My Genealogy Hound

Benjamin Lea, the only surviving child of John and Bessie Lea, was born in Yorkshire, England, October, 13, 1841. John Lea, also a native of England, was a civil engineer and contractor by trade, and having lived in his native country until about 1845, he immigrated to America and settled in St. Francois County, Mo., soon after removing to Illinois, where he followed railroad and bridge contracting; he died in 1854. Benjamin Lea came to Missouri in 1858, and after working on the construction of the ‘Frisco line for a time he engaged as a clerk in his uncle’s store. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E, First Missouri Cavalry, and served three years and one month, participating in the battles of Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove and many smaller ones; six days after his return from the war he was called upon to carry a dispatch from Leasburg to Rolla, and was wounded in the right arm. Returning to Missouri in 1865, he married Caroline E. Smith, who was born in England in 1849; they have six children. Having settled at Leasburg, Crawford County, Mr. Lea clerked for his uncle and engaged in various pursuits until 1876, when, in partnership with his uncle, he opened a store in Scotia; five years later Mr. Lea became the sole proprietor and so continued until 1886, when he sold out. The same year he was elected collector, which position he still holds. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the G. A. R. He has been a resident of Crawford County thirty years, and in connection with his official duties is interested in farming.