1905-1935
Wells County, Indiana
Contributed by Richard Bate,
THE LEONARD FAMILY REUNION
BOOK Officers of First Year
..Sunday, Oct. l,
1905 President
Bruce Leonard Vice-President
...William Grove Secretary
Lizzie Grove Assisstant Secretary
...John Phipps Treasurer
Charles Grove Committee Ed Speece, Bluffton, R.R. No. 8 William Lesh, Bluffton, R.R. No. 6 Ward Grove, Bluffton, R.R. No. 4 The first reunion of the Leonard
family was held at the home of Ben Bennett one and a quarter miles north of
Bluffton, Sunday Oct. l, 1905. This
reunion was largely attended by relatives, there being over one hundred present.
The day was pleasantly spent renewing old acquaintances and forming new. There were also several nice songs sung and
a few pieces spoken. Also, we were led
in prayer by Rev. Bruce Leonard. At the
noon hour we all partook of the lovely dinner which was spread. In the afternoon, the crowd was photographed
by W.W. Leonard. Those who were present
were: Thomas Grove and wife
..Liberty Center Mrs. Hannah Phipps Mr. John (unk) and wife
..Belmore, Ohio Mr. Charlie Phipps and wife Mr. Tom Phipps and wife Ed Leonard and family
..Huntington, Ind. John Leonard and family
...Hartford City,
Ind. Bruce Leonard and family
.Hartford City,
Ind. William Leonard and family
..Hartford
City, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Moorehead
..Ossian,
Ind. John Wells and wife
...Huntington John Ewing and wife
..Huntington Albert Nollie wife and children
..Wabash Albert Hively and family
Whitley Co. Ward Grove and family
...Warren Fred Grove and family
.Warren Ed Speece and family
...Poneto Cal Grove and family
...Poneto George King and family
..Murray
Mrs. Ida Russell
and family
.Bluffton Mr. Charles Grove and family
.Bluffton
Page 2 Will
Lesh and family
.Bluffton Cerellda Bowman and family
Bluffton Will Grove and wife
..Bluffton Mrs. Ethel Miller and son
..Bluffton Mrs.
Rebecca Bennett and daughter
..Bluffton Mrs. Minnie Fox and daughters
.Bluffton Mrs. Lena Nelson and son
..Bluffton Mrs. Ellen Poffenberger
.Bluffton Ben
Bennett and family
..Bluffton It was noted that the next reunion
would meet at the home of T.W. Grove and wife of Liberty Center, Oct. 3,
1906. The reunion closed by singing God
Be With You Till We Meet Again. Mrs. Lizzie Grove, Secretary Collection amounting to 55 cts,
amount spent 50 cts for Secretary book, 5 cts for postage stamps. THE SECOND REUNION The second reunion of the Leonard
family was held at the home of T.W. Grove Oct. 3, 1906, one and one half miles
south of Liberty Center, Ind. Everyone
with the exception of eleven families who were present last year were present,
others were: Mrs. Tutwiler and two children
Mack Lush and
family Thomas Cox and wife
.Iowa Sam King
Portland, Ind. Mrs. William Fox and Glen Mrs. Clark and son Harold Mrs. Dave Miller Mrs. Henry Masterson Mrs. Ellen Whitman Mrs. Minnie Brickley and daughter Mrs. Alonzo Galyean and children Mrs. William Aker Mrs. Mary Nixon Charles Stahl
..Liberty Center Mrs. Mary Richey
near Bluffton Mrs. Lib Taylor
near Bluffton Page
3 New Officers for the ensuing year
were as follows: Pres. Ed Leonard, Vice-Pres. Will
Grove, Treas. Charlie Grove. The
collection amounted to $2.00. In the
afternoon a short program consisting of the song Nearer My God to Thee, Prayer
by Will Lesh, recitation by Dessie Galyean, recitation Mrs. Minnie Brickley,
song God Be With You Till We Meet Again was given, and after each and every one
had been given a chance to speak, the meeting was closed by all repeating the
Lord's Prayer. Voted that the next reunion will be
held the first Saturday in Sept. in the Studabaker Grove at Bluffton. THE THIRD REUNION The third reunion of the Leonard
family met at Bluffton Ind. in the Washington Park the first Saturday in
September 1907. The first thing was a
lovely dinner to which everyone did justice after which we had several pieces
by Miss Bertha Day. And some
singing. Closed by election of
officers. Closed by singing. The expenses were $2.20. Amount in treasury $2.00. There were 174 present. Officers are as follows: Pres. Cal Grove, Vice-Pres. Benny Bennett,
Sec. Rosa Grove, Treas. Ward Grove.
Committee: Ben Bennett, Glen Speece,
Will Grove. The next reunion will be
held at Mrs. Ellen Poffenberger's the second Sat. in August. Mrs. Chas. Grove
Sec. THE FOURTH REUNION The fourth Leonard reunion was held
in Washington Park at Bluffton, Saturday, Aug. 8, 1908. After old acquaintances were
renewed and new ones found, a fine dinner was spread upon the long table and
all who were present took an equal part in getting rid of the eatables. After the noon hour they were called to
order by Ed Leonard of Dunkirk, and the meeting for a short time was turned
over to Miss Bertha Day, who gave the Leonard family relations a short talk
upon methods of keeping homes and families in unity. Page
4 Will Lesh of Bluffton offered the
opening prayer, giving thanks to God for the many blessings the Leonard
relatives had received during the past year.
Missess Isadore and Eva Templeton of Bluffton offered several beautiful
songs. Little Miss Erline Bennett of
Warren delivered two recitations: One
entitled "Runaway-Baby" and the other "The Negro
Baby." She also sang a song. The entertainment she offered seemed to be
the most pleasing of the day, to all. The officers remained the same for
the ensuing year as they were for the past year. The fifth Leonard reunion will be
held at stop 10 1/2, in the picnic ground, on the M.B. & E traction line,
the second Sat. in Aug. After Miss Bertha Day pronounced
the benediction, the relatives enjoyed getting together and singing hymns
familiar to all. During the past year, Clarence
Leonard, son of John Leonard and wife, has been called over the sea to his
eternal home to have his reunion with our heavenly father. Rozelle Louise, daughter of Will
and Irene Grove, was born July 22, 1908. Donald Fredric Grove, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Ward Grove, was born Dec. 1, 1908. Estell Don, the oldest son of Mr.
and Mrs. Fred Grove, departed this life January 18, 1909. Thomas Cox departed this life
February 6, 1909. Homer Augustus Brown, little son of
Miss Alice King, was born Jan. 9, 1909. Aaron A. Knoll departed this life
April 12, 1909, husband of Edith King Knoll. Donald Phipps Bright, infant son of
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Bright, was born June 1909, and departed this life in July at
the age of six weeks. Bertillis Leroy, little son of Mr.
and Mrs. Morris Anderson, was born the 7th day of July 1909. THE FIFTH LEONARD REUNION The fifth Leonard reunion was held
at the home of John Bowman and wife in Bluffton, Ind. on the second Saturday in
Aug. 1909. A fine dinner was enjoyed by
the few relatives and friends who were permitted to be there. After dinner a few recitations were offered
and a few familiar hymns were sung by all.
It was noted that the sixth Leonard reunion be held the second Sunday in
Aug. 1910 at the Warren fair ground. The officers for the year 1910 were
as follows: Pres. Fred Grove, Secretary
Bessie Grove, Treasure Ward Grove.
Collection amounting to
. Written by Bessie Grove
Page 5 BIRTHS AND DEATHS 1910 Rosa Marie was born Dec. 11, 1909
and died June 16, 1910 aged 6 months and five days. She was the daughter of Bruce Leonard and wife. T.W. Grove, husband of Mary
Leonard, was born July 31, 1836 and died in the year 1910. Edith May, daughter of Charles
Grove and wife, was born Feb. 6, 1910. Helen Phipps, daughter of William
and Hannah, was born Aug and died in August. Dorthea LaVay Florence, born Sept
6, 1910, daughter of Hazel Leonard Florence. Brucie, son of Bruce D. Leonard,
died Sept. 10, 1910. Louis Dale Egly born July 7, 1911,
daughter of Oaty Leonard Egly. Charles, son of Wm and Hannah
Phipps, died Aug 22, 1911. Born Sept. 9, 1911 to Wm Grove a
baby girl. Rerry King, daughter of George and
Phoebe King, died June 22. Born Sept. 8, 1911 to Monroe a baby
girl. Born Jan. 10, 1911 to John Wells
and wife a baby boy. Born to Berry Bennett and wife Dec.
2, 1911, Mary Elizabeth. Born to Harry Rausinger and wife a
boy July 4, 1912. Harry M. Leonard died May 5, 1912. THE SIXTH LEONARD REUNION The sixth Leonard reunion was held
the second Sunday in Aug. 1910 at the Warren Fair Ground. There were 66 of the Leonard relatives
present, besides several old friends and neighbors. A dinner, so delicious, no tongue can express, was spread and all
who were present, shared of its contents. About 1:30 a program was rendered
as follows: Opening song, America;
Prayer, by Rev. Dypoye; Song, Blest Be the Tie; A short talk by the Rev.;
recitiation, William Grove; recitation, Golda Martin; recitation, Robert
Miller; Dialogue, Assessor by Wm Ruble and wife, Charles and Gilberta Martin
and Glen Fox; song Ruth and Howard Hively; recitations by Ellis Grove, Mrs.
Fern Fox, Alton Miller, Cleo Grove; song by Mr. and Mrs. Glen Fox "Don't
Take My Little Home"; reading by Harold Grove; recitations by Russell
Grove; Gilberta Martin; Erline Bennett; song by Alton and Robert Miller;
dialogue "Taking Census" by Mrs. Wm Ruble and Golda Martin; closing
song "God Be With You". Rev.
Dypoye gave a splendid talk upon unity, which was appreciated by all. Officers for the year 1911
are: Pres. John Leonard, Sec. Will
Leonard, Tres. Bruce Leonard. It was
voted and carried that the seventh Leonard reunion be held the second Sunday in
Sept. 1911, at the Eaton Park, Eaton, Indiana.
Page
6 Collection amounting to $2.00 was
presented to Rev. Dypoye. In the
treasury
.. The rest of the day was spent in
visiting after which all departed to their homes. THE SEVENTH LEONARD REUNION The seventh annual Leonard family
reunion was held at Riverside Park, Eaton, Indiana the second Sunday in Sept.
the 10th day. Eighty six
friends and relatives present. After, a
fine dinner and interesting program was rendered. Rev. B.G. Slim giving us a talk.
Was put to vote to hold the next meeting at Bluffton. Collection $3.35----spent $2.00 for stamps
and envelopes----balance in treasury 35cts. THE EIGHTH LEONARD REUNION The eighth annual reunion of the Leonard
family was held at Uncle Ben Bennett's house on account of rain and a splendid
time was had. Old officers continued in
office. It was voted to make Riverside
Park Eaton, Indiana permanent holding place of the Leonard family reunion and
that it be held the second Sunday in August.
J. F. Phipps and his mother, Aunt Hannah, was with us. In all sixty friends and relatives. Collection of $3.25. Henry Poffenberger died July 1,
1912. Alice Monroe died June 1913. Cletus Monroe died July 1913. Born to Grace Williamson a boy
called Jim Salvester John Henry. To Vernie Fox a boy Cecil Eugene
Beard. THE NINTH LEONARD REUNION The ninth annual reunion of the
Leonard Family was held at Riverside Park Eaton, Ind., the second Sunday in
August the 10th day 1913.
Thirty-five were present. A fine
dinner was served. All enjoyed a good
time. We were visited by Nett Nuzum
from Elwood, Ind., a cousin from great-grandmother's side. Page
7 Births: Born to Ben Bennett Jr. May 5,
1913, a girl, Armatha. Born to
..Tutwiler, Nov. 22, a
boy. Deaths: Charles Melvin Phipps, August 24,
1913, of typhoid fever, age 36 years 10 months. Edwin E. Phipps, born March 18,
1876, died April 30, 1913, aged 37 years 3 months 18 days. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Crum, a
girl, March 8, 1916, Marjorie Irene. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Crum, a
girl, Jan. 29, 1918, Jean. THE TENTH LEONARD REUNION The tenth annual Leonard family
reunion was held at Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Ben Bennett's. Same officers retained. 89 present.
Mrs. J. W. Winkler and Mrs. Gary Bright were present. Also present were Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Phipps,
Miss Mable and Miss Lora Phipps.
Collection 70cts given to Aunt Elizabeth to pay for gas. THE ELEVENTH LEONARD REUNION The eleventh annual Leonard family
reunion was held at the Race Track at Poneto.
Forth eight present had a fine visit.
Cousin Gardeour Collins and wife were with us. Also visiting were Luther Collins, John Jamison and J. S.
Coddington and wife. No election of
officers, old ones held over. Voted to
hold the 1916 reunion at the Hartford City Fair Grounds. Births: W. D. Lesh and wife, a girl, Mar. 18, 1915, Ima Pauline.
Page 8 THE TWELFTH LEONARD REUNION The twelfth annual reunion of the
Leonard family was held at the old fair grounds in Hartford City. Forty-one present. The day was spent visiting and eating a fine dinner. Old officers retained and voted to hold the
next reunion at Bluffton on account of Aunt Mary Grove. THE THIRTEENTH LEONARD REUNION The thirteenth annual reunion of
the Leonards was held at the Park in Bluffton, Ind. Sixty-five people were present.
$2.35 collected and gave to Aunt Elizabeth to pay expenses. Old officers re-elected and voted to hold
meeting at the same place, same time next year. THE FOURTEENTH LEONARD REUNION The fourteenth annual reunion of
the Leonard family was held at the park in Bluffton. Eighty people present.
Collection of $3.43 given to Aunt Elizabeth for expenses and the same
officers re-elected. Pres. J. Leonard;
Treas. Bruce Leonard; Sec. W.L. Leonard.
Voted to hold reunion same place and date next year. John Phipps, son of William and
Hannah Phipps, born in Monroeville, Ind., March 22, 1871, died at Belmore, Ohio
December 17, 1920. Zella Bowman
Custerline, daughter of John and Scerilda King Bowman, died at Hartford City
April 14, 1921. Aunt Mollie Grove, daughter of
William and Elizabeth Jamison Leonard, born Oct. 10, 1838, died at Eaton, Ind.
at the home of John Galyean, May 6, 1921. Jane Josephine Kramer, daughter of
Louis and Dorothy Poffenberger Kramer born November 14, 1920. Paul Jr. Riggs, son of Lavere and
Nellie Speece Riggs born July 31.
Page 9 THE SIXTEENTH LEONARD REUNION The sixteenth reunion of the
Leonard family was held at the Washington Park at Bluffton on the 14th
of August 1921. There were 90 relatives
present. The noon meal was opened by a
song sang by all "God Be With Us Till We Meet Again" after which
followed scripture reading and prayer offered by Bruce Leonard of Hartford
City, Ind. The lovely dinner was
enjoyed and relished by all as usual. The afternoon was spent in talking
over old times and the election of officers which were: Pres. Fred Grove; Vice Pres. Elmer Jamison;
Sec. Orah Crum; Treas. Glen
Speece. Also ate ice cream and
took a collection amounting to $6.39.
There was $5.61 left from the preceding year. The total was $12.00.
