William was born in Wilson County, Tennessee, but by age four the family had moved to Warren County, Illinois. His father died when he was age 13 and soon after he had to find work to help support the family. He became a printer's apprentice in Macomb, Illinois, working for a newspaper called the "Eagle".
When the Civil War began, William enlisted in Company A, 84th Illinois Infantry. He served for eight months, then was discharged due to disability. Once he recovered, he enlisted again, in Company C, 137th Illinois Infantry. He was mustered out Sep 1864.
William continued in the printing trade for a time, and joined with his brother, A. T. Lea to establish the "Columbus Independent" in Columbus, Kansas. He also began other newspapers in the late 1860's and early 1870's in both Kansas and Missouri.
On July 7, 1873 William married Mary I. Harris in Troy, Ohio. They had two children, Rhea Harria Lea and Edna Portia Lea.
By 1876 William had become a local agent of the land department of the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad. In 1877 he was elected one of the directors and secretary of the Southside Town and Mining Company at Galena. He was one of the original stockholders. A year later he sold his mining interests and became involved with other stock options.
By 1879 William had become employed in the Topeka, Kansas office of the State Superintendent of Insurance. He worked his way up to Assistant Superintendent. The Governor appointed him as Superintendent of Insurance for the State of Kansas in 1887, but the Senate vetoed this appointment.
William had suffered from consumption off and on for three years prior to his death from consumption. His wife, Mary Lea, purchased four plots in the Topeka Cemetery. William is buried in one, and his son Rhea is in another. After the death of son Rhea in 1897, Mary and daughter Edna moved from Topeka to Los Angeles, California, so the other two plots were never used. Mary died in Los Angeles in 1911. In 1936 daughter Edna sold the other two plots.
------------------------------------------------------
http://www.kancoll.org/books/cutler/shawnee/shawnee-co-p28.html
KANSAS COLLECTION BOOKS
William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
Published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL
SHAWNEE COUNTY, Part 28
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES (KELLAM - LYON)
WILLIAM J. LEA, of Topeka, western manager for the Aetna Life Insurance Co. of Hartford, is of Scotch-Irish descent. He is the son of Albert Gallatin Lea and Jane (Rhea) Lea, and was born in Wilson County, Tenn., August 17, 1844. He received a partial academic course at Cherry Grove Seminary in Illinois. His father died when he was thirteen years of age, and by his death he was early thrown upon his own resources. He assisted in the support of his widowed mother and obtained a good education besides.
One year after his father's death, not having a taste for farming pursuits to which he had hitherto been brought up, he bound himself as an apprentice to learn the printer's trade in the office of the Macomb, Illinois Eagle, where he remained for four years. During the last two years of his apprenticeship, he became foreman of the printing office, and did much of the local editorial work on the paper.
In 1860-61 he removed to Missouri, where he spent a year and then returned to Illinois. The war having broken out, August 11, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company A, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry. He served thirteen months as a Corporal, when he was discharged for disability April 21, 1863. (**this could not be right, he was only in for a total of 7 months!!) Having regained his health he enlisted May 2, 1864, in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, serving until the regiment was mustered out September 24, 1864. During his service he participated in the bloody battle of Perryville, and also the defense of Memphis during Forrest's raid.
On leaving the service he resumed the printing business in Galesburg, Ill., being foreman in a printing office in that city for a year.
In 1865 he removed to Kansas City, and there worked at his trade until 1868. He then went to St. Louis where for eight months he took charge of a large job printing office.
He again returned to Kansas City, where he engaged for a time as the city editor of the Kansas City Daily Advertiser.
In 1870 he removed to Columbus, Kansas, and with his brother, A. T. Lea, established the Columbus Independent, the firm being A. T. & W. J. Lea.
Two years later, in June, he moved to Oswego, Kansas, where he associated with F. B. McGill and started the Oswego Independent.
Six months later he sold out his interest in the paper, and entered into mercantile business with Richard Taylor. This continued for six months, when he went to Joplin, Mo., and started the Mining Journal.
After six months he moved to Baxter Springs, Kansas, where he became connected with the Baxter Springs Republican. He continued in this connection until 1876, when owing to ill-health he was forced to abandon the newspaper business and accepted a position as local agent of the land department of the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad.
In 1876 he became interested in the Bonanza Lead Mines, just then discovered. In 1877 he became one of the original stockholders in the Southside Town and Mining Company at Galena, being elected one of the directors and secretary of the company.
He disposed of his mining interests in 1878, and afterward engaged in stock business until he became chief clerk in the office of the State Superintendent of Insurance in 1879.
He held that position until the fall of 1882, when he became actively identified with the anti-St. John movement, which resulted in the organization of the anti-St. John Club of Topeka, which was one of the principal motors leading to the election of Gov. Glick. The club was organized on the motion of Mr. Lea, and he was one of the first to advance money to further the interests of the movement. Mr. Lea was educated a Democrat, but since the war and ever since he attained his majority he has been a vigorous and consistent Republican. He holds to the religious faith of the Cumberland Presbyterians. He is also an Odd Fellow, and member of the G. A. R.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
sos.mo.gov
Missouri State Archives Page 14 of 70
RECORDS OF GOVERNOR JOSEPH WASHINGTON MCCLURG 1864-1871
March 1870 Appointments—Coal Oil Inspector: petition, citizens of Kansas City; recommending William J. Lea
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Times (Clay Center, Kansas) 10 Feb 1887, Thu Page 4
A Left Lieutenant
Governor Martin Tuesday afternoon sent to the Senate the name of Honorable W. J. Lea of Topeka, to be state insurance commissioner of Kansas; the appointment was referred to the committee on insurance, and in due time was confirmed by the Senate. Mr. Lea has been assistant superintendant for a number of years and is in every way qualified for the position which by the way is an important and lucrative one. Few papers understand that Mr. Lea is entitled to the honorable title of "Lieutenant", but such is the case. In '78 or '79 the warlike spirit took complete possession of Mr. Lea, who has the figure and voice of an old time West Pointer and he sought at the hands of Governor St. John an appointment on his staff. This he received graciously in the face of the fact that St. John disliked Lea, and Lea had a hearty hatred for the Governor, and he was elated to the skies, showed the commission to everyone with a minutes spare time, and commenced to dicker for a uniform that would outshine anything in the capital city. After several days, however, in reading over his much beloved commission, he found that it did not take effect until some time in '85, after St. John's term should expire. Horrible! Horrible! Lea was always in doubt whether the Governor did this out of the bitterness hate for the "disbelieve" or whether private secretary Ward did it for a joke. In either event, both gained the eternal hatred and scorn of Lieutenant Lea and he snubbed them unmercifully. It was a death blow also to Lea's war ambitions and thereafter he trudged along in the rear ranks as a high Private.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Columbus Weekly Advocate (Columbus, Kansas) 10 Feb 1887, Thu Page 1
State Superintendant of Insurance
It is exceedingly gratifying to the many friends of W. J. Lea, a former citizen of Columbus and Cherokee County, to learn that he has been appointed by his excellency, Hon. John A. Martin, to one of the most important positions of public trust in the state, and at the disposal of the governor. A position that can not be filled by everybody. it requires a man educated and fitted for the position. He must have a thorough knowledge of insurance to qualify him for the duties of office.......................
Eight years ago this coming April, he first entered the office of superintendent of insurance as a clerk. Not a great while after he was made the assistant to Orrin Welch, who was the superintendent. That position he filled until the election of 1882, when he resigned for the reason that he was not in harmony with the then Governor St. John. When Hon. R. D. Morris, the present incumbent was appointed after the election of Gov. Glick, as the successor of Mr. Welch, Mr. Morris immediately solicited W. J. as his assistant, and in July 1883 he again took a position at his desk in his office which he still holds at the present time.
