CHARLES A. LEAVERTON. - Charles A. Leaverton, residing on section 36, Cartwright township, Sangamon county, is a worthy representative of one of the oldest and most highly esteemed families of Illinois. Some of his ancestors came to this state in territorial days and have borne an important part in its upbuilding and improvement, especially along agricultural lines. The Leavertons were of English origin and the first to come to the new world settled in New Jersey about the time of the Revolutionary war.

John A. Leaverton, the father, was a native of Highland county, Ohio, and a son of Noah Leaverton, who located in that state at an early day in its development. There John A. was reared in the usual manner of boys of his day, and when a young man he came to Illinois, locating in Bond county, where he opened up and improved a farm. On the 28th of December, 1848, he was married to Miss Mary E. Smith, who was born on the old Smith homestead in Bond county, her farther being John Smith, who was a native of Virginia, but grew to manhood in Kentucky, whither he had removed with his father, John Smith, in pioneer days. the Smith family was also of English ancestry and was founded in America about the time of the Revolutionary war, their early home being in New Jersey. It was in 1817 that John Smith came to Illinois and became one of the first settlers of Bond count, where from a wild tract he developed a good farm. He also engaged in the nursery business and at one time had the largest orchard in the state. In those early days he was widely known throughout Illinois and few men had more friends than Uncle John Smith, of Bond county.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Leaverton located on the old Smith homestead, which Mr. Leaverton purchased of the heirs, and he became one of the most substantial farmers, stock-raisers and dealers of Bond county, where he continued to reside until 1871, which year witnessed the arrival of the family in Sangamon county. He here purchased eight hundred and forty-five acres of land in Cartwright township, where his widow and children now reside, and he added to his property until he had over one thousand acres, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted his energies until called to his final rest in 1873. He was a man honored and respected by all who knew him, and although his residence in Sangamon county was of short duration he had already made many friends here, who esteemed him highly for his sterling worth and many excellencies of character.

After the death of her husband Mrs. Leaverton took charge of the estate and carried on the farm with the assistance of her sons for several years. She remodeled the residence and made many improvements upon the place, making it one of the most desirable farms in the county. In the conduct of her affairs she displayed excellent business ability and met with success in her undertakings. She is an earnest and consistent member of the Baptist church and she and her family stand high socially.

Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Leaverton four are now deceased, namely: Ella, who married Mr. Holly, of Springfield, also deceased; Effa, who died when a young woman; and Henry and Helen, who died in infancy. Those living are: Frank, a business man of Chicago; George W., in business in Springfield; Charles A.; Jane, wife of A.W. Sales, of Springfield; Isabella, wife of Otto Arthur Washburn, of Loami; and Mrs. Emma Smith, a widow, living in Springfield.

Charles A. Leaverton was born on the old homestead in Bond county, January 4, 1865, but was reared in this county, being only seven years old when the family took up their residence in Cartwright township. He now has charge of the farm, consisting of over one thousand acres, and being a good practical agriculturist and a business man of more than ordinary ability, he is meeting with marked success in its operation. He married Miss Ollie Tobin, of Springfield, where she was born, reared and educated. They spent the winter of 1902-3 in Florida, for the benefit of Mrs. Leaverton's health. In politics he is a stanch Republican, as was also his father, but he has never cared for the honors nor emoluments of public office.