John Leo attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln to study law. While participating in many of the uproarious social and theatrical clubs available at the school, he maintained a more serious interest in writing, creating several produced plays and many newspaper articles.
Just before graduation in 1914, he secured a prestigious diplomatic post with the American Consular Service in Coburg, Germany. He wrote travelogue-type articles during his journey to the post that were published in the Lincoln Daily Star. He settled in at Coburg, familiarized himself with the Kaiser's country, and grew to appreciate its people and politics. Meanwhile, he continued to send his observations for publication in the Lincoln newspaper. Unfortunately, one of his articles veered too close to German promotion just at the outbreak of World War I. The situation blew up into a scandalous international incident. His new associates in Nottingham, England, where the diplomatic corps were transferred, refused to allow him to assume his consular duties due to his "pro-German sentiments." The New York Times and other major US newspapers picked up the story, and by the time John reached London for a quick voyage home, his diplomatic career was finished.
He landed on his feet, and some time later, became Assistant Attorney General for the State of Nebraska. He never married.
John is buried near his parents in the Wyuka Cemetery though no stone marks his grave.
John Leo attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln to study law. While participating in many of the uproarious social and theatrical clubs available at the school, he maintained a more serious interest in writing, creating several produced plays and many newspaper articles.
Just before graduation in 1914, he secured a prestigious diplomatic post with the American Consular Service in Coburg, Germany. He wrote travelogue-type articles during his journey to the post that were published in the Lincoln Daily Star. He settled in at Coburg, familiarized himself with the Kaiser's country, and grew to appreciate its people and politics. Meanwhile, he continued to send his observations for publication in the Lincoln newspaper. Unfortunately, one of his articles veered too close to German promotion just at the outbreak of World War I. The situation blew up into a scandalous international incident. His new associates in Nottingham, England, where the diplomatic corps were transferred, refused to allow him to assume his consular duties due to his "pro-German sentiments." The New York Times and other major US newspapers picked up the story, and by the time John reached London for a quick voyage home, his diplomatic career was finished.
He landed on his feet, and some time later, became Assistant Attorney General for the State of Nebraska. He never married.
John is buried near his parents in the Wyuka Cemetery though no stone marks his grave.