Highland County VA

Biographical Sketch of William Leitch

William Leitch, born November 11, 1816, in Highland County, Virginia, was a versatile farmer and skilled laborer who worked as a blacksmith and millwright. He moved to Mattoon, Illinois, in 1845, where he cultivated 115 acres. Married to Eunice Raines in 1841, they had ten children, with eight surviving. A dedicated public servant, he served as Justice of the Peace for 27 years. Noted for his strong memory and judgment, Leitch contributed significantly to local governance while his son Andrew fought in the Civil War.

Biographical Sketch of Jacob Edmon

Jacob Edmon, born June 17, 1851, in Highland County, Virginia, is a notable farmer residing in Charleston. He married Alwilda Armstrong on December 26, 1877. His family roots trace back to Virginia, with his father being an early settler who arrived in the area with minimal means. Today, Edmon manages a substantial 168 acres of prime farmland in Section 14 of the township, reflecting both his hard work and the legacy of his family’s agricultural pursuits.