Thomas Leeper was born in Jefferson Co., Va., and came to Missouri in 1821; with John Reynolds, when he was only eight years of age. He married his first wife, whose name was Elizabeth Edwards, in 1838, and they had three children. After her death he married Ruth A. Griggs.
Nathaniel G. Cruzen was born in Jefferson county, Virginia, October 14, 1826, and is the son of Richard R., and Aurelia W. (North) Cruzen. His father was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, and for thirty years filled the position of inspector of the National Armory at Harper’s Ferry. His mother was born in Fairfax county, Virginia. Our subject was educated at Harper’s Ferry and worked under his father’s instructions in the armory until he was twenty years of age, and then immigrated to Missouri and settled upon a farm in Saline county, where he remained until 1849. Then becoming imbued … Read more