Lamoille

LEACH, Moses J.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 242-243 
(portrait p 242)

Moses J. LEACH, of Wolcott [Lamoille County, Vermont], was born 22 December 
1837 in Craftsbury [Orleans County, Vermont], son of Ervin and Mary Ann 
(SCOTT) LEACH. He can trace his lineage back to the old Puritan stock that 
made the glory of New England, to within ten years of the time when the 
little band of pilgrims first landed on Plymouth Rock. When he was nine 
years old his father moved to Wolcott where the son received whatever 
educational advantages the common schools afforded and afterwards attended 
the People's Academy of Morrisville [Lamoille County]. He remained in the 
employment of his father one year after his majority to repay him the amount 
spent in his academic training. Soon after young LEACH went to 
Massachusetts, where he was employed in a saw mill until the early winter of 
1861. In August 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Thirteenth Regiment Vermont 
Volunteers, and participated with that organization in the famous flank 
movement of General STANNARD's brigade which repulsed General PICKETT's great 
charge at Gettysburg. He wore a corporal's stripes and was not absent from 
his company a single day.

Upon returning to civil life he established himself upon a farm which he 
cultivated until 1869, then sold the property and removed to the centre of 
the village where he built the first drug store ever erected in the town, and 
has carried on this business since that time. He is a comrade of Gen. George 
P. Foster Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and has filled several important 
offices in the department and national encampment of the order. He has 
received the first three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry in Mineral Lodge 
No. 93, of Wolcott. Mr. LEACH cast his first presidential vote for Abraham 
LINCOLN, and has continued a Republican ever since. He has done thorough and 
successful work in many town offices, having served as town clerk 
continuously since March 1872, and was appointed postmaster in December 1890. 
Several times he has been elected as a delegate to county and state 
conventions. On 16 March 1864 Mr. [Moses J.] LEACH was married to Ellen R., 
daughter of Moody and Milliscent (MOULTON) PARKER, of Wolcott [Lamoille 
County, Vermont].

Submitted by Cathy Kubly