Hunt, Herbert and Floyd C. Kaylor. Washington: West of the Cascades. Vol. II. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1917. p. 601-602. HON. J. E. LEONARD: Hon. J. E. Leonard, one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Chehalis, claims Pennsylvania as his native state, his birth occurring on a farm in Westfield township, Tioga county, December 3, 1864. His parents, Peter D. and Martha P. (Peet) Leonard, were born in New York but in early life removed to the Keystone state, where the father engaged in farming and also built and operated a cheese factory for several years but his last days were spent in retirement from active labor. He died in 1892 and the mother subsequently came west and was living with a daughter in Chehalis, Washington at the time of her death, which occurred in 1910. In the family were seven children. J. E. Leonard, the oldest of these, pursued his education in the public schools at Pennsylvania and also took a high school course. He began his business career as a liveryman at Harrison Valley, Pennsylvania and while there also served as constable for one term. In 1890 he came to Chehalis, Washington, where he conducted a grocery and meat market for a time, and later engaged in the men's furnishing and clothing business. On selling out he purchased a farm near Chehalis, which he operated for about four years, and then turned his attention to the live stock business, which he followed for several years, and for about two years was engaged in the real estate and insurance business. Since that time he has given his attention principally to the operation of a coal mine, being president of Chehalis Coal Company. On the 19th of February, 1895, in Portland, Oregon, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Leonard and Miss Carrie Eastman, the daughter of Harrison D. Eastman, who came from Michigan and is now living retired in Chehalis. To this union have been born two children: Eva Mae and Daryl B., who are now attending high school in Chehalis. Mr. Leonard is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is also connected with the Citizens Club of Chehalis. Since age conferred him the right of franchise he has voted the republican ticket and has taken an active part in political affairs. In 1907 and 1908 he was a member of the city council and in the fall of the latter year was elected to represent Lewis County in the state legislature. So acceptably did he fill that position that he was reelected in 1910, and in the fall of 1912 was elected to the state senate, serving as a member of the upper house for four years. He was a member of a number of important committees and during one session served as chairman of the banks and banking committee. He took a very active part in promoting good roads legislation, assisted in framing bills calculated to secure better highways throughout the state and worked untiringly for their passage. A man of excellent business and executive ability, Mr. Leonard has been an important factor in the development of Western Washington along many lines and he commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he is brought in contact. His public life is above reproach and he well merits the trust that has been reposed in him. Submitted by: Jenny Tenlen * * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Lewis Co., WA GenWeb Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.