OBIT: Jonathan T. LEET, 1917, Hollidaysburg, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ PROMINENT COUNTY CAPITAL RESIDENT DIES PEACEFULLY Dr. J. T. Leet, Retired Dentist, Found by Sister in Bed, Cold in Death WAS BELOVED BY OLD AND YOUNG Dr. Jonathan T. Leet, retired dentist, Civil war veteran and for a quarter of a century a member of the Hollidaysburg school board, is dead. His lifeless body was found in his bed, at his home, 215 Allegheny street, at 4 o'clock, Saturday afternoon, by his sister, Mrs. Kate L. Collin, of Altoona. Dr. Frank R. Shoemaker, who was called, was of the opinion that death had occurred about 11 o'clock Friday night, and was caused by heart failure. Dr. Leet had resided alone since the death of his wife eight years ago. He suffered a slight bilious attack early in the week, but had recovered, and was about the streets during Friday. He died without a struggle, and doubtless while he slept, because the bed clothes were tucked cozily about him, and he held one hand, as was his custom, over his heart. Several days ago, Dr. Leet's daughter, Mrs. Pitcairn, had written him a letter, and addressed it to Altoona, in care of Mrs. Collin, in the belief that he was spending a few days there. Mrs. Collin went to Hollidaysburg Saturday afternoon, with the letter from the daughter. The front door was locked, but Mrs. Collin knew where the key was kept, and securing it, entered. She saw the overcoat and hat of her brother hanging at their accustomed place, and she knew that he must be in. Receiving no response to a call, Mrs. Collin went up stairs, and upon entering the bed chamber, was horror stricken to find Dr. Leet cold in death. Mrs. Collin called Dr. Shoemaker, but the patient was beyond earthly medical aid. Jonathan T. Leet was born at Washington, Pa., February 15, 1847, being a son of Jonathan D. and Mary Jane Leet, with whom he came to Hollidaysburg in 1852. He grew to manhood in Hollidaysburg and was educated in the public schools. In 1864, he enlisted in the Twenty- second Pennsylvania cavalry, doing 18 months' service in the Civil war, enduring many hardships, under General Philip H. Sheridan, being mustered out of service at the cessation of hostilities. Upon his return from the war, he took up the study of dentistry in the office of Dr. Jacob A. Rohrer, after which he further pursued his studies in Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, from which institution he graduated in 1869, immediately thereafter entering upon the practice of his chosen profession in Hollidaysburg, becoming one of the foremost dentists of the county. He retired from active practice a number of years ago, turning his business over to his son, Dr. Joseph I. Leet, who died six years ago. Dr. Leet served the people of Hollidaysburg as a member of the school board during most of the years of his service. Dr. Leet always took a keen interest in the schools, visiting them regularly, and the present high standard of efficiency which the Hollidaysburg schools have attained, is due, in no small measure to his untiring efforts. Dr. Leet was of a jovial disposition, and was a prime favorite of the children, and many a silent tear will be shed in his memory by the school children of long ago, as well as those now attending the schools. He was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church and Sunday school, being secretary of the latter for many years. He was a member and past master of Juniata lodge No. 282, Free and Accepted Masons; Phoenix Fire company, since its organization; Colonel William G. Murray Post No. 39 G.A.R., and was a charter member of the Hollidaysburg Social club. On December 18, 1879, Dr. Leet was united in marriage to Miss Ruth E. Irwin, of Hollidaysburg. Mrs. Leet died February 14, 1909. His eldest son, Dr. Joseph I. Leet, died six years ago. He is survived by a son, William B. Leet, of Elkins Park, Pa., and a daughter, Mrs. Mary Leet Pitcairn, of Chambersburg. He also leaves four grandchildren, Joseph son of the deceased son; Jane and Jonathan Leet, children of William B., and Ruth Leet Pitcairn. A brother, W. C. Leet, and a sister, Mrs. Kate L. Collin, both of Altoona, also survive. Public funeral services will be held at his late home tomorrow afternoon, at 2.30 o'clock; private interment in the Hollidaysburg Presbyterian cemetery. Dr. Leet never aspired to any public office, with the exception of school director, being a man of quiet and unostentatious habits. He was truly a man among men, being possessed of a kindly disposition and winning personality, that made him one of the most popular men in the town. He was a good conversationalist and with his pleasant manner was always welcome everywhere. He carried his age well, his erect figure and easy movement, rosy complexion, and unlined countenance gave him a fresh, youthful appearance, that greatly belied his age. Dr. Leet was a friend of everyone, having nothing but good words for all, and bore the highest love and respect of the community, which will sadly miss his genial presence. Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Monday Morning, February 12, 1917 Funeral Notice. The arrangements for the funeral of Dr. Jonathan T. Leet, as originally made, have been changed, making the interment public instead of private, at which the services will be conducted by Juniata lodge No. 282, F. and A. M., of which the deceased was the second oldest past master. Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Tuesday Morning, February 13, 1917