Esther Irene Grant

Notes:

Died:


Obituary
—Moorman, Esther - DEATH CLAIMS MRS. MOORMAN - Mrs. Esther Moorman died at Samaritan Hospital this morning after a lingering illness. She was the daughter of John and Josephine Leeth Grant, and was born in Champaign County, Ohio February 14, 1908. and moved to Ashland County 20 years ago. She was a member of the United Brethren Church of Paradise Hill. She was married to Oscar Moorman on February 5, 1927, who survives her. She is also survived by two daughters, Dona Isabelle and Dora Irene, and one son, Dick Oscar, all at home; her mother Mrs. Josephine Milligan of Ashland: two brothers and one sister, William and Jacob Grant of Beaverton, Mich., and Mrs. Rachel Holycross of Richwood, Ohio. She was proceeded in death by her father in January 1916. Funeral services will be held at the Gilbert Funeral Home on Monday at 2:30 p.m., Rev E,A. Ewing of Paradise Hill in charge and burial in Ashland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home this evening from 7-9, and Sunday evening from 7-9.
(Ashland Times Gazette 29 December 1945)

Esther married Oscar Moorman on 5 Feb 1927 in Richland County, Ohio, United States. Oscar was born on 6 Oct 1905 in Ashland County, Ohio, United States; died on 6 Oct 1970 in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio, United States; was buried in Oct 1970 in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Frank Grant

Notes:

