Mount Morris Index, Mount Morris, IL

July 2, 1925 p. 3, col 3

WELL KNOWN LINCOLN TOWNSHIP MAN CALLED

Lewis Leek Died Thursday After Illness of Six Months - Funeral Held Saturday at Home.

When news spread last Thursday that Lewis Leek, lifelong resident of Lincoln Township and who resided about five miles west of Mount Morris, had passed to the beyond, hundreds of friends of the deceased were saddened and a general pall was cast over the community in which he resided and where he was so highly respected.

Mr. Leek had been in ill health for about six months and his death was not unexpected to those closest to him. Funeral services were conducted Saturday at the home by Rev. Hartz of the United Brethren Church of Adeline and Leaf River.

J. Lewis Leek was born in Lancaster, Pa., August 13, 1846. In early childhood he came with his parents to Illinois, settling among the pioneers of this great state and spent his life near the place where he first located. At the young age of 13 he began to pursue the trade of painting which he continued to follow until his hand no longer responded to his will and his brush no longer showed evidences of his former skill.

Mr. Leek easily made friends, of whom he had a host. Young and old delighted in the jokes he took great pleasure in springing on those about him.

He was a man of merry disposition, high honor, and sterling integrity. He wished no man harm and thought only of the greatest good to all. These traits were noted in his long and serviceable career, and he did not yield from his labor until the dread clutches of a painful and fatal malady held him fast. After a severe illness of six months he peacefully fell asleep June 25, 1925.

On Oct. 9, 1870, Mr. Leek was married to Mary S. Guynn. To this union were born 9 children, 6 of whom still survive: John M., Woodburn, Ore.; Joe L. Rippon, Cal.; Mabel Aikins, Spokane, Wash.; Mary L. Kelley, Stockton, Cal.; Carrie E. Koohter, Langsburg, Mich.; and Bertha L. Ross, Gooding, Idaho. On July 13, 1893, the mother of these children passed away.

On Nov. 24, 1901, Mr. Leek was married to Barbara E. Newcomer of Mount Morris, Ill., who survives him.

Contributed by Peg Allen Arnold

Return to Ogle Co. Genealogy Site