Person:Leonard Petro (2)

Research Notes

• Bio birthdate = 29 Sep 1812; Obit birthdate = 29 Sep 1818.

1. ↑ Biography, in History of Fayette County, Indiana: containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; etc., etc. (Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co, 1885)
   304.

   LEONARD PETRO, farmer, Connersville Township. This worthy pioneer was born in Warren County, Ohio, September 29, 1812, son of Michael and Ivah (Sutton) Petro, former born on the south branch of the Potomac River, in Virgina, in 1790, latter born in Pennsylvania in 1792. Michael Petro moved to Ohio when a youth, was married there, and in 1816 came to this county and located in Jennings Township. Here he purchased land and spent the chief portion of the remainder of his life in diligent labor. Mrs. Petro died here in 1852 and Mr. Petro subsequently married a Mrs. Funk and moved to Attica, Ind. where he closed his earthly career in 1869.
   
   Leonard Petro, the subject of this sketch, remained on the farm with his father until grown to manhood. At the age of nineteen he began operations as a hired laborer for his father, with whom he was engaged about three years, receiving eighty acres of land in Randolph County, Ind. in payment for his services. He continued farming and adding to his original purchase until he owned 450 acres. This he divided, for the most part, among his children, and afterward purchased 243 acres in Connersville Township. He moved to this county, purchased a home in East Connersville, and retired from active duty to take the rest which should follow so many years of toil. Mr. Petro was married in 1831 to Sarah Lemon, a native of Kentucky, in which State she spent her girlhood. Her life closed in 1879 leaving eight children: Ivy J., Edmond M., Margaret D., Eliza E, Michael C, Benjamin H. H., Anchor and Nancy. The deceased are: Mary E., Michael C. and George W. In 1881 Mr. Petro married Matilda Walker, widow of William Walker, and with whom he is quietly spending the declining years of his life. He is a man of liberal heart and mind; is one of the honored pioneers of the county, and is held in high esteem by all who know him.

2. ↑ ^2.0 2.1 Grave Recorded , in Find A Grave.

   [Includes headstone photo. NOTE: Obit states that he was buried in "Bethel". Are these the same? Needs verification.]

3.   Death Notice, in Unknown Newspaper Clipping
   27 Feb 1894.

   Leonard Petro, another of our pioneer residents, passed away Monday, after a long illness, from a complication of diseases. He was partially paralyzed and also suffered from dropsical affection. Deceased was born in Warren county, Ohio, September 29 1818, and moved with his parents to Jennings township, in 1816, and thence to Attica, Indiana in 1852. At the age of nineteen he began service with his father, with whom he was engaged for three years, receiving eighty acres of land in Randolph county for his services. He continued farming and added to his possession until he owned 450 acres. This he divided among his children and purchased 243 acres in Connersville township. He moved to this county, purchased a home in East Connersville, and retired from active service to take a much needed rest.
   
   Mr. Petro was married in 1831, to Sarah Lemon, a native of Kentucky, in which State she spent her girlhood. She died in 1879, leaving eight children. In 1881 he married Matilda Walker, a widow of William Walker, whith (sic) whom he lived happily until summoned to his eternal home.
   
   He was a man of liberal heart and mind, one of the honored pioneers of the county, esteemed and respected by all who knew him. He was an indulgent parent, a fond and loving husband, and a neighbor at peace with all.
   
   The funeral services will occur Thursday; the remains will be taken to Bethel, where the ceremony will be performed and interment be made.