...John Franklin 'Frank' Grant was born 15 march 1871 in Perry Township, Logan County, Ohio to Nathanial Calendar Grant and Ruth Acenich Keller. Frank married Josephine Leeth on 9 January 1897 in Logan county, Ohio. Josies parents were Eleven Elias Leeth and Elmina Bolen. She was born on 12 August 1875.
...Frank and Josie had four children. They are: William Nathanial, Rachel Crete Holycross, Esther Irene Moorman and Jacob Kenneth.
...William Nathanial was born 23 October 1897 in Champaign County, Woodstock, Ohio. The family residence was in Middleburg, Ohio. Bill married Laura Syrilla Conklin. They had ten children. They are: Margaret Viola, deceased 13 July 1919; Eva may Fuller; Ronald Harold, deceased 29 November 1922; Wilbur Gordon; LeRoy Albert; Leora Joan Gunderman; Bert Allen and Betty Alice Grove (twins); William Nathanial, Jr.; and Richard Arlen. The majority of these children and their children and grandchildren now live in or near Beaverton, in Central Michigan. William Nathanial died on 2 September 1963 and Laura passed away 17 August 1975. They are buried together in Beaverton City Cemetery, Beaverton, Gladwin, Michigan.
...Rachel Crete was born 14 February 1901 in Champaign County, Ohio. Rachel married Clifton Howard Holycross on 5 February 1917. They have one daughter, Laurabelle Morris. She now lives near Marysville, Ohio. Rachel passed away 26 June 1969 and Clifton died 5 December 1966. They are buried in Maplegrove Cemetery in North Lewisburg, Ohio.
...Esther Irene was born 14 February 1908 in Champaign County, Ohio. She married Oscar Moorman and they had three children. they are dona Isabelle Sloan. Dick Oscar and Dora Irene McQuate. These children live in or near the Ashland, Ohio area as do their children and families. Esther died at the young age of 37 on 29 December 1945 and Oscar died 6 October 1970. They are both buried in Ashland, Ohio.
...Jacob Kenneth was born 9 September 1915 in Gladwin County, Michigan. He married Marie R. Wagner on 29 May 1942. They have four children: Ivan Kenneth, Terry Eugene, Leta Marie Kroll, and Peggy Leath Govitz. Jake and Marie are alive and well and now reside in Beaverton, Michigan. They have had a jewelry store business in Beaverton for about 25 years. Three of their four children live in the Beaverton area in central Michigan.
...Frank and Josie moved from Woodstock, Ohio to Beaverton, Michigan in 1912. They had three children with them. Bill was 15, Rachel was 11 and Esther was just 4 years old. Jake was born three years later. Frank was a big man and good with an ax. He was out in the woods cutting down a tree when his ax slipped and caught him in the leg. Medicine and doctors were expensive and a luxury a growing family could many times do without. However, after being kicked in the bad leg while shoeing a horse gangrene set in Frank's leg. The injury was soon infected and Frank was taken to Saginaw General Hospital where he died on 29 January 1916, only four months after Jake was born.
...Josie stayed in Beaverton a while but in a few years she decided to go back to Ohio with Esther. Jake was seven or eight years old and he stayed with brother Bill and wife Laura. Josie met and married Isaac Newton Milligan. they had no children together. Josie passed away 1 August 1965 and is buried in Beaverton City Cemetery with frank in Beaverton, Gladwin, Michigan.
...Jacob graduated from Beaverton High School in 1935. The outside world beckoned and he left for Albion, Michigan to work at Union Steel Products Company. In August, 1937, he left for San Francisco, California. He was gone two months and returned. While attending a church function in 1940 he met Marie R. Wagner. On march 1941, Jake joined the United States Army. In early 1942, the doctors discovered Jake had tuberculosis. On his way from Fort Sam Houston, Texas to Sun Mount Veterans Hospital in New York, he stopped in Paradise, Ohio to marry Marie on 29 May 1942. She came to Paradise with Jake's nephew Wilbur. Marie came back to Lepeer, Michigan and Jake went on to the hospital. Jake left New York in august or September and they began their married life together. Ivan Kenneth was born 1 June 1943 at Saginaw, Michigan. The young family struggled with Jakes illness and difficulty breathing by traveling to the upper Peninsula in the summer months.
...Terry Eugene was born 15 August 1947 in Gladwin, Michigan. Les Leonard of Beaverton talked Jake into going to college to study watchmaking. He wanted to add jewelry and watches to his store. In early 1948 they went to Ferris State College in Big Rapids, Michigan. Jake studied Horology for two years missing his own graduation because he had a job interview. Leta Marie Kroll was born 10 June 1951 in Marlette, Michigan. The young family were now living in Bay City for one year, then they moved back to Beaverton where they still reside today. Peggy Leath Govitz was born 21 February 1953, Michigan.
...Jake and Marie have a good jewelry business and are well-known and liked throughout Gladwin County in Michigan. Jake has always been handy with his hands and has taught his boys the same. They all enjoy deer hunting season and family camping.
...Jake and Marie are excellent grandparents and their home is always open to family for gatherings, a hot meal and a warm bed. Many relatives visit from Ohio and they journey back several times a year.
...On 29 May 1982 they celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary with an Open House given by Ivan and wife Beverly Card and their children: Kenneth Blair, Kimberly Marie, Kelly Jo, and Ivans stepchildren: Patrick Card, Michael Card, Charles Card, and Polly Onalee Card. Terry and wife Judy Hoag and their children John Franklin and Teri jean. Leta Marie Kroll and husband William Herbert, Jr. their children are Mark William, Daniel Ivan and Lisa Marie. Leta is expecting their fourth child in November 1982. Peggy and her husband Terry Lewis Govitz and their only child Penny Jo. During the celebration given at the Dale Town Hall in Beaverton, Michigan, it was noted that Jake and Marie had had their first wedding reception at this same place 40 years earlier. (Source: The Logan County Genealogical Society, "Logan County, Ohio 1982", Defiance, Ohio: The Hubbard Company, 1983, pg. 254, 255)

John married Josephine Leeth on 9 Jan 1897 in Logan County, Ohio, United States. Josephine (daughter of Leven Elias Leeth and Almina Bolen) was born on 12 Aug 1877 in West Mansfield, Logan County, Ohio, United States; died on 1 Aug 1965 in Beaverton, Gladwin County, Michigan, United States; was buried in Aug 1965 in Gladwin County, Michigan, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Misc: had no children
• Name: Josie Leeth
• Census: 1880, Rushcreek Township, Logan County, Ohio, United States; as Josephine Leeth, in the household of Alex Bolen
• Census: 1890, Paulding County, Ohio, United States; as Josephine Leeth, daughter, in the household of Leven Elias Leeth
• Obituary: 4 Aug 1965; Gladwin County Record (Gladwin, Michigan) 4 August 1965, p1

Notes:

1880 Census, Ohio, Vol. 40, E.D. 125, Sheet 32, Line 19, Logan County, Rushcreek twsp., has Josephine living with her grandfather, Alexander Bolen, age 2. After her mother died, Josephine was raised by her aunts and uncles.

