OBIT: Jonathan T. LEET, 1917, Hollidaysburg, Blair County, PA

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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