Biography: Winnebago County, Wisconsin: William Leard

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Submitted by Kathy Grace, <gendiva@charter.net> December 2004

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History of northern Wisconsin: containing an account of its settlement,
growth, development, and resources, an extensive sketch of its counties,
cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories,
biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers, views
of county seats, etc.
Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1881 p. 1153

William Leard, manufacturer of and wholesale dealer in clothing; was born
in Ashippun, Dodge Co., Wis., Oct. 23, 1849, engaged in farming until he
was twenty-two years of age, then removed to Oconomowoc, and engaged in the
grocery business, which he continued for two and half years.  In February,
1875, he came to Oshkosh and began clothing business in a small way, now he
employs from sixty to eighty hands; in 1879 he introduced steam for running
the machinery in the manufacturing department of his business; he being the
first to use steam in clothing factories of Wisconsin.  Mr. Leard was
married at Oconomowoc, Dec. 3, 1872, to Maggie Douglas, a native of
Ashippun, Dodge Co., Wis.  They have three children- Maggie, Ida and
William Jr.