My Genealogy Hound

MICHAEL LEFFEL. Among the old settlers of Clark County, Michael Leffel is numbered, and his name will be held in remembrance wherever the frontiersman’s work is known and appreciated. His parents came to this county in an early day, and labored arduously among the pioneers, while their son, our subject, born and reared amid scenes of a much more primitive nature that those which now meet his eye, has worked as assiduously as they to still farther develop the resources of the county.

In Botetourt County, Va. James P. Leffel and Elizabeth Miller were born. Both had become residents of the Buckeye State early in the history of Clark County, and in it they were married, settling in Bethel Township. They afterward removed to Mad River Township, where Mr. Leffel built a flouring-mill, which he carried on for several years. He then gave it up and returned to Bethel Township, three years later removing to Springfield Township, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death taking place two miles south of the city of Springfield.

Our subject is the eldest in a family of ten children, and was born March 20, 1822, in Bethel Township, Clark County. He lived with his father until he was twenty-three years old, and then settled on a farm in Springfield Township, where he now lives. Eight years were spent by him in Miami County, but with that exception he has been a continual resident on his present estate since he first took up his abode there. The farm consists of two hundred and ten productive acres on section 7, furnished with the usual farm buildings and conducted by one who has always been a farmer, is well and carefully managed, and proves a remunerative piece of property.

In Mad River Township, June 6, 1844, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subject and Miss Elizabeth Cosier. Mrs. Leffel was born in Montgomery County, September 5, 1821, and is a daughter of Henry and Mary (Meyers) Cosier, natives of Pennsylvania. She is a fine example of Christian womanhood, is a member of the Methodist Church, and has conscientiously discharged her duties as wife, mother and neighbor. The union of herself and our subject has been blessed by the birth of eight children, two of whom have been called hence.

The first-born was Xarisa, who became the wife of James Drake, and died in Springfield Township; the second was James H., who died when about thirty-two years old. The oldest of the surviving children is Winfield, who is living at home; the next is Anna, wife of Joseph Kist; the next Leonidas, who is a farmer in Mercer County; following him is Mary, the wife of Milton Crabill; Addison is a farmer in Greene County; Elizabeth is the wife of William McCreery.

Mr. Leffel is a believer in and supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He has held the office of School Director, discharging its duties in a manner which reflects credit upon himself and those whose interests he serves. He has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church since he was nineteen years old, and has endeavored to manifest in his life the principles in which he believes.