*this article was written by brother A. T. Lea
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weekly Capital and Farmer's Journal (Topeka, Kansas) 01 Sep 1887, Thu Page 8
A WELL KNOWN CITIZEN GONE
W. J. Lea's long struggle with consumption ended yesterday. W. J. Lea died at his home on West 8th Street about noon yesterday. The deceased has been a sufferer from consumption for a number of years but has been able to be about and to carry on business until three weeks ago, since when he has been confined to his bed. The announcement of his death was not then a surprise to his friends who have realized the end is near.
Mr. Lea came to Kansas from Illinois, and after working for some time at his trade, that of a printer, engaged in the newspaper business, with his brother, A. T. Lea, at Columbus, Kansas. He was at one time foreman of the Kansas City "Journal."
In 1879, during Governor St. John's first term, Mr. Lea received an appointment in the office of state superintendent of insurance, and remained in that department until July 1, 1887, the latter part of that time as assistant superintendent. During the recent session of the legislature, Governor Martin appointed Mr. Lea to succeed Hon. R. B. Morris as Superintendent, but the Senate failed to confirm his appointment and he resigned the assistant superintendency at the end of the fiscal year. He then formed a co-partnership with Major T. Anderson as insurance agents, but continued ill health deprived him from giving much personal attention to his office business.
Mr. Lea was a member of Lincoln Post #1, G. A. R., Northcraft lodge #228, I.O.O.F. and the Modoc singing club, of which he was one of the oldest members.
The funeral services, which take pace from the family residence at 3:00, will be conducted under the auspices of the lodge and post, assisted by the Modocs.
He leaves a wife and two children. Mr. Lea was 43 years of age last Wednesday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Columbus Weekly Advocate (Columbus, Kansas) 01 Sep 1887, Thu Page 3
A. T. Lea, senior editor of this paper, received a telegram last Sunday morning, announcing that his brother, William J. Lea, of Topeka was in a dying condition, from that dread disease - consumption. The senior took the 10:40 Gulf Train for Topeka, and upon arriving there 1 am Monday morning, found brother very low and unconscious, from which state he never rallied. At 1 pm Monday, death claimed it's victim, and the sufferer was relieved. Deceased leaves a wife and two children, an aged mother, Mrs. Jane Peters of this city, two brothers, three sisters and many friends in all parts of the state to mourn his death.
When the Civil War began, William enlisted in Company A, 84th Illinois Infantry. He served for eight months, then was discharged due to disability. Once he recovered, he enlisted again, in Company C, 137th Illinois Infantry. He was mustered out Sep 1864.
William continued in the printing trade for a time, and joined with his brother, A. T. Lea to establish the "Columbus Independent" in Columbus, Kansas. He also began other newspapers in the late 1860's and early 1870's in both Kansas and Missouri.
On July 7, 1873 William married Mary I. Harris in Troy, Ohio. They had two children, Rhea Harria Lea and Edna Portia Lea.
By 1876 William had become a local agent of the land department of the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad. In 1877 he was elected one of the directors and secretary of the Southside Town and Mining Company at Galena. He was one of the original stockholders. A year later he sold his mining interests and became involved with other stock options.
By 1879 William had become employed in the Topeka, Kansas office of the State Superintendent of Insurance. He worked his way up to Assistant Superintendent. The Governor appointed him as Superintendent of Insurance for the State of Kansas in 1887, but the Senate vetoed this appointment.
William had suffered from consumption off and on for three years prior to his death from consumption. His wife, Mary Lea, purchased four plots in the Topeka Cemetery. William is buried in one, and his son Rhea is in another. After the death of son Rhea in 1897, Mary and daughter Edna moved from Topeka to Los Angeles, California, so the other two plots were never used. Mary died in Los Angeles in 1911. In 1936 daughter Edna sold the other two plots.
