Absalom Leonard, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
Absalom Leonard
OBITUARY.
LEONARD. -- Oct. 26, 1878, at his residence in Center township, Mr. Absalom Leonard, in the 86th year of his age.
Absalom Leonard was born in Mifflin county, Pa., November 28th, 1792. When about eight years of age, he, with his parents, moved to Beaver (now Lawrence) county, where he remained with them, assisting them clearing up a home in very heavily timbered land until about the age of 21, when he apprenticed himself to Mr. Isaac Jones, of New Castle, Pa., for a term of two years to learn hat making, furnishing his own clothing in the meantime by catching furs &tc. Soon after completing his trade, he married Miss Sarah Miller and settled shortly afterward in Petersburg (now Mahoning), Columbiana county, O. Here he and his wife united with the M. E. church, of which she remained a member till her death.
His wife died April 20th, 1842, and, fearing that a second marriage might effect a separation of his family, the thought of which he could hardly endure, he made and kept a resolution never to remarry. July 2, 1851, he left Ohio and come to Porter county, Ind., and purchased the farm where he lived and died. He loved his new home, and was devotedly attached to it to the very last. Many years ago he identified himself with the M. E. church in Valparaiso and remained a member till death.
Brother Leonard was the father of 10 children. 6 of whom, with his wife, preceded him to the better land, and only 4 of them survive him to mourn his loss.
Father Leonard died Oct. 26th, 1878, aged 85 years, 10 months and 28 days. He was a man of strong Christian faith, and for more than 50 years of his life professed that faith among men and confessed Christ as his Redeemer and Savior. He was a great lover of the Bible, and read it diligently and with great delight until some years ago a slight stroke of paralysis so impaired his sight that he could no longer read it. This was to him a great affliction, and it was afterwards often read to him by some member of the family. He heard the Word preached whenever he could till within a very few years, when bodily and mental infirmity rendered it impossible.
Near the close of life he often spoke of his long pilgrimage and longed to depart and be at rest, saying he had lived long enough, and far beyond his allotted time. Recently, while looking upon the likeness of a deceased daughter, to whom he had been devotedly attached, he said: "She is in heaven, with mother and the other children there; I only wish I were there with them."
He is with them now. His now bereaved children can bear testimony to his affection and faithfulness as husband and father. All who knew him commend his virtues and excellences as a Christian, an honored and highly respected citizen, friend and neighbor.
Newspaper: Porter County Vidette
Date of Publication: October 31, 1878
Volume Number: 22
Issue Number: 44
Page: 3
Column(s): 9
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook