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.