G. W. Leap

G. W. LEAP, a prominent stock man and extensive land owner of Hackberry township, Labette county, Kansas, is one of the early settlers of the county, having located here in 1867. He lives in the southeast quarter of section 25, township 34, range 20, and owns 400 acres of highly cultivated land. He was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, in 1838, and, is a son of Samuel and Margaret (McCauly) Leap.

Samuel Leap was a native of West Virginia, and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. His wife, who was born in Virginia, died in Iowa, in 1852, having removed to Davis county, in that state, in 1850. Two of their daughters are deceased; and Sanford, the brother of G. W., is living in San Antonio, Texas.

G. W. Leap, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in Indiana, and remained at home until he became of age. On October 1, 1867, he removed to Labette county, Kansas. He came to Oswego by way of Kansas City, in company with Mr. Butterworth and family, - thus making a party of five or six people. Mr. Leap took a claim in Hackberry township, and has resided on this land ever since. He now owns a quarter-section directly south, across the road, - the northeast quarter of section 36; and 80 acres adjoining in Richland township, making a total of 400 acres of fine farming land. When he first located in Kansas, he was a poor man, and his success has been due entirely to his own efforts. He has made many fine improvements on his farm, and has never had a desire to remove from the county. Upon first locating on his home farm he built a log cabin in the field, which he occupied for some time. His present frame house was completed in 1875, and the barn was finished in 1881. The nearest trading points in early days were Lawrence, Kansas City and places in Missouri. Turkey Creek flows through his land, and there is a good well in the pasture, and also a windmill, which afford a fine supply of water. A handsome hedge was set out by Mr. Leap, and he has about five acres of fruit. Mr. Leap often feeds 100, or more, cattle, and raises a high grade of stock. He carries on general farming in addition to stock raising. He is thoroughly informed on all matters pertaining to agriculture and is considered one of the best farmers in the county.

Mr. Leap was married, in Labette county, in 1868, to Matilda Quinby, who was born in Laporte, Indiana. She accompanied her two brothers to Labette county. Mrs. Quinby, aged ninety-two years, - the mother of Mrs. Leap, resides with her daughter. Mr. Leap and his wife have five sons, and one daughter, namely: Arthur, who works on the Santa Fe road, and lives at Newton; Ernest, who lives a mile and a half from his father, and who is married to Della Holman, and has three children, - Leah, Harold and Glenn; Walter, who is a farmer in Wyoming; Fred, who is mining in Alaska; Quinby; and Alice, who is at home.

Mr. Leap is a Democrat in politics, and has served several terms as treasurer of the township. He has been a member of the school board of District No. 70. Fraternally, he is a member of the A. 0. U. W. lodge, of Chetopa. Mr. Leap is a public-spirited man, and takes an active interest in all local affairs.