Obituary:

SERVICES HELD FOR MRS. MILLIGAN
Rites were held for Mrs. Josephine Milligan, 89, of Sage Township today (Wednesday) at 2 p.m. from the Hall Funeral Home. The Rev. F. E. Voller officiated and burial was in Beaverton Cemetery.
Mrs. Milligan died Sunday after an illness of five years. She was born in Ohio on Aug. 12, 1875, and had lived in Gladwin County for the past six years. She was married to Newton Milligan who preceded her in death in 1937.
Survivors include one son, Jacob Grant, of Beaverton; a daughter, Rachel Holycross, of North Lewisburg, Ohio; 16 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.

Other Events:

• Name: Leaven Elias Leeth
• Name: Levin Elias Leeth
• Census: 1860, Pebble Township, Pike County, Ohio, United States; as Lavina Leeth, in the household of John Leeth, Jr.
• Census: 1870, Rushcreek Township, Logan County, Ohio, United States; as Leven Leeth, in the household of John Leeth
• Residence: 1872, Paulding County, Ohio, United States
• Census: 1880, Harrison Township, Paulding County, Ohio, United States; as Leven Leeth, boarder, farm laborer, in the household of Fred Wall
• Census: 1890, Paulding County, Ohio, United States; as Leven Elias Leeth, Jr
• Census: 1900, Harrison Township, Paulding County, Ohio, United States; as Eleven Leeth, farmer, head of household
• Census: 1910, Highland Township, Defiance County, Ohio, United States; as Leven Leeth, farm laborer, head of household
• Newspaper: 17 May 1913; The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana), 17 May 1913, p3
• Newspaper: 10 Jun 1913; The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana), 10 June 1913, p1
• Newspaper: 6 Sep 1917; The Payne Reflector and Press Review (Payne, Ohio), 6 September 1917, p8: Pioneers
• Newspaper: 30 Jul 1925; The Payne Reflector and Press Review (Payne, Ohio), 30 July 1925, p8
• Newspaper: 13 Aug 1925; Paulding County Republican (Paulding, Ohio), 13 August 1925, p8
• Census: 1930, Haviland, Paulding County, Ohio, United States; as Leaven E. Leeth, laborer/clay works, head of household; Address:
  Main Street
• Residence: 1935, Harrison Township, Paulding County, Ohio, United States
• Newspaper: 22 Jun 1939; Paulding Democrat (Paulding Ohio) 22 June 1939, p6
• Newspaper: 22 Jun 1939; The Oakwood News. Oakwood, Ohio, 22 June 1939, p1
• Census: 1940, Harrison Township, Paulding County, Ohio, United States; as Leven E. Leeth, head of household, same residence in 1935
• Newspaper: 31 Mar 1949; Paulding County Republican (Paulding, Ohio), 31 March 1949, p9
• Newspaper: 7 Apr 1949; The Payne Reflector and Press Review (Payne, Ohio), 7 April 1949, p1
• Newspaper: 15 Dec 1949; Paulding Progress (Paulding, Ohio), 15 December 1949, p1
• Obituary: 16 Jan 1952; Newspaper unknown - original clipping
• Obituary: 17 Jan 1952; The Payne Reflector and Press Review (Payne, Ohio) 17 Jaunary 1952, p1

Notes:

Leven Elias Leeth can be found in various records as Leaven, Leven, Elevin and Levan. I used the spelling most often found on his documents. I believe he was probably named after a great grandfather whose name was Levin Harnanson. Levin is the more common spelling for this name.

MEMORIES.... by Charlotte (Leeth) Beck
The thing I remember most about grandpa was that he never smiled, never cracked a joke, was very strict and very religious. He wore a long handlebar mustache and none of the kids liked it when he kissed them, including me. Grandpa and Grandma Leeth lived with us for awhile in Lancaster, Ohio.

Leven worked in the Tile Mills near East Liberty and after Almina died, he moved to Paulding.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
Antwerp News
W. A. Begleman and wife, who have been visiting here, the guests of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Levan Leeth, and family departed for their home, at Toledo, Monday. (Source: The Fort Wayne News, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Wednesday, November 15, 1916, pg. 9)