Voted to hold next reunion the last Sunday in July 1922. Deaths: John Ewing, husband of Stella
Leonard, died October 17, 1921 at Camfield, Ohio and was buried Oct. 21, 1921
in Camfield. Aunt Phoebe King died January 25,
1922 at the home of her son Sam King at Portland, Ind. Buried March 5, 1922 at Riefsburg. Mable Phipps, daughter of John
Phipps, died Jan. 24, 1922, buried January 27, 1922. Aunt Julia Leonard Young, oldest
daughter of Elizabeth and William Leonard, died March 1922 at Pauora, Iowa. Elizabeth Rebecca Leonard Bennett,
born March 13 1857, died April 9, 1922 and buried at Bluffton, Ind. in the
Fairview Cemetery, April 12. She was
the youngest child of William and Elizabeth Leonard. Births: Howard Raymond Bennett, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Ben Bennett, Jr., was born March 17, 1922. THE SEVENTEENTH LEONARD REUNION The seventeenth annual Leonard
family reunion was held July 30, 1922 at the Washington Park in Bluffton. There were 91 friends and relatives
present. John Leonard being the oldest
one present and Howard Bennett the youngest. At noon hour the table was spread
with wonderful things of which to eat of which we all did justice. At this table there were several dear faces
missed, but with all our sorrow a good time was had by all. After the dinner hour, the minutes
were read by the secretary. The
electing of officers then followed which remained the same as they were in
1921.
Page 10 There were $12.00 in the treasury
of 1921. The secretary spending $3.25
for postal cards, printed cards, paper plates and drinking cups, leaving $8.65
in the treasury 1922. A collection of
$5.70 was taken at this meeting, spending $5.00 for ice cream leaving a total
of $9.35 in treasury for 1923. It was voted to have the next
reunion in the Hoover Park at Hartford City, Ind. on July 29, 1923. Births: Born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Miller, a boy March 25, 1923. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stump
a boy. THE EIGHTEENTH LEONARD REUNION The eighteenth annual reunion of
the Leonard family was held July 21, 1923 in the Hoover Park at Hartford City,
there being 87 present. At the noon
hour the tables were layed with everything good to eat. The Hartford folks treated us royal by
having a feast with
our eats included.
The meal was opened by a prayer by Ollie Leonard and song sang by
all "Nearer My God To Thee." The meal was greatly enjoyed by all as
usual. In the afternoon the minutes were
read by the secretary. The electing of
officers then followed, which remained the same as last year. There was $9.35 left in the treasury of
1922. The secretary spending $3.45 for
plates, cups, spoons, forks, and printed cards and also postal cards, leaving
$5.90 in the treasury for 1923. A
collection was taken of $5.10 leaving $11.00 in the treasury up to date. It left for officers to decide on
the place for the 1924 reunion being July 27, 1924. Births: Twin boys born to Mr. and Mrs.
Howard McCormick, January 15, 1924.
Their names are Herbert and Herman.
Look at Ward Grove and you will know who the grandfather is. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Launing
a boy, March 27, 1924, named John Richard Launing. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Le Vere Briggs
a girl, January, named Betty Jane. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Linn Gregg a
boy, May 25, 1924, named Linn Eugene. William and Hazel Grove a boy born
January 9, 1925, named Wm. Jr. Born to Dalia and Howard Hively a
boy, Nov. 12, 1924, named Homer. Page
11 THE NINETEENTH LEONARD REUNION The nineteenth reunion of the
Leonard family was held Sunday, July 27, 1924 in the Washington Park in
Bluffton, there being 118 present.
Tables were layed at noon with everything imaginable to eat. The meal was opened by a prayer offered by
William Shane. Then everybody served
themselves with chicken first. In the
afternoon Evelyn Davis entertained us with readings which we all greatly
enjoyed after which the minutes were read by the Secretary and election of
officers then followed which remained the same as previous years. There were $11.00 in the treasure
of 1924. The Secretary spending $1.82
for cards, plates, table cloths, leaving a balance of $9.18 for 1925. It was voted to have the next reunion in
Winter's Tourist Camp on Sunday, July 26, 1925. THE TWENTIETH LEONARD REUNION The 20th annual reunion
of the Leonard family was held July 26, 1925 in the Washington Park at
Bluffton, there being 90 friends and relatives present. At the noon hour the tables were
spread and a lively dinner was spread to which we all did justice. After dinner the minutes were read and the
electing of officers which were Fred Russell, Pres.; Elmer Jamison, vice-pres.;
Glenn Speece, treas.; and Orah Crum, sec.