------------------------------------------------------
http://www.kancoll.org/books/cutler/shawnee/shawnee-co-p28.html
KANSAS COLLECTION BOOKS
William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
Published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL
SHAWNEE COUNTY, Part 28
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES (KELLAM - LYON)
WILLIAM J. LEA, of Topeka, western manager for the Aetna Life Insurance Co. of Hartford, is of Scotch-Irish descent. He is the son of Albert Gallatin Lea and Jane (Rhea) Lea, and was born in Wilson County, Tenn., August 17, 1844. He received a partial academic course at Cherry Grove Seminary in Illinois. His father died when he was thirteen years of age, and by his death he was early thrown upon his own resources. He assisted in the support of his widowed mother and obtained a good education besides.
One year after his father's death, not having a taste for farming pursuits to which he had hitherto been brought up, he bound himself as an apprentice to learn the printer's trade in the office of the Macomb, Illinois Eagle, where he remained for four years. During the last two years of his apprenticeship, he became foreman of the printing office, and did much of the local editorial work on the paper.
In 1860-61 he removed to Missouri, where he spent a year and then returned to Illinois. The war having broken out, August 11, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company A, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry. He served thirteen months as a Corporal, when he was discharged for disability April 21, 1863. (**this could not be right, he was only in for a total of 7 months!!) Having regained his health he enlisted May 2, 1864, in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, serving until the regiment was mustered out September 24, 1864. During his service he participated in the bloody battle of Perryville, and also the defense of Memphis during Forrest's raid.
On leaving the service he resumed the printing business in Galesburg, Ill., being foreman in a printing office in that city for a year.
In 1865 he removed to Kansas City, and there worked at his trade until 1868. He then went to St. Louis where for eight months he took charge of a large job printing office.
He again returned to Kansas City, where he engaged for a time as the city editor of the Kansas City Daily Advertiser.
In 1870 he removed to Columbus, Kansas, and with his brother, A. T. Lea, established the Columbus Independent, the firm being A. T. & W. J. Lea.
Two years later, in June, he moved to Oswego, Kansas, where he associated with F. B. McGill and started the Oswego Independent.
Six months later he sold out his interest in the paper, and entered into mercantile business with Richard Taylor. This continued for six months, when he went to Joplin, Mo., and started the Mining Journal.
After six months he moved to Baxter Springs, Kansas, where he became connected with the Baxter Springs Republican. He continued in this connection until 1876, when owing to ill-health he was forced to abandon the newspaper business and accepted a position as local agent of the land department of the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad.
In 1876 he became interested in the Bonanza Lead Mines, just then discovered. In 1877 he became one of the original stockholders in the Southside Town and Mining Company at Galena, being elected one of the directors and secretary of the company.
He disposed of his mining interests in 1878, and afterward engaged in stock business until he became chief clerk in the office of the State Superintendent of Insurance in 1879.
