Person:Leon Willman (1)

Performed 1903 marriage of Wallace Dill and Maude Willman. Was called "Uncle Lee" and signed letters as "Unk Lebunk".

From Who's Who in Pennsylvania 1930: "WILLMAN, Leon Kurtz, clergyman; b. Pottstown, Pa.. July 26 1873; s. Mabery Ebling and Esther Guldin (Dry) W.; A.B., Wesleyan U., Conn., 1897, D.D., 1914; student Drew Theol. Sem., Madison, N.J., 1897-98; m. Anne Lydia Judkins, Jan. 17, 1901. Ordained M.E. ministry, 1898; pastor Waterbury, Vt., 1898-1902, Montpelier, Vt., 1902-04; instructor Bible history, The Hill School, Pottstown, Pa., 1904-07; pastor Spring Garden St. Ch., Phila., 1907-14, 1st Ch., Asbury Park, N.J., 1914-18; asso. field dir. Am. Red Cross, Army Hospitals, 1918-19; pastor Broadway Ch., Camden, N.J., 1919-20, First Ch. of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., since 1920. Mem. Phila. Social Service Commn., 1911-14; chmn. social service commn. Pa. Council of Chs.. 1927-1935; lecturer Bible courses N.J. S.S. Assn., 1915-19; del. Gen. Conf. M.E. Ch., 1932. Mem. Phi Beta Kappa, Psi Upsilon. Republican. Mason; Grand Chaplain Knight Templars of Pa., 1930. Rotarian. Author: Men of the Old Testament; Pastor's Vade Mecum. Contbr. to Christian Advocate, etc. Home: 63 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa."

The Hopewell Herald, Feb. 6, 1918: "Rev. Dr. Leon K. Willman, of Asbury Park, began Monday a series of a weeks inspiration services at Pennington Seminary, speaking every night at 6:45 in the Y.M.C.A. room to the student body. On Sunday, in the morning, he will preach to the combined congregations of the borough in the Presbyterian church."

From Rise and Progress of Methodism in Pottstown and in the neighboring region: "... in March, 1883, Rev. Jacob S. Hughes was appointed Pastor... Without controversy, he was a veritable Boanerges and sinners ofttimes shook in their boots while they listened to the law and the gospel as expounded by the preacher. When approaching the climax of his discourse, he was apt to shake his right arm vigorously, making his cuff buttons rattle like the bones of an electrified skeleton, causing the cold shivers to run through the anatomy of the unconverted until they trembled like aspen leaves. He was severe on the rum-sellers' business and dealt blows at the diabolical traffic with ungloved hands. He hated sin with a bitter hatred, but looked upon the sinner with love and compassion. Once, during a revival, when certain persons under deep conviction were hoping the meetings would close so they would be let alone, he declared that he had not yet put on his fighting boots, and they had better capitulate at once, because the war would not cease until they did. Revivals crowned each of the years of his pastorate and upwards of two hundred souls were born again. Among these were the following who rose to prominent positions in the church: ... Rev. Leon K. Willman, (Member of New England Annual Conference)."

1.   Who's Who in Pennsylvania of 1939
   p. 965 http://www.libraries.psu.edu/do/digitalbookshelf/30935199/.