The rest of the day was spent talking and having a good time. There was $9.18 in the treasure of
1925. The Sec't spending $2.00 for
cards, plates, etc. leaving $7.18. A
collection was taken getting $3.42 making a total of $10.60 for 1926. It was voted to have the next reunion in
Lipsky's Grove on July 18, 1926. Deaths: Uncle John Leonard died at his home
in Portland, Ind. on Jan. 10, 1926.
Buriel being in Montpelier. He
was 83 years 3 mos. 2 days old at the time of his death. Roscoe Florence husband of Hazel Leonard
died at his home in Hartford City on June 9, 1926. Births: Max Dean born Apr. 2, 1926 son
of Earl and Velma Grove Mann. A boy Apr. 1926 to Mr. and Mrs.
Paul Riggs. Richard Fredrick, born Mar. 17,
1926 son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Grove. A boy to Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Grove.
Page 12 THE TWENTY FIRST LEONARD REUNION The 21st annual reunion
of the Leonard family was held Sunday July 17, 1926 in the Washington
Park. There being sixty being five
friends and relatives present. At the noon hour the crowd was
scattered by a downpour of rain. After
the storm was over the tables were layed with everything imaginable to eat as
usual. The meal was opened by a prayer
by William Shanes. Every year there are a few dear
faces missed. This year being John
Leonard who never failed attending these reunions. After dinner the minutes were read and stood approved. The officers remained the same as the
previous year. There was $10.60 in the treasure
for 1926. $8.90 was spent for cards,
plates, and ice-cream and pop, leaving $1.70 in the treasure. A collection was taken amounting to $5.00
leaving $6.70 in the treasure for 1927.
It was voted to have the next reunion in Faurot Park at Lima, Ohio the
last Sunday in July 1927. Deaths: Rolls Phipps died Oct. 5, 1926 age
63 years. Births: A girl to Mr. and Mrs. Russell
Grove, date July 1, 1927, named Patricia Lucille. THE TWENTY SECOND LEONARD REUNION The 22nd annual reunion
of the Leonard family was held in the Faurot Park at Lima, Ohio, there being 85
relatives present. At the noon hour the tables were
layed with many good things to eat. The
meal was opened by prayer by Billie Shanes.
After dinner old times were renewed and visiting with Aunt Hannah and
her children, some we hadn't seen for years.
The reading of the minutes then followed also the electing of officers
which remained the same as last year. There was $6.70 in the treasure
from 1926 and secretary spending $1.00 for mailing cards leaves a total of
$5.00 in the treasure up to date. There
was no collection taken at this meeting.
Voted to have the next reunion at the Edgewater Park at Celina, Ohio the
last Sunday in July 1928.
Page 13 Deaths: Louis P. Kramer, husband of Dorothy
Poffenberger, died Jan. 16, 1928 in Los Angeles, Cal. With broncial pnemonia,
buried at Chicago, father of Jane Joshephine
Kramer. William Shanes died Feb. 17, 1928
at his home in Bluffton with T.B., buried at the Fairview Cemetery. Births: Harold Grove and wife a baby girl
born Feb. 29, 1928 in Florida. Ellis Grove and wife a boy born
Nov. 24, 1928, Max Lowell. Fred Ulmer and wife a boy born Nov.
10, 1928, Richard Fredrick. Harry Crum and wife a girl July 3,
1928, Carolyn Louise. Lewis Launing and wife a girl July
7, 1928, Jean Marygold. THE TWENTY THIRD LEONARD REUNION The 23rd annual reunion
of the Leonard family was held the last Sunday in July 1928 at the Edgewater
Park in Celina, Ohio. There were about
only 40 present at this meeting. The table was spread at the noon
hour with many good things to eat as usual.
