LEACHMAN, James - Putnam

James LEACHMAN, an early settler of Putnam County and residence of Marion Twp, was born in Mason County, KY April 7, 1821 son of William and Mary (REEVES) Leachman, the former a native of Va and the latter of Ky. His father removed to Ky. when 9 where he married and lived until 1830, when he removed to his county, locating in Marion Twp, where he lived until his decease, which occurred Aug 1858. He was a kindhearted man and an obliging neighbor. During the Spring of one year he attended 73 log rollings. He was twice married, and the father of ten children, of whom 5 are living: James; John; Mary J; George and Wm. H. He served the county as commissioner, and held other minor offices. He was a man of progressive ideas, and was well informed on the general topics of the day. James Leachman has been reared to manhood in this county, and has lived here ever since wtih the ex ception of 2 years spent in California during the gold excitement. He received a rudimentary education in the early schools of his time, and has been a lifelong farmer. He assisted in building the first two schoolhouses in Marion Twp, also the first two churches in the same township. He has seen much of pioneer life, having settled here when the co. was one vast wilderness. Dec 3, 1843 he was marr. to Mary Ellen Matthews, daughter of Anderson B. Matthews, an early settler in this county. He was married a second time Feb 21, 1854 to Miss Mary E. Shoptaugh born in Putnam County Nov 25, 1829 and daughter of Jacob & Mary Griffin Shoptaugh, natives of Md, who settled in this county in 1828, where they lived until their decease. To Mr. and Mrs. Leachman have been born 12 children, 10 of whom are living: Martha A, wife of Willian N. MARK; William W; Harriet A w/o Walter SELLERS; Rosa B; Luella; John Q. a teacher; Artie S; Alice M; Jerome B and Clara E. Mr. Leachman settled u pon his present farm on Sec. 18, Marion Twp, where he owns 260 acres o f good land. Politically he is a Democrat.