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From History of North Washington, published 1903, now in public domain. 
Submitted by Candy L. Grubb Feb. 27, 1997. Both above notices must remain 
when copied or downloaded.

candyg@ieway.com

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LUTHER A. LEONARD
 
	Perhaps no other occupation is so instrumental in uplifting the 
people, in bringing forward  the higher state of civilization and aiding 
progress as that of the educator. True it is that education, wealth and 
civilization go hand in hand. Not least among this worthy class of people 
are those who by patience, perseverance and painstaking labor, fill the 
very important position of district school teacher. As a successful member 
of this band of self sacrificing men and women we mention Luther A. Leonard, 
who has for many years taught successfully in various sections of the United 
States. In fact, Mr. Leonard made his own way through the higher 
institutions of education by teaching during portions of the year.
	Luther A. Leonard lives two miles south from Calispell and was born 
in Decatur, Illinois, on December 16, 1878, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth 
(Foster) Leonard, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. They came 
to Illinois in an early day and are now living on the old homestead. Our 
subject has six brothers and sisters, G. W., James G., S. T., John, Cotner 
A. and Harvey K. Mr. Leonard laid the foundation of his education in Macon 
county. Later he entered the Normal at Dixon then studied in the Bushnell 
normal, after which he  graduated from the Marion business college, being
master of shorthand and type writing. During the long course of study he had 
been teaching during portions of each year. In due time we find Mr. Leonard 
in Ritzville following his favorite occupation, then he came to Stevens 
county, teaching here for a time, then he returned to Illinois on a visit 
but was soon back in the west teaching school again. In 1899 he bought his 
present farm which is especially valuable on account of having seventy acres 
of choice meadow land.
	Mr. Leonard married Miss Sarah V., daughter of Michael and Eleanor 
(Parke) Simpson, in 1902. Her parents were natives of Canada  where they 
remained until their death. Mrs. Leonard  has the following brothers and 
sisters: Alonzo, Joseph, Malinda, Melissa, Charles, Anderson, Marion, 
Kargret, Eva and Benjamin.
	Mr Leonard is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the 
Christian church and are highly respected citizens.