An Old Settler Dead. George W. Leisure died at his home in Posey township last Friday afternoon at two o'clock. He was eighty-seven years of age and was one of the early settlers of Rush county. Mr. Leisure was born in Kentucky on January 9, 1809, and after his marriage to Miss Lucinda Myers, in October 1829, came to Rush county and settled in Ripley township. He after words removed over to Posey township. His wife died a few years ago. Fourteen children were born to them -- eleven of whom survive him. In politics Mr. Leisure was a Democrat, and was honored by his party, being elected Trustee of Posey township, and as County Commissioner in 1875. The funeral services were held in Hannagan church, on Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. B. Blount. Burial in Hannagan graveyard.
GEORGE W. LEISURE
Sketch of the Life of a Useful and Respected Citizen.
The funeral services of the late George W. Leisure, of Posey township, who died at 2 p.m. Friday, were held at the Hannigan church Sunday afternoon, conducted by Elder J B Blount. Burial in the Hannigan graveyard followed.
Uncle George W. Leisure, or ‘Squire Leisure, as he was familiarly known, was a man with a wide acquaintance in Rush county. He was esteemed for his many good qualities and when he news of his death was received here it was heard with regret.
George W. Leisure was born in Garrard county, Kentucky, June 9, 1809. His parents were Marylanders. His grandfather, Joseph Leisure, attained the great age of 105 years. His maternal grandfather, Joseph Irvin, lived till he was 80. On Oct. 8, 1829, at the age of 20, he married Lucinda Myers, one year his junior. They removed north immediatey [sic] after heir marriage. Coming to Indiana, he settled on Blue River, in Ripley township. Later he removed to Posey township, entering a tract of 80 acres. A rude log cabin was erected in the forest and the work of making a small clearing commenced.
He felled the trees, burned brush, rolled logs and not infrequently did his wife help in the work of preparing the ground for the plow. They toiled together and prosperity in course of time began to smile on their labor. Mr. Leisure was enabled to enter and purchase other lands until he finally became one of the largest free-holders in the county.
Fourteen children were born in the Leisure family eleven of whom attained mature years, married and were comfortably provided for. They are: Sarah, John, Joseph, Henry, Nathan Elizabeth, Lucinda, James P., William, Maria and Rachel A. Nearly 60 grandchildren and 35 or more great-grandchildren have blessed Mr. Leisure in his old age. His good wife died a few years after having lived together sixty-odd years.
Mr. Leisure and his sons and their wives, his daughter and their husbands, were members of the Christian church.
In the death of Uncle George W. Leisure another of the few remaining pioneers who entered land at the first settlement has passed away.