He held that position until the fall of 1882, when he became actively identified with the anti-St. John movement, which resulted in the organization of the anti-St. John Club of Topeka, which was one of the principal motors leading to the election of Gov. Glick. The club was organized on the motion of Mr. Lea, and he was one of the first to advance money to further the interests of the movement. Mr. Lea was educated a Democrat, but since the war and ever since he attained his majority he has been a vigorous and consistent Republican. He holds to the religious faith of the Cumberland Presbyterians. He is also an Odd Fellow, and member of the G. A. R.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
sos.mo.gov
Missouri State Archives Page 14 of 70
RECORDS OF GOVERNOR JOSEPH WASHINGTON MCCLURG 1864-1871
March 1870 Appointments—Coal Oil Inspector: petition, citizens of Kansas City; recommending William J. Lea
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Times (Clay Center, Kansas) 10 Feb 1887, Thu Page 4
A Left Lieutenant
Governor Martin Tuesday afternoon sent to the Senate the name of Honorable W. J. Lea of Topeka, to be state insurance commissioner of Kansas; the appointment was referred to the committee on insurance, and in due time was confirmed by the Senate. Mr. Lea has been assistant superintendant for a number of years and is in every way qualified for the position which by the way is an important and lucrative one. Few papers understand that Mr. Lea is entitled to the honorable title of "Lieutenant", but such is the case. In '78 or '79 the warlike spirit took complete possession of Mr. Lea, who has the figure and voice of an old time West Pointer and he sought at the hands of Governor St. John an appointment on his staff. This he received graciously in the face of the fact that St. John disliked Lea, and Lea had a hearty hatred for the Governor, and he was elated to the skies, showed the commission to everyone with a minutes spare time, and commenced to dicker for a uniform that would outshine anything in the capital city. After several days, however, in reading over his much beloved commission, he found that it did not take effect until some time in '85, after St. John's term should expire. Horrible! Horrible! Lea was always in doubt whether the Governor did this out of the bitterness hate for the "disbelieve" or whether private secretary Ward did it for a joke. In either event, both gained the eternal hatred and scorn of Lieutenant Lea and he snubbed them unmercifully. It was a death blow also to Lea's war ambitions and thereafter he trudged along in the rear ranks as a high Private.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Columbus Weekly Advocate (Columbus, Kansas) 10 Feb 1887, Thu Page 1
State Superintendant of Insurance
It is exceedingly gratifying to the many friends of W. J. Lea, a former citizen of Columbus and Cherokee County, to learn that he has been appointed by his excellency, Hon. John A. Martin, to one of the most important positions of public trust in the state, and at the disposal of the governor. A position that can not be filled by everybody. it requires a man educated and fitted for the position. He must have a thorough knowledge of insurance to qualify him for the duties of office.......................
Eight years ago this coming April, he first entered the office of superintendent of insurance as a clerk. Not a great while after he was made the assistant to Orrin Welch, who was the superintendent. That position he filled until the election of 1882, when he resigned for the reason that he was not in harmony with the then Governor St. John. When Hon. R. D. Morris, the present incumbent was appointed after the election of Gov. Glick, as the successor of Mr. Welch, Mr. Morris immediately solicited W. J. as his assistant, and in July 1883 he again took a position at his desk in his office which he still holds at the present time.
*this article was written by brother A. T. Lea
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weekly Capital and Farmer's Journal (Topeka, Kansas) 01 Sep 1887, Thu Page 8
A WELL KNOWN CITIZEN GONE
W. J. Lea's long struggle with consumption ended yesterday. W. J. Lea died at his home on West 8th Street about noon yesterday. The deceased has been a sufferer from consumption for a number of years but has been able to be about and to carry on business until three weeks ago, since when he has been confined to his bed. The announcement of his death was not then a surprise to his friends who have realized the end is near.
Mr. Lea came to Kansas from Illinois, and after working for some time at his trade, that of a printer, engaged in the newspaper business, with his brother, A. T. Lea, at Columbus, Kansas. He was at one time foreman of the Kansas City "Journal."
In 1879, during Governor St. John's first term, Mr. Lea received an appointment in the office of state superintendent of insurance, and remained in that department until July 1, 1887, the latter part of that time as assistant superintendent. During the recent session of the legislature, Governor Martin appointed Mr. Lea to succeed Hon. R. B. Morris as Superintendent, but the Senate failed to confirm his appointment and he resigned the assistant superintendency at the end of the fiscal year. He then formed a co-partnership with Major T. Anderson as insurance agents, but continued ill health deprived him from giving much personal attention to his office business.
Mr. Lea was a member of Lincoln Post #1, G. A. R., Northcraft lodge #228, I.O.O.F. and the Modoc singing club, of which he was one of the oldest members.
The funeral services, which take pace from the family residence at 3:00, will be conducted under the auspices of the lodge and post, assisted by the Modocs.
