William T. Leach
William T. Leach, a prominent contractor and builder of Mt. Sterling, who is also engaged in the manufacture of artificial stone pavement, was born in Madison Township, Fayette County, Ohio, January 18, 1829. His parents, Robert and Eliza (Thomas) Leach, were both natives of Virginia, and came to Ohio with their parents when young. The father was a farmer and merchant and removed to Madison County when our subject was a lad of ten years.
William grew to manhood in Pleasant Township, and acquired his education in the common schools. After attaining to man's estate, he was married on the 28th of January, 1851, to Miss Jane Bostwick, a native of Vermont, and a daughter of Fred C. Bostwick, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. By their union have been born five children: Mrs. May Newman, of Columbus, Ohio, who has two children: Frederick, a railroad employe in the West; Mrs. Eliza Hodges, who, with her three children, resides in Sterling; Sherman, the subject of the preceding sketch in this volume; and Robert, a resident of Chicago. The mother of this family died in October, 1876, and was laid to rest in Pleasant Cemetery.
Mr. Leach continued to engage in farming for a number of years. Removing to McLean County, Ill., in 1854, he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land, upon which he made his home until 1859. In that year, he sold out and returned to Mt. Sterling, where he has since resided. He is a natural mechanic, and while engaged in farming also worked at the carpenter's trade. For many years he has been connected with the building interests of Mt. Sterling and has erected many important buildings, including the residence and office of Dr. Sherman Leach.
On the 17th of May, 1881, our subject was again married, his second union being with Maggie Baughman, who was born in New Holland, Ohio, October 2, 1854, and is a daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Baughman. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother of Virginia. By this union has been born one son: Herbert B., who was born in Mt. Sterling, August 2, 1885.
Mr. Leach cast his first Presidential vote with the Whig party in 1852, but joined the Republican party on its organization, and supported John C. Fremont in 1856. Since that time he has been a stalwart Republican and keeps himself well informed on the questions of the day. He has served as Marshal for three years, was a member of the City Council for three years, was Clerk of the School Board six years, and the various duties of these offices he promptly and faithfully performed. With the Presbyterian Church he holds membership, while Mrs. Leach belongs to the Methodist Church.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]