The meal was opened by a prayer by Aunt Hannah. There wasn't much visiting done, as
there were too many nearby amusements
going on. The officers remained
the same and no collection was taken so that leaves $5.70 still in treasure. It was voted to have the next
reunion in the Washington Park at Bluffton the last Sunday in July 1929. Deaths: Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Sutton a boy May
4, 1929 died at birth. William D. Leonard, 58, died March
18, 1930
Page 14 THE TWENTY FOURTH LEONARD REUNION The 24th annual Leonard
family reunion was held July 28, 1929 at Washington Park, Bluffton, Indiana and
ninety-nine people coming from Ohio, Michigan and Indiana passed a very happy event. A delicious basket dinner at the noon hour
was enjoyed by everyone present.
William Lesh of Bluffton asking the blessing. The afternoon was spent in visiting and old acquaintances being
renewed and new ones acquainted. Officers for the reunion next
year: Alton Miller, president: Robert
Miller, vice-president: secretary-treasurer, Emma Miller. The reunion in 1930 will be held the last
Sunday in July at the same place in Bluffton.
There is now $4.30 in treasure. Written by, Emma Miller Paid out 36cts for cards, $1.00 for
table cloths, 20cts for plates, leaves $2.54. THE TWENTY FIFTH LEONARD REUNION The 25th annual reunion
of the Leonard family was held at Washington Park July 27, 1930. There were about 50 relatives present. At the noon hour the table was
spread with a delicious basket dinner, which was enjoyed by all. William Lesh of Bluffton opened the program
with a prayer. Officers elected for the
coming year were: Alton Miller,
present; Robert Miller, vice president; and Vernie Mossburg secretary and
treasure. The reunion next year will be held
at the Park again. The secretary last year gave me
$2.54 and there was a $4.05 collection making a total of $6.59. Paid out $1.75 to Herman Thoma for a chair
that was got last year, 50cts for cards, 55cts for plates, leaving $3.79 in
treasure. Births from July 27, 1930 to July
26, 1931----- Doris Ann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Miller, born Nov. 4, 1930. Chas. Edgar, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Edgar Ward, born April 30, 1931. Dale, son of Mr. and Mrs. Luster
Grove, born April 19, 1931, died April 20, 1931.
Page 15 Deaths: Cerilda Bowman, 59, died at her
home in Hartford City, Sept. 17, 1930.
She was the daughter of George and
Phoebe (Leonard) King. Ed Leonard died at the home of his
daughter Mrs. John Wells, June 7, 1931 at Hubbard, Ohio. He was 86 years old. Mrs.Tom Phipps of Belmore, Ohio
died Nov. 22, 1930 at the age of 55 years. Births --- 1932 Patty Lou, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Miller, born May 21, 1932. Bobby Bruce Brown, son of Mary
Elizabeth Bennett and Roy Brown, born Jan. 12, 1932 and died May 3, 1932. THE TWENTY SIXTH LEONARD REUNION The 26th annual reunion
of the Leonard family was held at the Washington Park July 28, 1931. There were several relations present. At the noon hour the table was layed with
many good things to eat. Alton Miller
leading in prayer. After dinner a
program of Church music was sang by all and a talk by out president Alton
Miller about whether we would continue our reunion or drop it. It was voted on to hold another in
1932. A committee was appointed to get
the place for the reunion, they were Fred Russell, Fred Grove and Ellis Grove. A program committee was also appointed, they
are Mrs. Carrie Russell, Mrs. Bessie Grove and Florence Grove. The officers were then elected as
follows; Alton Miller, pres., Robert Miller, vice-president, and Orah Crum,
sec.-tres. There was $3.60 in treasure taking
up a collection of $3.79 making a total of $7.39 spending $4.70 for ice-cream
leaves a balance of $2.69 for 1932.
Sec. Spending 50cts for cards leaves in treasure $2.19. Sec. Orah
Crum THE TWENTY SEVENTH LEONARD REUNION The 27th annual reunion
of the Leonard family was held July 22, 1932 in the Washington Park. There were around 50 relatives present.
Page 16 At the noon hour the table was
layed with many things to eat. Alton
Miller opening the dinner with prayer.
