Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Leonard, Catherine (McKelvey) 1908
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Lyons Herald, 20 Feb 1908

Mrs. Henry A. Leonard died at her home in this village Saturday morning 
February 1, 1908, aged 90 years.  She was the last of the pioneers who came 
here in 1834, her residence having been continuous from that time up to her 
death.

Her father, John McKelvey, was born in Albany, N.Y., about 1790 and moved to 
Michigan in 1825, settling near Pontiac, where he remained until 1833, when he 
came to Lyons and purchased 400 acres just west of the village, a part of which 
is now owned by A.K. Roof and Mrs. Nellie Hale.  In 1834 deceased took up her 
home here and in 1837 was married to Henry A. Leonard.

In 1901 the Herald published some personal recollections of Mrs. Leonard, from 
which we copy the following:

“We arrived in Lyons – at an Indian village near the present residence of Ira 
Gilmore.  The Indians assisted us to get across the river, and we took 
possession of Wm. Hunt’s log house, which was on the bank of Grand River near 
the location of the elevator of Hawley, West & Co.  Work was immediately begun 
on our log house and in a few days were settled in our new home.  There were 
many Indians here during the spring and summer, and from my acquaintance with 
them they were always kind, honest and trustworthy.

“The first 4th of July celebration was held in 1834 on the hill where the 
residence of H. Hitchcock now stands, H.V. Libhart was orator.  The first 
religious service was held at father’s house by a young Methodist minister in 
1834.

“June 27, 1835, was a sad day for the settlers of the valley.  Every effort had 
been made to prepare the ground for crops on which we so much depended.  With 
an unusually early spring our crops were early in the ground and never promised 
a greater yield.  Corn was four feet in height, but that night we had a severe 
frost and before noon our entire crop, potatoes and garden production was 
wilted to the ground.

“I recollect one incident when I was not more than six years of age, which 
occurred in the city of Rochester, N.Y.  It was the occasion of the tour of 
Lafayette through the country in 1824 – probably for wild enthusiasm no event 
has been recorded in this country like the ovation extended to him.  Mothers, 
even with a child in her arms, struggled to grasp his hand and have the child 
also recognized by the great patriot.

“In looking back 70 years when Michigan was almost a wilderness, thence to the 
condition that exists at this date, it seems almost like a wild and fairy 
dream, but when I take up the thread and begin to unravel the skein of events 
which I have witnessed in my lifetime it is a long, long time.  Although I have 
outlived my father’s family and many of other generations born in my day, I 
shall always look back to the pioneer days as being the happiest of my life.”

Deceased is survived by six children, Emily Leonard of Lyons, Geo. Leonard of 
Portland, Mrs. Nettie Link, Alice Leonard and Lottie Leonard, Lyons, and H.J. 
Leonard of Belding.  She was possessed of a strong character and her life-work 
was full of noble deeds.  For 74 years she lived among us and by her daily life 
demonstrated her devotion to the good of others.

The funeral will be held at the house Friday afternoon at 1:30.


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