts for success.

     Mr. Leslie, in 1860, became agent for the Southern Confederacy in the purchase of grain and horses, at which he employed himself until the outbreak of the Rebellion. He then joined a Virginia regiment and saw considerable fighting. He bears two scars, one the result of a wound in the engagement at Culpeper Court House and the other at Spottsylvania. He was captured by the Federals in March, 1863, and continued in the stockade at Ft. McHenry until being exchanged. Upon his return home his father accompanied him to Harper's Ferry, and made him take the oath of allegiance to the Union, after which he returned to the peaceful pursuits of farm life. He was present at the surrender of Lee in April, 1865.

     Our subject continued in his native State until starting for Kansas, in 1873. This venture proved quite successful. Besides the property already mentioned, Mr. L. in 1884 purchased 100 feet front in the city of Wichita, where he put up a fine dwelling. He has also two houses on Washington avenue, seven lots in another locality in the city, and thirty-six acres of iron ore land in Columbiana County, Ohio. Like his father before him he is a Democrat in politics. He is giving his children excellent school advantages, they now being under tuition of the Sisters at Al Hallows' Academy in Wichita.

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