OBITUARY
January 1952, Payne, Paulding County, Ohio. LEVEN LEETH, son of John and Nancy Leeth, was born in Pike County, Ohio, March 17, 1856, and departed this life at the home of his son, John Payne, Ohio, about 5:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon, January 12, 1952, having reached the age of 95 years, 9 months and 27 days. Mr. Leeth was united in marriage to Louisa Shelly, April 3, 1884, and to them were born five sons and four daughters. Mr. Leeth lived a very religious life, was a faithful husband, a good father, a fine neighbor and a true friend to all who knew him. His surviving relatives are his wife; his five sons, John, of Payne, Ohio, Charles of Dayton, Ohio, Harry of Jerome, Mich., David of Latty, Ohio and Lafie E. of Briceton, Ohio; four daughters, Josephine Milligan of Milford Center, Ohio, Ethel Maxwell of Columbia City, Ind., Rhoda Baughman of Holly, Mich., and Edith Brown of Wawaka, Ind; thirty=six grandchildren, fifty-nine great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and one sister-in-law, Mrs. Martin Leeth. (Church of the Nazarene)

OBITUARY
January 1952, Payne, Paulding County, Ohio. Leven Elis Leeth, 95, a resident of Payne 75 years, died Saturday afternoon at his home after a long illness. Surviving are his wife; five sons, John of Payne, Charles of Dayton, Harry of Jerome, Mich., David of Latty, and Lafie, of Briceton; four daughters, Mrs. Josephine Milligan of Milford Center, Mrs. Ethel Maxwell of Columbia City, Ind., Mrs. Edith Brown, Wawaka, Ind., and Mrs. Rhoada Baughman, Hooly Mich.; 36 grandchildren and 59 great-grandchildren. The body is at the Evans Funeral Home where friends may call after 10 a.m. today. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. F.J. Reed officiating. Burial will be in the Wiltsie Cemetery, east of here.

Newspaper:

L. E. Leeth was a Fort Wayne caller Fridey, being the guest while there of his brother, Earl and family.

Newspaper:

Antwerp News
Louis Brown and wife, of Baldwin, Ind. were Sunday guests at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Leeth at this place.
Mrs. F. Maxwell and daughter Ethel, and sons Lester and Laurence, and the baby, of Grabill, Ind., were over Sunday visitors at the home of her parents, Mr and Mrs L E Leeth at this place.

Newspaper:

Part XLI
Pioneers
Shelley and Quince Families
Frances and Mary Jane (Shanberg) Shelley were natives of France, and members of the Catholic church. Mr. Shelley attended in Paris seven years, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Shelley were married in France and there in France were born seven children. Mary, Catherine, Mary Ann, Martha, Lovina, Henry and Victoria. Francis Jr., and Peter were born in this country. The family emigrated to America in 1831 and settled in Richland county. In 1840 the family came to Paulding county and entered 80 acres of land one mile north of Payne on north-east corner. They built their cabin where the home of Mr. Cox now stands. They lived there with their family until the death of Mr. Shelley, August 6 1866.
Mrs. Emma Bodey a grand-daughter remembers hearing them tell of the roof blowing off the cabin one night. The parents and daughters slept downstairs in the small cabin and the sons in the loft. This night a man way-farer was a guest and the boys and guest were compelled to descend quickly in abbreviated costumes. While the parents remained faithful to the Catholic faith, the children later joined the United Brethren church. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Shelley made her home with her son Henry Shelley who lived in the home at Lamb's corners and with her daughter Mrs. Quince. She died March 20, 1885, aged 94 years. Each of these sons were given on their marriage forty acres of land. Henry earned the forty acres across from the Hiram Underwood farm with the proceeds of night's coon hunting and sold it $75.00.
Mary the eldest daughter of Francis and Mary Jane Shanberg became the wife of John McGill. They lived just south of the Lehman school house south of bridge. Had no children. Catherine born in France, Sept. 8 1842, became the wife of Francis Quince in Richland county on Feb. 14, 1842. Their children were Mary died in infancy, Solomon born Nov. 5, 1845, Mary Cecil Radenbaugh born Sept. 10, 1847, Francis A., Aug. 2, 1849, died Aug. 10, 1880, Laura born July 27, 1852, died Nov. 8, 1879, Catherine born 1856, died 1860. Mary Ann married Solomon Mott of Vernon Junction, Ohio. Friends here only know of one daughter, Julia. Mrs. Mott is now living at the age of 90 years.
Martha chose for her husband, William Holmes and the family moved to Iowa, cannot ascertain names of children. Lovina married Maurice Keller and for many years lived on South Main street and built the house in which Miss Nellie Bradley lives. They had no children.
Henry Shelley was born near Paris, France, Dec. 26, 1829. He was two years of age when his parents came to this country. Henry Shelley was married three times. His first wife was Miss Abagail Chaney the daughter of Charles Chaney of this county, one son Charles was born to them. The wife died and Mr. Shelley married Miss Mahala Mikle, a sister of Daniel Mikle. Their children were Abram, Louisa the wife of L. Leeth and three deceased. Mrs. Mahala Shelley died in 1866. In 1869, Julia Myton the daughter of Robert and Rhoda Homan Myton of German lineage became the third wife. Their children were Carrie who died in 1883, Emma born May 21, 1875 and wife of Isaac Body. Victoria born Sept. 5, 1877. Ada May born May 23, 1881 and wife of George Fugate, and Lucy born June 27, 1889.
In 1864, Henry Shelley enlisted in Company H, One Hundred Sixty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served 100 days. He secured his honorable discharge. The family was highly-esteemed in the community. Mrs. Shelley died January 18, 1914. Mr. Shelley died March 8, 1904.
Victoria, born in France, March 20, 1831, became the wife of Hiram Northrup, of this family we will write later
Francis Shelley and Lucinda Myton a sister of the third wife of Henry Shelley were married in Allen county, Indiana, May 10, 1857. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, Feb. 7, 1837. She was born in Crawford county, Ohio, June 15, 1841. Their family are Mary J., born April 26, 1860, wife of Wm. Buerkle, Joseph F., born Dec. 28, 1865, Clarrissa A., born Aug. 30, 1869, wife of Fred White. Adalene was born Jan. 29, 1872, wife of Christ Peterson.
Francis Shelley served three years in the 68th Ohio during the Rebellion and was discharged at Savannah, Georgia. The home farm was across the road west of the Fred Wahl farm. Late in life Mr. Shelley bought the South Main street property of his brother-in-law Maurice Kelley. A few years ago he sold this and they moved to near Cincinnati. Mr. and Mrs. Shelley are still living. They were prominently identified with the United Brethren church.
Peter Shelley married Martha J. Payne in 1860. They had five sons and two daughters. We have no record of his death. Mrs. Shelley died June 23, 1917 at the age of 75 years at the home of her daughter Mrs. John H. Medsker of South Benton.
(Continued Next Week)

