By now you must all know how I love writing about Golden Weddings – that marvelous anniversary level that few meet.  Today we focus on Leonard Leachman and Pauline Lewis who married July 28, 1835, at the residence of her father, John Lewis, ‘a mile west of Worthville’ – a small town southeast of Carrollton, Kentucky, on the Kentucky River.  In 2020 there were all of 181 souls living in this town. 

According to the August 1, 1885, newspaper article from The News Democrat of Carrollton, ‘Last Tuesday the occasion was celebrated at [the] home near Blossom Hill, this county, by a family reunion which was also attended by a number of friends.’  After the marriage the couple ‘went to work immediately to build them a home on the farm where they now live, and within two months from their marriage they had gone to housekeeping, having moved into the house before the doors were made.  From that day to this they have lived happily at the same place, enjoying all the time good health.  At this time they are remarkably well preserved and all the indications are that they will live yet many more years in the midst of their friends on earth.’

Leonard Leachman was born January 20, 1812, in Shelby County, Kentucky, to Leonard Leachman, Jr., and Sarah Sanford.  His father was born July 4, 1776 – what an auspicious birth date!! – in Prince William County, Virginia, and died October 20, 1838, in Carroll County.  Sarah Sanford was born in June 1779 in Virginia. 

Pauline Lewis Leachman was born March 4, 1813, in Gallatin County, Kentucky.  Her parents were John Lewis, born August 24, 1758, in Augusta County, Virginia, and died June 24, 1823, in Carroll County, and Sarah Brown, born in 1775 in Virginia, and died March 1, 1854, in Carroll County.

Leonard and Pauline’s marriage bond was from Gallatin County – Carroll County was formed from portions of Gallatin County in 1838.  The bond was dated July 27, 1835, with William Lewis as bondsman – probably Pauline’s brother.  The couple was married the next day, the 28^th, according to the minister return signed by Isaac Malin.

Ten children were born to the couple:

1. Mariam S. Leachman, July 27, 1836 – March 1, 1907.
2. John Leonard Leachman, May 11, 1838 – February 23, 1914.  Married Susan Jane Webster March 15, 1860.  Kansas
3. Ann Mariah Leachman, June 26, 1840 – August 14, 1876.  Married John R. Sullenger March 16, 1869.
4. Martha Emeline Leachman, December 30, 1842 – August 4, 1876.  Married John W. Craigmyle April 30, 1873.
5. Mary Gypsy Leachman, October 23, 1844 – May 22, 1917.  Married James A. Ames April 4, 1871.
6. Robert T. Leachman, February 1, 1847 – April 7, 1893.  Married Mattie M. Driskell December 25, 1872.
7. Elizabeth E. Leachman, September 22, 1848 – August 14, 1876.  Married Cyrus Cockrill October 19, 1871.  Kansas
8. Pauline Oregon Leachman, August 22, 1852 – 1911.  Married William P. McKinney September 23, 1874.  Missouri
9. Lewis Virgil Leachman, September 14, 1854 – February 26, 1948.  Married Almira Leachman August 25, 1887.
10. Fannie Belle Leachman, February 5, 1860 – October 23, 1916.  Married John R. Stout.

But a golden wedding anniversary wasn’t the only milestone this couple achieved!  In 1895 they celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary.  Listed as 83 and 82 years respectively, the newspaper added, ‘we venture to say that their marriage record is rarely approached if equaled by any couple in the State much less the county.’

And once again, three years later, the venerable couple celebrated their 63^rd anniversary – and their picture was in the local newspaper! 

From the August 13, 1898, newspaper article – ‘Mr. Leachman is 87 years old, and his wife is 86.  One remarkable thing is that, although they were married at a public place with a goodly number present, not a single person that was there is known to be living.  Theirs is certainly a remarkable history.  To hear Mr. Leachman tell of their early married life on this same farm, when wild deer, wolves and turkeys were still plentiful, was extremely interesting.  The memories of these good old people are remarkably clear as to the events of long ago, and their minds are still sound and vigorous.’

Time was running out for this lovely couple.  Leonard died Christmas Day of 1899; Pauline less than two months afterwards, February 15, 1900.  They were buried in Leachman Cemetery, which, according to a 1961 paper, says it is located off William’s Run, at the foot of Blossom Hill, where you turn left and go up a high hill.  Daughter Martha E. Craigmyle is buried with her parents, along with son Robert T. and other family members. I don’t think there are gravestones for Leonard and Pauline.