Biography of John C. Leasure, 1899, State of Oregon
Surnames: Leasure, Blakley

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
W. David Samuelsen - January 2002
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Oregon Native Son, Vol. 1, June 1899, page 118

JOHN C. LEASURE.

Mr. Leasure was born June 9, 1854, in Marion county, Oregon. His education was
obtained in the public schools of that county, and in those of Eugene, where
his parents removed in 1868. In 1870 he was left to carve out a future by his
own exertions, by reason of the deaths of his parents, but being endowed with
energy and determination to make something of himself that would be worthy of
effort, he began life’s battle. His first work was that of a farm hand, then
an employe in a tannery. Feeling that he must be more than a manual laborer,
he resolved on further education in order to fit himself for a more prominent
station. He entered Philomath college, Benton county, paying his tuition by
acting as janitor, and earned his board by doing work on a near-by farm. In
1875 he started to Eastern Oregon, expecting to teach school there. On arrival
at The Dalles, his means being limited, he could not spare funds for riding,
and he bravely set out for Baker City, 250 miles away, on foot and walked the
entire distance. He taught school in Baker county for ten months, and with his
earnings resolved to further educate himself. With this view he returned to
Philomath and resumed his studies, graduating in 1877 with high honors. From
this time until 1880 he taught school in various places, the last engagement
being president of the Blue Mountain university, located at La Grande. In his
leisure hours he studied law, and in January, 1880, was ad-, mitted to the
bar. He located at Pendleton, and at once had a lkucrative practice. When the
Hunt system of railroads was inaugurated, the management, recognizing his
ability, engaged him as counsel of the corporation and elected him
vice-president thereof. This position he retained for two years. He was mayor
of Pendleton for two terms, and presidential elector in 1884. He was also
prominently identified with the Young Men’s Republican League of the state,
and was for six years vice-president for Oregon of the National League. In
1894 he removed to Portland, where he at present resides, and, as before, his
legal attainments receive due recognition.

Prior to July, 1898, the native sons of the state had made several attempts to
get together in permanent organization, but the efforts were futile on account
of lack of leadership. At such date Mr. Leasure, with others, made another
attempt, organizing a grand cabin, and he was selected as the first grand
president thereof. He set about to enthuse his associates, and under his
direction, in the main, they soon had a large subordinate cabin in Portland.
the organization of which was quickly followed by others in various sections
of the state, until 15 cabins were instituted within seven months, with a
membership of about 1,200, and many others at this writing are about ready for
institution. What the Native Sons and also the Native Daughters of Oregon are,
and will no doubt become as societies, the credit. will be largely due to the
pluck, planning and push of John C. Leasure.

As a lawyer he has no superior as a ready speaker; as a man he is one whose
character is without blemish. Personally he is congenial, kind and charitable
and holds the unqualified esteem and respect of all.

He was married in 1881 to Miss Annie L. Blakley, a granddaughter of Captain
James Blakley, an Indian War Veteran and Pioneer of 1847.