He leaves a wife and two children. Mr. Lea was 43 years of age last Wednesday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Columbus Weekly Advocate (Columbus, Kansas) 01 Sep 1887, Thu Page 3
A. T. Lea, senior editor of this paper, received a telegram last Sunday morning, announcing that his brother, William J. Lea, of Topeka was in a dying condition, from that dread disease - consumption. The senior took the 10:40 Gulf Train for Topeka, and upon arriving there 1 am Monday morning, found brother very low and unconscious, from which state he never rallied. At 1 pm Monday, death claimed it's victim, and the sufferer was relieved. Deceased leaves a wife and two children, an aged mother, Mrs. Jane Peters of this city, two brothers, three sisters and many friends in all parts of the state to mourn his death.
William was born in Wilson County, Tennessee, but by age four the family had moved to Warren County, Illinois. His father died when he was age 13 and soon after he had to find work to help support the family. He became a printer's apprentice in Macomb, Illinois, working for a newspaper called the "Eagle".
When the Civil War began, William enlisted in Company A, 84th Illinois Infantry. He served for eight months, then was discharged due to disability. Once he recovered, he enlisted again, in Company C, 137th Illinois Infantry. He was mustered out Sep 1864.
William continued in the printing trade for a time, and joined with his brother, A. T. Lea to establish the "Columbus Independent" in Columbus, Kansas. He also began other newspapers in the late 1860's and early 1870's in both Kansas and Missouri.
On July 7, 1873 William married Mary I. Harris in Troy, Ohio. They had two children, Rhea Harria Lea and Edna Portia Lea.
By 1876 William had become a local agent of the land department of the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad. In 1877 he was elected one of the directors and secretary of the Southside Town and Mining Company at Galena. He was one of the original stockholders. A year later he sold his mining interests and became involved with other stock options.
By 1879 William had become employed in the Topeka, Kansas office of the State Superintendent of Insurance. He worked his way up to Assistant Superintendent. The Governor appointed him as Superintendent of Insurance for the State of Kansas in 1887, but the Senate vetoed this appointment.
William had suffered from consumption off and on for three years prior to his death from consumption. His wife, Mary Lea, purchased four plots in the Topeka Cemetery. William is buried in one, and his son Rhea is in another. After the death of son Rhea in 1897, Mary and daughter Edna moved from Topeka to Los Angeles, California, so the other two plots were never used. Mary died in Los Angeles in 1911. In 1936 daughter Edna sold the other two plots.
------------------------------------------------------
http://www.kancoll.org/books/cutler/shawnee/shawnee-co-p28.html
KANSAS COLLECTION BOOKS
William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
Published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL
SHAWNEE COUNTY, Part 28
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES (KELLAM - LYON)
WILLIAM J. LEA, of Topeka, western manager for the Aetna Life Insurance Co. of Hartford, is of Scotch-Irish descent. He is the son of Albert Gallatin Lea and Jane (Rhea) Lea, and was born in Wilson County, Tenn., August 17, 1844. He received a partial academic course at Cherry Grove Seminary in Illinois. His father died when he was thirteen years of age, and by his death he was early thrown upon his own resources. He assisted in the support of his widowed mother and obtained a good education besides.
One year after his father's death, not having a taste for farming pursuits to which he had hitherto been brought up, he bound himself as an apprentice to learn the printer's trade in the office of the Macomb, Illinois Eagle, where he remained for four years. During the last two years of his apprenticeship, he became foreman of the printing office, and did much of the local editorial work on the paper.
In 1860-61 he removed to Missouri, where he spent a year and then returned to Illinois. The war having broken out, August 11, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company A, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry. He served thirteen months as a Corporal, when he was discharged for disability April 21, 1863. (**this could not be right, he was only in for a total of 7 months!!) Having regained his health he enlisted May 2, 1864, in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, serving until the regiment was mustered out September 24, 1864. During his service he participated in the bloody battle of Perryville, and also the defense of Memphis during Forrest's raid.
