Biography - David Leverett
DAVID LEVERETT is a well-to-do farmer of township 12, range 6, his homestead being located on section 8. He was born June 2, 1834, being a son of Martin and Elizabeth (Cockrachn) Leverett. The father was born in North Carolina, and emigrated to Illinois at an early day, the journey being made in wagons, and occupying two months. They camped at night and took their meals on the way, crossing the Ohio River at Barker's Ferry. He entered land in Pope County, there commenced farming, and reared his family. For a great many years he was ranked among the enterprising agriculturists of this region, and when he was called from this life in 1865 his loss was deeply felt by his many friends. His wife did not long survive him, joining her husband and companion in 1871.
Until nineteen years of age David Leverett passed his time on his father's farm, attending the common schools of the district. He rented land in this and Saline Counties, but had not long continued in agricultural pursuits when the shadows of the coming war began to gather darkly on the horizon. On September 25, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Illinois Light Artillery, at Shawneetown, and was in active service during the entire war, receiving an honorable discharge at Chicago July 16, 1865. Returning to this neighborhood, he purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Pope County, where he lived for three years, and then having a chance to dispose of the place at a good advantage he did so, and removed to Missouri, where he only remained a short time. Returning to Illinois, he resided for two years in Johnson County, the following eight years being spent in Saline County. In this county in the year 1885 he became the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land, to the cultivation of which he devoted himself for about four years, when he sold the place and purchased the one where he now resides, which comprises seventy-four acres on section 8. He is engaged in general farming, and is very successful and prosperous in his business enterprises and undertakings.
On the 15th of September, 1852, Mr. Leverett and Nancy G. Williams were united in marriage. She was called from this life in May, 1862, and on April 10, 1863, he was married to Elizabeth Gulliams. She was called to the home beyond some years later, leaving two children. November 29, 1874, Mr. Leverett and Emily J. Trigg were married. Mrs. Leverett was born in Tennessee August 23, 1835, her parents being native Virginians. Our subject has seven living children: William D., Rebecca, Henry, Nancy Ann, Priscilla, Sherman and Otto. Mr. and Mrs. Leverett are members of the Baptist Church, and for a number of years the former has been a School Director. He always votes the straight Republican ticket, and is a respected citizen in this locality.
Extracted 21 Sep 2016 by Norma Hass from 1893 Biographical Review of Johnson, Massac, Pope, and Hardin Counties, Illinois, pages 297-298