Newspaper:

Leeth-Wren Reunion
Last Sunday the Leeth-Wren families held their reunion at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Leeth of northeast of town. Those present to enjoy the day were Mrs. Mary A. Leeth, Phyllis Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Hardesty of Paulding; C. L. Davisson and wife, Margaret Kilpatrick and Margaret Ohler of Round Head, Ohio; Mrs Manoah Miller and daughter Deane, Joe Miller and family B. L. Bailey and wife and Chas. Sidle and wife of Auburn, In.; A. V. Silvers and family, Frank Miller and family and Juaneta Leeth of Fort Wayne; Miss Leah Leeth of Detroit; Reed Windgardner and family of Lima; L. E. Leeth and family and Harry Leeth and family of Haviland, O.; C. M. Mayes and wife, W. J. Connor and family and John Leeth of Kansas City, Kansas; Emma W. Mertz and son Forest of Ada, O.; Clara W. Ford and son of Lafayette, O.; C. W. Wren and wife of Marysville, O.; H. F. Armentrout and family, Harry Green and family of Marion, O.; C. B. McColloch and wife of West Mansfield, O.; Jonas Cromley and family, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Wren and daughter of Antwerp; Soy Leeth and family of Defiance; Jonas Brown and family of Churubusco, Ind.; Chas. Leeth and family of Lancaster, O.; Geo. Williams and family of McComb, O.; Ed Carter and wife of Union City, Mich.; Harold Blank of Wapakoneta; Mrs. Maude B. Mulligan and Iona Outland of Lakewood, O.; Mrs. C. C. Dupler, Dale Stilwell and wife, Fred Wahl, Edward Wahl and family, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Mathias and son Garret, M. M. Leeth and wife, Wm. Wren, Miss Berniece Stiwell, Mis Margaret Otis, S. D. Griswold and family, Earl Leeth and family, Wm. May A. E. Malcuit and wife and D. D. Leeth and family all of Payne.

