J. B. Leas

"J. B. LEAS, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Menallen Township, September 2, 1823, son of Joseph and Margaret (Bender) Leas, natives of this county. The father was a brick-layer in early life, and later a farmer. His family consisted of three sons and three daughters, J. B., being the second child. The early life of our subject was spent with his parents on the farm, and his education was acquired at the district school, and from his youth to the present has followed agricultural pursuits. By his energy and industry he has succeeded and is now the owner of 187 acres in Straban Township, on which he resides. In 1850, he married Mary A. Walter, a daughter of Adam Walter, of Gettysburg. Her parents are of German origin, while Mr. Leas is of French and German. To them have been born six children: Louisa S., Ellen Mary, Maggie Sophia, Anna K., J. Walter and John H., a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Leas are members of the Lutheran Church in which he has been deacon; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He possesses the respect and confidence of the community in which he resides. In politics he is a Republican."