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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
James Leighton was born Jan. 10, 1772, and was married May 20, 1802, to Elizabeth Quinby, who was born March 10, 1782. He was a farmer and miller, and built the first flouring-mill in his neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Leighton were the parents of eleven children, all of whom lived to man and womanhood. Five yet survive, as follows: Dr. James Leighton, of Manchester, Ill., a graduate of Bowdoin College; Elizabeth lives in Du Quoin, Perry Co., Ill.; William is now a farmer in Logan County, Ill.; he has held several offices, among them those of County Judge and Clerk of Courts; Rebecca Walker, widow of Smith Walker, of Du Quoin , Perry Co., Ill.; Tobias, of Oskaloosa. Jonathan was a surgeon in the Black Hawk War, and a graduate of Bowdoin College; he died in 1837. Mr. James Leighton died July 18, 1827. His widow survived him until Jan. 9, 1863. They were both members of the Baptist church.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy