LEEPER, HON. ARTHUR ALLEN. - The history of Cass County contains no name of superior prominence to that of the Hon. Arthur Allen Leeper, who, as an attorney of highest standing, and statesman of marked ability, has made himself known to all the people whose interests he has so often ably represented. Mr. Leeper is a native son of the county, having been born on a farm near Chandlerville, August 21, 1855, a son of William D. and Mary (Runyan) Leeper.

After having passed through the schools of his district with credit, Mr. Leeper was graduated from the literary department of Eureka College in 1874, and then entering the law department of the Illinois State University, secured his degree in his graduation from that institution in 1875. Immediately thereafter he began practicing at Chandlerville, but in 1876 moved to Virginia, where he has since continued. In the fall of that year he was elected state's attorney of Cass County, and became so well and favorably known that he was the logical candidate of his party for state senator in 1888, and was elected to that office, succeeding himself for three terms, and serving until 1900. In addition he has served Virginia as city attorney for several terms and has been a school director many years. He is one of the three commissioners, the others being J. C. Richburg and E. B. Smith, both of Chicago, appointed to confer with delegates from other states as to means for uniform legislation in all the states. This office is an honorary one, but carries high distinction with it. As a Freemason he stands high in the order, which he joined at Virginia.

In 1878 Mr. Leeper was married to Virginia Howe, a daughter of Rufus Howe. Mrs. Leeper is a direct descendant of the colonist Miller, who founded Northampton, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Leeper have three children: Mabel, Alice, and Arthur L. Alice married Dr. Reed, a resident of Oklahoma, and a brother of Hon. C. C. Reed, who served in Congress for several terms from Arkansas.