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"Tom" Leonard Is Dead

"Tom" Leonard Is Dead image
Parent Issue
Day
10
Month
July
Year
1895
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

Ex-sheriff Thomas F. Leonard died very suddenly last eveniug of heart disease. He complained of not feeling well and went up to Dr. Smith's office in the St. James block, for medicine. While waiting there for the docter he died. Thomas F. Leonard, or "Torn Leonard" as he was familiarly called, has long been a prominent character in this county. Noy. 2, 1858, he was elected sheriff of the county on the democratie ticket. He made a popular officer and was renominated in 18G0. This, however, was the year Lincoln ran for president, and "Tom" went down witli the rest of the democratie ticket. The majority against him was only 136 while the other men of his ticket were defeated hy majorities ranging from 540 to 1104. This indicates to what extent he had secured the good will and confldence of his fellow citizens. Though by nature gruff and proachable, still he liad a big, warm heart, and through a long and active life neverlacked for hearty friendship. At his death he was nearly eiglity years old, but he seemed still able to serve his country as well as ever before. For close on to half a century he bus been a connty official, flrst as sheriff, then as de put}r, or constable or marshal. He never knew what fear was, never quailed in the pursuit of duty, whatever the danger, and dozens of stories can be told concernin? his utter fearlessness. In tlie old days he has npproached and captured many a dangerous character, of wliom nearly the vvhole country stood in terror. The Courier regrets his death as do all who were acquainted with him and knew of some of the many generous and big hearted deeds he has done. Funeral services were held from the residence on E. Ann St., at -Ao'clock Sunday afternoon.