The afternoon was spent in visiting with one another and talking over
old times. Election of officers was held which
Ellis Grove was elected president, Harry Crum vice president and Orah Crum
sect. - tres. It was voted to have the next
reunion at the Boiling Springs northwest of Bluffton and a committee was
appointed to get chairs, swings and so forth, they were Bill Grove, Harry Crum
and Bob Miller. The committee appointed
for the program were Vernie Mossburg, Florence Grove and Hazel Grove. There was a balance of $2.19 in
treasure for 1932. A collection of
$2.07 was taken making $4.26 in tres.
Secretary spending 26cts for cards to send out for the 1933 reunion leaves
a balance of $4.00 in tres.
Sect. Deaths: Lula Speece died at her home in
Poneto, Ind. in Oct. She was the
daughter of Sarah Leonard and Joseph Grove.
Charles Edgar Ward, son of Edgar M.
and Edith Grove Ward, died Dec. 16, 1932 at Hartford City. Births: Barbara Ann, born to Carl E. and
Helen Leonard Frutrell, Jan. 22, 1933. Jimmie K., born to Ellis and
Florence Grove, Nov. 5, 1932. Patty Lou, born to Edgar and Edith
Grove Ward, Apr. 8, 1933. Kenneth Dean, born to Howard and
Cleo Grove McCormick, Sept. 6, 1932. THE TWENTY EIGHTY LEONARD REUNION The 28th annual reunion
of the Leonard family was held Sunday, July--.
There was a nice attendance. A
very delicious dinner was served at the noon hour and the blessing was asked by
Bruce Leonard. The afternoon was spent in visiting
and eating ice cream. Officers elected
were: Pres. Ellis Grove; vice pres.
Robert Miller; sec.-tres. Hazel Grove.
Committee for the arrangements: Fred
Grove, Ward Grove and Alton Miller.
Com-Entertainment Bessie Grove, Mary Miller and May Lowery. There was no money left in the
tres. As it was spent for ice cream.
Each family was supposed to pay 25cts each sometime during the
year. There has been $1.50 taken in and
25cts was spent for cards, 20cts for paper plates which leaves $l.05 in the
treasury. $1.50 was taken in today plus
$3.00 total $4.50.
Page 17 Deaths: Hannah Leonard Phipps died Nov. 18,
1933 at the home of her daughter Mrs. Lena Anderson at Perrysburg, Ohio. Albert Hively died Oct. 27, 1933 at
the age of 71 at his home in Marion, Ind. Jasper Garnand died on Sept. 25,
1933 at his home in Reiffsburg, Ind. Mr. Elmer Jamison died Oct. 8,
1934. Mrs. Hazel Leonard Dilley, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. John and Amy Leonard, died Oct. 20, 1934 at the hospital in
Hartford City. Mrs. Rhoda King Garnand, daughter
of George and Phoebe King, died at her home in Reiffsburg, Jan. 6, 1935, age 65
years. Births: Born to Harold and Eunice Long
Grove a son on Sept 15, 1934 at Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, named William Charley. THE TWENTY NINTH LEONARD REUNION
The 29th annual reunion
of the Leonard family was held at Washington Park, July 28, 1935. At noon a bountiful dinner was served. John Galyean from Ohio returned thanks. It has been ruled by Grandma Moyer
(Elizabeth Ellen Leonard) to discontinue the reunion. It was voted for the children, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren to meet with her once a year. In the afternoon, everyone visited
and ate ice cream. Ada Grove, Sec. This is a retyping of the original
Leonard Family Reunion Book. The
original is in the Genealogy Department of the Allen County Public Library in
Fort Wayne, Indiana and in the possession of some family members. The original text has been preserved as much
as possible. Some corrections in spelling
and grammar were made to make the text more readable. Some misspelled names were changed when the correct name was
known for certain. For example, the
1913 reunion relates a visit from a cousin Nett Nuzun. The name is actually spelled Nuzum. She is related through Sarah Nuzum, who had
married Gardiner Leonard, the father of William Leonard. Leonard Family Reunion
Book 1905 - 1935 Edited and retyped
from the original
August 1999 Return to Wells County "Good Stuff"