Newspaper:

LEETH FAMILY REUNION
The 1925 reunion of the Leeth families and their connections was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Leeth, of near Payne.
An extra large number of relatives was in attendance and a fine time was had by all.
Following is a list of those who were present:
Mrs. Mary A. Leeth, Phyllis Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene, Hardesty, of Paulding; O. L. Davission and wife, Margaret Kilpatrick and Margaret Ohler, of Round Head, Ohio; Mrs. Manoah Miller and daughter Deane, Joe Miller and family, B. L. Bailey and wife and Chas. Sidle and wife, of Auburn, Ind.; A. V. Silvers and family, Frank Miller and family and Juaneta Leeth, of Fort Wayne; Miss Leah Leeth, of Detroit; Reed Winegardner and family, of Lima; L. E. Leeth and family and Harry Leeth and family, of Haviland, O.; C. M. Mayes and wife, W. L. Connor and family and John Leeth, of Kansas City, Kansas; Emma W. Mertz and son Forest, of Ada, Ohio; Clara W. Ford and son, of Lafayette, Ohio; C. W. Wren and wife, of Marysville, Ohio; H. F. Armentrout and family, Harry Green and family, of Marion, Ohio; C. B. Colloch and wife, of West Mansfield, Ohio; Jonas Cromley and family, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Wren and daughter, of Antwerp; Soy Leeth and family, of Defiance; Jonas Brown and family, of Cherubusco, Ind.; Chas. Leeth and family of Lancaster, Ohio; Geo. Williams and family, of McComb, Ohio; Ed Carter and wife, of Union Cityk Mich.; Harold Blank, of Wapakoneta; Mrs. Maude M. Mulligan and Iona Outland of Lakewood, Ohio; Mrs. C. C. Dupler, Dale Stilwell and wife, Fred Wahl, Edward Wahl and family, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Mathias and son Garret, M. M. Leeth and wife, Wm. Wren, Miss Bernice Stilwell, Miss Margaret Otis, S. D Griswold and family, Earl Leeth and family, Wm. May, A. E. Malcuit and wife and D. D Leeth and family, all of Payne.

Newspaper:

On Sunday, June 18th, Mr. and Mrs. Levan Leeth of Payne observed their 55th wedding anniversary, Father's Day, and Mrs. Leeth's 73rd birthday, with a dinner at noon to 40 relatives.
Seven of their eight children were present. John Leeth, of south of Payne; Ethel Maxwell, auburn, Indiana; Charles Leeth, Lancaster; Edith Brown, Rome City, Indiana; Harry Leeth, Haviland; Rhoda Baughman, Holly, Michigan; LaFayette Leeth, Haviland, David Leeth of Auburn, another son was unable to be at home.
The Leeths have 34 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. They have lived most of their life in and around Payne. Mr. Leeth is 84.

Newspaper:

Payne Couple Observe Three Events Sunday
On Sunday, June 18th, Mr. and Mrs. Levan Leeth of Payne observed their 55th wedding anniversary, Father's Day, and Mrs. Leeth's 73rd birthday with a dinner at noon to 40 relatives.
Seven of their eight children were present: John Leeth, of south of Payne; Ethel Maxwell, Auburn, Indiana; Charles Leeth, Lancaster; Edith Brown, Rome City, Indiana; Harry Leeth, Haviland; Rhoda Baughman, Holly, Michigan; LaFayette Leeth, Haviland, David Leeth of Auburn, another son, was unable to be at home.
The Leeths have 34 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. They have lived most of their life in and around Payne. Mr. Leeth is 84.

Newspaper:

