Thomas C. Leapley
Thomas C. Leapley was born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio, Sept. 13, 1845. He is a son of Jacob and Louisa Leapley, who were early settlers of Franklin Township. He remained on the farm with his parents until 1860, when he began working at the carpenter trade, which he followed one year, until September 16, 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, 20th O. V. I., and served until Aug. 11, 1862, when he was discharged from the service on account of disability. He returned home, remained until Jan. 10, 1863, when he re-enlisted in same company and regiment, served until March 9, 1864, when he was again discharged on account of disability, and has since then drawn a pension from the government. After his return from the army in 1864 he was unable to perform labor of any kind for several years. In 1868 he again began working at the carpenter trade, which he followed until the spring of 1881, when he formed a partnership with William Johnston—the firm name known as William Johnston & Co.—who at once began the erection of a building in Anna suitable for the manufacturing of spokes and bent wood for wagons and buggies. They completed their building and commenced operations in Aug. 1881, which they have since conducted with success. Aug. 8, 1871, he married Miss Eva, daughter of William N. and Martha Skidmore, by whom he has four children, two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Leapley was born in New York State Dec. 9, 1844, and came to Sidney, Shelby County, with her parents in 1853.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883