Aaron A. Leedy

Aaron A. Leedy was born 04-21-1832 in Ankenytown, Berlin Twp., Knox Co., OH, the 11th and last child born to "Pioneers" Abraham & Elizabeth (Zook) Leedy.

One of the earliest recollections of Aaron Leedy was told by his older brother Rev. Isaac A. Leedy. Isaac said that he was left in charge of his little brother Aaron while his mother was attending to another matter. Aaron was being "fussy" and would not quite. So Isaac located the bag of sugar from his mother's cabinet and proceed to feed Aaron the sugar to quite him. His mother returned to catch Isaac in the act. Isaac said it was the only time, and last time he ever got a "licking" from his parents.

As a young man, Aaron worked as a carpenter and helped build the Brethren Church in Ankenytown, Knox Co., OH.

Aaron married his 1st cousin, once removed, Elizabeth "Lib" Garber in Jefferson Twp., Richland Co., OH, on 03-13-1856. She was the daughter of Samuel B. Garber & Catharine (Leedy) Garber. Elizabeth's maternal grandfather was "Pioneer" John Leedy, who was the brother of Aaron Leedy's father, "Pioneer" Abraham Leedy.

For about a year after their marriage they lived upon her father's farm, after which they removed to a farm in Berlin township, Knox county, Ohio. In 1860 they took up their abode about 3 miles east of Bellville, and in 1863 in company with his brother-in-law, David Leedy Garber, Aaron Leedy purchased a farm that had formerly been the property of his father-in-law, Samuel Garber.

He built a large brick home about 1870 directly over a spring, which served as a cool pantry. He provided running water from a large holding tank in the attic and installed a copper bathtub in the master bedroom.

Aaron was a general farmer growing corn, oats, and wheat. He raised cattle, hogs, sheep, chicken, and turkeys; and sold meat, butter, eggs, hides, wool, and maple syrup. In his daily journal he detailed temperature, wind direction and speed, precipitation and agricultural production.

While he made the tilling of the soil his chief life work he possessed much natural mechanical ability and could do almost anything with tools. He worked at the carpenter's trade, operated a water mill and afterward a steam sawmill, also operated threshing machines and did other work along mechanical lines. He led a busy and useful life and he won a fair measure of success, so that for many years he was enabled not only to enjoy the necessities but also the comforts of life.

They raised 6 sons and 3 daughters: Byron Garber Leedy born 03-11-1857; Elmina Ann Leedy born 06-28-1859 and died 02-22-1866 at the age of 7 years; Eugene Rawson Leedy born 02-16-1861; Clement Leonard Vincent Leedy born 07-05-1863; Albert Odell Leedy born 02-07-1867; Bertha Estelle Leedy born 03-30-1871; Alfred Tennyson Leedy born 06-02-1873; Herbert Emerson Leedy born 08-05-1875; and Maude Demorest (Leedy) Grubb born 12-28-1877. All were married with the exception of Elmina and Bertha.

In 1866 Mr. Leedy united with the Universalist Church of Bellville and remained one of its faithful and helpful members throughout the remainder of his life. He contributed liberally to its support and he spent much of 2 years as the active member of the building committee while erecting the house of worship at Bellville.

He also was a charter member of Jefferson Grange and served as its first master following its organization, 10-09-1873, while later at different times he again served as master. His greatest interest aside from his business and his church was in the Grange. He was president of the Patrons Mutual Relief Association from 06-04-1844, until 01-12-1899.

Very fond of music, he taught singing schools in the early days and was an active member of the Grange Band for years. He was always interested in young people and "the boys" were ever welcome at his home. They would frequently gather there in the evenings and he would sit and sing with them for several hours at a time. While he was never a great talker, he was a most hospitable man and his wife shared with him in extending the hospitality of their home to their relatives and many friends.

Aaron A. Leedy passed away 10-28-1907 on his farm in Jefferson Twp., Richland Co., OH, aged 75y-6m-7d.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Feb 3 2017, 22:39:59 UTC