BIO: Joseph Leas, Cumberland County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter

Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/
______________________________________________________________________ 

History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania.
Containing History of the Counties, Their Townships, Towns, Villages, 
Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and 
Prominent Men; Biographies; History of Pennsylvania; Statistical and 
Miscellaneous Matter, Etc., Etc.  Illustrated.  Chicago: Warner, Beers 
& Co., 1886.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/beers/beers.htm
______________________________________________________________________ 

                                PART II.

             HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA.

                             CHAPTER XXXIX. 

                        BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG.

422  BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

  JOSEPH LEAS, justice of the peace, Mechanicsburg, was born on his 
father's farm in Greenwood Township, Perry Co., Penn., January 27, 
1822, son of Benjamin and Jane (Mathews) Leas.  Benjamin Leas, born 
October 21, 1759, was twice married; on first occasion to Miss Susannah 
Bowers, by whom he had thirteen children, seven sons and three 
daughters living to be men and women.  His first wife died March 14, 
1814, and he then married Mrs. Jane (Mathews) Purcell, who bore him 
three children - two sons and one daughter:  George, who resides in 
Shirleysburg, Huntingdon Co., Penn.; Joseph, our subject, and Susannah, 
widow of Daniel Eshelman, residing in Greenwood Township, Perry Co., 
Penn.  Benjamin Leas died February 21, 1828, and Jane, his second wife, 
died February 25, 1857.  Joseph Leas began clerking in Millerstown in 
the spring of 1838.  In 1841 he clerked in Frankstown, Blair Co., 
Penn., one year; then followed same occupation at Dillsburg, York 
County, two years.  In 1844 he went to West Hill, Cumberland County, 
returning in 1845 to Dillsburg, and in October, 1847, he came to 
Mechanicsburg and clerked for his brother, a merchant and postmaster.  
In 1854 Mr. Leas was elected justice of the peace, and has held that 
office ever since.  In May, 1865, he was elected borough treasurer, and 
has held the office ever since, except one year (1879).  He is 
president of the Mechanicsburg Gas & Water Company, and is a director 
in the Second National Bank.  He was married in 1853, to Miss Sarah 
Shurr, born in York County, Penn., and who died, leaving one daughter, 
Laura R., who resides at home with her father.  Mr. Leas married Miss 
Emmaline H. Gould, a native of this county, daughter of Henry and 
Elizabeth (Rice) Gould, and to this union were born three children:  
Harry G. (deceased), Fannie G. and Charles W.  Mr. and Mrs. Leas are 
members of the Presbyterian Church.  Our subject owns a house on North 
Market Street, where he and his family reside, and other property in 
Mechanicsburg.  He was but six years old when his father died, and 
early started to earn his own way in life.  At fourteen he drove horses 
on the canal line between Hollidaysburg and Philadelphia.  His brother, 
Hon. George Leas, was elected a representative to the Legislature from 
Huntingdon County, Penn., and his half-brother, William B., was elected 
associate judge of Huntingdon County, Penn.  The Leas are of German 
descent.