To many people, this coming Sunday, April 3rd, won't mean much. it will be just another Sunday. but to Mr. and Mrs. Leven Leeth it will be a very special day, for it will mark their 65th year of married life.
Mr. and Mrs. Leeth are pictured above in their home one and one-half miles northeast of Tipton in Blue Creek township. They plan to spend the wedding anniversary day quietly at their home.
Yes, 65 years ago, in 1884, Leven Leeth and Louisa Shelly were united in the holy bonds of wedlock at the bride's home, north of Payne in Paulding County. And looking back over those 65 years Mr. Leeth who celebrated his 93rd birthday March 17th, and Mrs. Leeth will be 82 June 18th, both agree that they were all good years and happy ones. And they still are, for both Mr. and Mrs. Leeth are in remarkably good health and fine spirits—although they admit that they're beginning to notice their age a bit now and then.
Paulding County Native
Mrs. Leeth is a true Paulding County native, for she was born near Payne, and has lived here all her life. And although Mr. Leeth can now consider himself as one of the oldest residents in Paulding County, he is not a real native of the place, for he was born in Pike County, and lived in Logan County a number of years before he came to live with his family in Harrison Township.
Mr. Leeth still remembers when he first came to Paulding County in 1872 when he was only 16 years old. The old canal was still in commission at the time, and still being used for freight. However, it was not long before the last boat to leave Antwerp on the canal was loaded with lumber and made the historical last trip. Mr. Leeth can lay claim to a distinction of sorts, for he was one of the men that helped load the boat for its last trip.
Reservoir Incident
Outstanding among the recollections in his mind of the days long since gone by, is one about the blowing up of the reservoir, the waters of which covered the land of several farmers who had their farms taken from them when the reservoir was built.
He well remembers the feeling and talk that led up to the decision to blow it up, the quiet well organized group of 100 men or so, who loaded a half ton of dynamite into a wagon one night, calmly set the fuses and proceeded to blow the reservoir up. The water poured into the Maumee River, the men got their land back, no one was hurt, and as there was no following investigation, the whole incident turned out very successfully.
Remembers Civil War
Although to most of us, the Civil War is just something to be studied and read about in school, to Mr. Leeth it is a part of his memories of his childhood. He remembers the day an official rode up to his parents home on a bay horse to serve draft orders on his father and how his mother cried. However, his father did as so many of his time did—and paid the customary bounty (in his case it was $300) to a fellow to act as substitute in his place.
As a result, his father was still around at the time of Morgan's Raid on the area around Pike County, and was among the number of men who stood guard over various bridges to prevent Morgan from blowing them up.
Sixty-five years of married life have blessed the Leeth's with a family of nine children (five boys and four girls) and well over—believe it or not—one hundred grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to this amazing figure, they claim three great-great-grandchildren.
The children are: John Mathias, at home: Ethel, or Mrs. Frances Maxwell, near Fort Wayne; Charles Henry, West Manchester, Ohio; Annie Edith or Mrs. Johnas Brown, Rome City, Indiana; Harry Lindley, Fort Wayne; Rhoda Velta, or Mrs. Alfred Baughman, Holly, Michigan; David Edward, near Payne; and Lafayette Elias, Briceton. A daughter, Gertrude Louisa, died.

Newspaper:

Mr. and Mrs. Leven Leeth of near Tipton observed their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary on Sunday, April 3. They were married in 1884, at the bride's home, north of Payne. She was the former Louise Shelley.
Mr. Leeth was 93 years old on March 17, while Mrs. Leeth will be 82 on June 18.
Mr. Leeth was a native of Pike county, but has lived in Paulding county since 1872.
Mr. and Mrs. Leeth are the Parents of five sons and four daughters--John Leeth, at home, Mrs Francis Maxwell of near Fort Wayne, Charles Leeth of West Manchester, Mrs. Johnas Brown of Rome City, Ind., Harry L. Leeth of Fort Wayne, Mrs. Alfred Baughman of Holly, Mich., David Leeth of Near Payne and Lafayette Leeth of Briceton. A daughter, Gertrude Louise is deceased.

Obituary:

Payne Man, 95 Dies After Long Illness
Payne, O. — Leven Elias Leeth, 95 a resident of Payne 75 years, died Saturday afternoon at his home after a long illness.
Surviving are the wife, Louisa; five sons, John of Payne, Charles of Dayton, Harry of Jerome, Mich., David, Latty, and Lafie, Briceton; four daughters, Mrs. Josephine Milligan of Milford Center, Mrs. Ether Maxwell of Columbia City, Ind., Mrs. Edity Brown, Wawaka, Ind., and Mrs. Rhoada Baughman, Holly, Mich.; 36 grandchildren and 59 great-grandchildren.
The body is at the Evans Funeral Home, where friends may call after 10 a.m. today.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. F. J. Reed officiating. Burial will be in the Wiltsie Cemetery, east of here.

Obituary:

Leven Leeth
Leven Leeth, son of John and Nancy Leeth, was born in Pike County, Ohio, March 17, 1856, and departed this life at the home of his son, John in Payne, Ohio, about 5:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon, January 12, 1952. Having reached the age of 95 years, 9 months and 27 days.
Mr. Leeth was united in marriage to Louisa Shelly, April 3, 1884, and to them were born five sons and four daughter.
Mr. Leeth lived a very religious life, was a faithful husband, a good father, a fine neighbor and a true friend to all who knew him.
His surviving relatives are his wife, Louisa; his five sons, John, of Payne, Ohio, Charles of Dayton, Ohio, Harry of Jerome, Mich., David of Latty, Ohio, and Lafie E., of Briceton, Ohio; four daughters, Josephine Milligan of Milford Center, Ohio, Ethel Maxwell of Columbia City, Ind., Rhoda Baughman of Holly, Mich, and Edith Brown of Wawaka, Ind.; thirty-six grandchildren, fifty-nine great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and one sister-n-law, Mrs. Martin Leeth of Payne, Ohio.
The funeral, in charge of Paul Evans, was held Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. F. J. Reed officiating. Burial in Wiltsie cemetery.

