|
AARON
LEATHERMAN. Like many of the old families of Pennsylvania,
the LEATHERMANS sprang from German ancestry,
representatives of the name coming from the fatherland to
Bucks county, Pennsylvania, during the pioneer epoch in the
history of this part of the state. The grandfather, Jacob
LEATHERMAN, was a farmer of Plumstead township. His son,
Joseph LEATHERMAN, father of our subject, was born in
Bucks county, and throughout his business career carried on
agricultural pursuits, remaining a life-long resident of
Plumstead township. His political views were in accord with the
principles of the Whig party, and enjoying the full confidence
and respect of his fellowmen, he was chosen to the office of
township supervisor, in which capacity he served for a number of
years. His religious faith was in accord with the teachings of
the Mennonite church. He was twice married, his first wife being
Miss Sarah MYERS, and there were eleven children by that
wife: Joseph; Jacob; Isaac; Christian; Abram; Esther, the wife
of Elias FRETZ; Sarah, the wife of John FRETZ;
Mary, wife of Jacob SHADDINGER; Catherine, wife of John
HALDERMAN; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry D. WISMER;
and Annie H., who died at the age of twenty-four years. For his
second wife Joseph LATHERMAN chose Mrs. Mary SLOTTER
nee GODSHALL.
Aaron LEATHERMAN, the
only child of the second marriage, was born in Plumstead
township, March 6, 1837. Following the completion of his
common-school course he gave his undivided attention to the work
of the home farm, assisting his father in its operation until he
had attained his majority. He then began teaching school, and
for some time followed that profession in Bedminster and
Plumstead townships, especially through the winter seasons,
while in the summer months he gave his attention to agricultural
pursuits. Among his other educational labors he taught a
singing school for some time, having much natural talent in that
direction, as well as a good understanding of the principles of
the art. He was also engaged in the butchering business for a
number of years in Danboro, Pennsylvania, and subsequently
turned his attention to the commission business, which he
followed for seventeen years. His business career has been
characterized by laudable ambition, strong and honorable
purpose, and what he possesses has been acquired through his own
well directed efforts. He has been a director in the Danboro &
Plumsteadville Turnpike Company for a number of years, and at
this writing (in 1904) is president. He was also for some years
secretary of the Danboro Livestock Association, and his business
affairs have largely been of a character that, while promoting
individual success, have also advanced the general prosperity
and material development of the county. Deeply interested in
the welfare and progress of his county. Mr. LEATHERMAN
has taken an active and helpful part in many measures
contributing to the general good. In politics he is an earnest
Republican and upon that ticket he was elected assessor of
Plumstead township when he was but twenty-two years of age, and
held the office continuously for seventeen years. No higher
testimonial of his capable service could be given than the fact
that he was so long retained in his position. He was employed
by the government as an enrolling officer during the war of
1861-65. He has also been auditor of his township for some
time, and in the spring of 1904 was elected supervisor, which
position he is now filling. Recognizing the obligations which
have devolved upon him in his connection with public office, he
has faithfully performed his duty as a patriotic citizen, and
his efforts have been beneficial to his community. He is a man
of unquestioned honor and integrity, his life being in harmony
with his principles as a member of the old Mennonite church. He
has been very active in the Sunday-school at Danboro, and has
filled the office of treasurer for nearly thirty years.
Mr. LEATHERMAN was
married on the 26th of May, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth
FRY, a daughter of Samuel and Susanna FRY. They
have six children: Susanna, born January 4, 1861, and is the
wife of Eli VAN LUVANEE; Mary Emma, born November 3,
1862, and is the wife of John GERHART; Anna, born August
23, 1865, and married A. G. C. WELDON; Lizzie, born
December 7, 1867, and married Stanley G. RAPP; Rosie,
born April 15, 1870; and Eleanora, born January 2, 1881, and is
the wife of Daniel P. FLUCK. The mother died January 29,
1902.
Mr.
LEATHERMAN is one of Bucks county’s most respected
citizens, a broad-minded public spirited man, ever alive to the
interests of his community. Progress has been the keynote of
his public and private life, and he has made advancement along
lines demanding strong intellectuality, unfaltering purpose and
keen discrimination. He is a man whom to know is to respect and
honor, and the circle of his friends in Plumstead township is
extensive.
Text taken from page 690 to 691 of:
Davis, William W. H., A.M., History of Bucks County,
Pennsylvania [New York-Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company,
1905] Volume III
Transcribed February 2007 by Joan Lollis as part
of the Bucks Co., Pa., Early Family Project,
www.rootsweb.com/~pabucks/bucksindex.html
Published February 2007on the Bucks County, Pa., USGenWeb pages
at www.rootsweb.com/~pabucks/
|
