The Mayor of South Bend, Indiana

Posted on January 26, 2020 by vanbraman

One of the early mayors of South Bend, Indiana was the cousin of my 3rd Great Grandfather William Absalom Leeper.

David Rohrer Leeper

David Rohrer Leeper

David Rohrer Leeper was the son of Samuel Leeper the brother of Absalom Leeper my 4th Great Grandfather.

David R. Leeper, Rushing for Gold, Connie and Peter Roop, Diary, Gold Rush, Irish HeritageDavid Rohrer Leeper had an interesting life. At the age of 17 he went to California as a 49’er. He wrote a journal of his journey which is really interesting to read. The book shown above, The Diary of David R. Leeper: Rushing for Gold, is an excerpt from his journal.

Hangtown, Placerville, CaliforniaDavid’s journal was about his experience in California. Not only the time that he spent in California, but the trip across the country. After the gold rush he also went to Northern California and worked in the timber industry.

After his return from California David R. Leeper became involved in politics and served in the Indiana State Legislature and Senate. Leeper Park, South Bend Indiana, David Rohrer Leeper

David was elected Mayor of South Bend in 1892 and served for two years. He then served as Police Commissioner until his death in 1900.

South Bend Indiana, David Rohrer Leeper, Leeper Park, Mayor of South BendTo honor Leeper a large park in South Bend was named for him after his death in 1900.

Leeper park is on the National Register of Historic Places and encompasses 25 acres which includes several historic structures. One of the structures is the cabin of Pierre Navarre who established a fur trading post in 1820 at the future location of South Bend. The cabin was originally north of the river, but was moved to Leeper Park and restored in 1900.

There are also two other political figures in this branch of my family. Through David’s half-brother Samuel, he was the half great uncle of Ohio congressman Samuel Leeper Devine.

Carol Devine Miller, the daughter of Samuel Leeper Devine, currently represents West Virginia in the US House of Representatives.

I have thought about David Roher Leeper quite a bit lately as another former Mayor of South Bend, Pete Buttigieg, is often mentioned in the news.

Steven

 

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Finally Pruned

Posted on January 25, 2020 by vanbraman

Today I finally pruned my roses.

Pruning roses, January, yard work, roses, yellow rosesI really should not have waited this long to get it done, but a lot of things have gotten in the way of the task.

Pruning roses, January, yard work, roses, yellow rosesLast week I posted that I Need to Prune my Roses. This bush really made me think of how late I was pruning. It was already starting to bloom again.

Pruning roses, January, yard work, roses, yellow rosesI even had one last nice bloom on my St. Patrick rose bush. This bloom is now in a glass in my kitchen. I will enjoy it while waiting for my roses to rejuvenate.

Pruning roses, January, yard work, roses, yellow rosesI was holding my clippers in my hand while taking this picture and the end got in the way. I decided that it made for an interesting picture, so took the shot.

This bush was spilling over and through the fence and it was a bit of a challenge. I had to work a few of the canes out from between the boards of the fence.

Pruning roses, January, yard work, roses, yellow rosesI still need to spend some time doing the final pruning. However, I like to let them grow back a little so I can see what else needs to be trimmed.

I also mowed the yard for the first time this year. With the foggy and gloomy weather the grass has not grown much.

The back yard needs to be mowed also, but I decided it could go for another week or two.

I am wondering how sore I will be tomorrow. I used some muscles today that don’t get used too much.

Steven

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