Leven married Almina Bolen on 28 Sep 1876 in Logan County, Ohio, United States. Almina was born on 26 Feb 1858 in Pike County, Ohio, United States; died in 1879. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1860 Census, Ohio, Byhalia, Washington twsp., Union County, has Almina living with parents, age 2. 1870 Census, Ohio, Byhalia, Washington twsp., Union County, has Almina living with parents, age 12.

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Pebble Township, Pike County, Ohio, United States; as John Leith, farmer, head of household
• Census: 1860, Pebble Township, Pike County, Ohio, United States; as John Leeth, Jr., farmer, head of household
• Military: 1 Aug 1863, Pebble Township, Pike County, Ohio, United States; registered for the Civil War Draft
• Census: 1870, Rushcreek Township, Logan County, Ohio, United States; as John Leeth, farmer, head of household
• Census: 1880, Harrison Township, Paulding County, Ohio, United States; as John Leeth, farmer, head of household
• Newspaper: 30 Jul 1896; Paulding County Republican (Paulding, Ohio), 30 July 1896, p8
• Census: 1900, Harrison Township, Paulding County, Ohio, United States; as John Leeth, farmer, head of household
• Obituary: 20 Dec 1900; Paulding County Republican (Paulding, Ohio) 20 December 1900, p38

Notes:

Census:

Also listed in the household is Joel Durham, age 35, male, farmer, born in Virginia

Newspaper:

DITCH NOTICE
Notice To Non-Resident Lot or Land Owners
To all lot or land owners, corporations Public or Private, that will be affected by the ditch improvement herein designated. In the matter of County Ditch Number 110 Petitioned for by W. S. Purdue et al.
Auditor's Office Paulding County, Ohio, July 14th 1896
Among the long list of names is John Leeth and Henry Shelley.

Obituary:

Tuesday, Dec. 18, funeral services were held for Mr. John Leeth the aged father of Judge Darius Leeth. Despite the fact that many people in the neighborhood of Payne are still afraid to attend any public gathering the funeral was largely attended. Services were conducted by Rev. Wm. Harris, of Paulding, and the interment was in the cemetery northeast of Payne. John Leeth was born in Pike county, Dec. 9 1822 and died Dec. 17, 1900, age 78 year and 8 days.
He moved to Paulding county, about 23 years ago, and has proven himself a worthy citizen a good husband and father.
When about 18 years old Mr. Leeth united with the Protestant Methodist church and has since then been a faithful member of that communion. In 1843 he was married to Miss Nancy Walls and for 57 years they have walked this life hand in hand.
Eleven children have been born to this union. Two dying in early childhood, nine remain to support the aged mother in her bereavement. Mr. Leeth's last words indicate the spirit of the man. They were that his children might always be mindful of their duty to their creator. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."

John married Nancy Walls on 21 Apr 1844 in Pike County, Ohio, United States. Nancy (daughter of Levi Walls, Jr. and Susannah Harmanson) was born on 9 May 1826 in Pike County, Ohio, United States; died on 24 Jan 1906 in Payne, Paulding County, Ohio, United States; was buried in Jan 1906 in Payne, Paulding County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Nancy Dorothy Walls
• Census: 1850, Pebble Township, Pike County, Ohio, United States; as Nancy Leith, in the household of John Leith
• Census: 1860, Pebble Township, Pike County, Ohio, United States; as Nancy Leeth, in the household of John Leeth
• Census: 1870, Rushcreek Township, Logan County, Ohio, United States; as Nancy Leeth, in the household of John Leeth
• Census: 1880, Harrison Township, Paulding County, Ohio, United States; as Nancy Leeth, wife, in the household of John Leeth
• Census: 1900, Harrison Township, Paulding County, Ohio, United States; as Nancy Leeth, wife, in the household of John Leeth