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Mr. Heman Leonard
, well known throughout Grand Rapids and vicinity, died at the family residence at 4 a. m., February 21, 1884. The deceased was born in Parma, N. Y., April 15, 1812. At the age of twenty-one he went to Canada, where he spent two years, from 1833 to 1835, working at the carpenter's trade. In 1836 he came to Michigan, settling near Adrian on a farm, where he remained about a year; then moved to Sturgis. From the latter place he came to Grand Rapids in 1842, kept the Eagle hotel for a time, and in 1844 engaged in the grocery trade at 31 Monroe street, changing gradually from the grocery to the crockery business about 1863, in which he continued during his life. About 1868 he replaced the original wood building with a fine brick block. He was twice married, his second wife dying a few months ago. A man of great energy of character, Mr. Leonard was identified largely with the local interests of this city for a long term of years,
and will long be remembered as one of the most estimable of the army of pioneers who did so much to lay the foundation for a great city. Mr. Leonard had been in poor health for about twelve years. In 1872 he suffered a paralytic stroke, which was followed in 1875 by partial nerve paralysis, and since 1879 had been a confirmed invalid. He retained his consciousness till within a day or two of his death. His sons, Chas. H., Frank E. and Fred H., are well known citizens, of late years associated with him in business.
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