ELIAS D. LEACH, M. D., deceased, for many years one of the prominent citizens of Rushville and a leading member of the medical profession, was born near Youngstown, Ohio, March 26, 1823, a son of Benjamin and Hannah (Raynor) Leach, pioneers of Mahoning county, Ohio. His father died when he was two years old, so that as he advanced in years he was obliged to make all the opportunities that he enjoyed; when he had received a sufficient education he engaged in teaching, and soon turned his attention to the study of medicine; his leisure time was fully occupied in this pursuit, and he finally entered the office of Dr. Packard, of West Greenville, Pennsylvania. In 1844 he became a student in the Medical Department of the Western Reserve College at Cleveland, Ohio. He studied and taught alternately, securing the means with which to carry on his own education, and had the gratification of receiving a diploma in 1848.

Dr. Leach came directly to Illinois, and for a short time practiced in Virginia, Cass county; thence he removed to Frederick, Schuyler county, where he resided until 1853. In that year he came to Rushville, and embarked in mercantile trade, as a member of the firm of Little, Ray & Co.; this relationship continued until 1863, when the Doctor withdrew, and devoted his entire time to his private interests and professional duties until 1880; he then returned to commercial circles and continued in business until 1890, when he was obliged to retire on account of ill health; he died in September of that year.

He was three times married, his third wife, the mother of his children, being Harriet J. Paterson; she was born in Russell county, Kentucky, a daughter of Jonathan Paterson, whose history will be found on another page of this volume. Dr. Leach was united to her in marriage December 4, 1856, and to them three children were born, two of whom survive: Warren and Lawrence W. The former married Molly McCreary, and they have two children, Mark and Nina. Junius F., the oldest child, was born March 21, 1858, and died October 9, 1887. Dr. Leach was reared to the faith of the Christian Church, to which he always adhered. Politically he was identified with the Democratic party, and served his county in the capacity of Treasurer; he was a capable official and discharged his duties with a fidelity that won him the confidence of the people regardless of party ties. In all the walks of life he was true to the trusts resting with him, and in his death the county lost a citizen of great worth and high merit.