On leaving the service he resumed the printing business in Galesburg, Ill., being foreman in a printing office in that city for a year.
In 1865 he removed to Kansas City, and there worked at his trade until 1868. He then went to St. Louis where for eight months he took charge of a large job printing office.
He again returned to Kansas City, where he engaged for a time as the city editor of the Kansas City Daily Advertiser.
In 1870 he removed to Columbus, Kansas, and with his brother, A. T. Lea, established the Columbus Independent, the firm being A. T. & W. J. Lea.
Two years later, in June, he moved to Oswego, Kansas, where he associated with F. B. McGill and started the Oswego Independent.
Six months later he sold out his interest in the paper, and entered into mercantile business with Richard Taylor. This continued for six months, when he went to Joplin, Mo., and started the Mining Journal.
After six months he moved to Baxter Springs, Kansas, where he became connected with the Baxter Springs Republican. He continued in this connection until 1876, when owing to ill-health he was forced to abandon the newspaper business and accepted a position as local agent of the land department of the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad.
In 1876 he became interested in the Bonanza Lead Mines, just then discovered. In 1877 he became one of the original stockholders in the Southside Town and Mining Company at Galena, being elected one of the directors and secretary of the company.
He disposed of his mining interests in 1878, and afterward engaged in stock business until he became chief clerk in the office of the State Superintendent of Insurance in 1879.
He held that position until the fall of 1882, when he became actively identified with the anti-St. John movement, which resulted in the organization of the anti-St. John Club of Topeka, which was one of the principal motors leading to the election of Gov. Glick. The club was organized on the motion of Mr. Lea, and he was one of the first to advance money to further the interests of the movement. Mr. Lea was educated a Democrat, but since the war and ever since he attained his majority he has been a vigorous and consistent Republican. He holds to the religious faith of the Cumberland Presbyterians. He is also an Odd Fellow, and member of the G. A. R.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
sos.mo.gov
Missouri State Archives Page 14 of 70
RECORDS OF GOVERNOR JOSEPH WASHINGTON MCCLURG 1864-1871
March 1870 Appointments—Coal Oil Inspector: petition, citizens of Kansas City; recommending William J. Lea
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Times (Clay Center, Kansas) 10 Feb 1887, Thu Page 4
A Left Lieutenant
Governor Martin Tuesday afternoon sent to the Senate the name of Honorable W. J. Lea of Topeka, to be state insurance commissioner of Kansas; the appointment was referred to the committee on insurance, and in due time was confirmed by the Senate. Mr. Lea has been assistant superintendant for a number of years and is in every way qualified for the position which by the way is an important and lucrative one. Few papers understand that Mr. Lea is entitled to the honorable title of "Lieutenant", but such is the case. In '78 or '79 the warlike spirit took complete possession of Mr. Lea, who has the figure and voice of an old time West Pointer and he sought at the hands of Governor St. John an appointment on his staff. This he received graciously in the face of the fact that St. John disliked Lea, and Lea had a hearty hatred for the Governor, and he was elated to the skies, showed the commission to everyone with a minutes spare time, and commenced to dicker for a uniform that would outshine anything in the capital city. After several days, however, in reading over his much beloved commission, he found that it did not take effect until some time in '85, after St. John's term should expire. Horrible! Horrible! Lea was always in doubt whether the Governor did this out of the bitterness hate for the "disbelieve" or whether private secretary Ward did it for a joke. In either event, both gained the eternal hatred and scorn of Lieutenant Lea and he snubbed them unmercifully. It was a death blow also to Lea's war ambitions and thereafter he trudged along in the rear ranks as a high Private.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Columbus Weekly Advocate (Columbus, Kansas) 10 Feb 1887, Thu Page 1
State Superintendant of Insurance
It is exceedingly gratifying to the many friends of W. J. Lea, a former citizen of Columbus and Cherokee County, to learn that he has been appointed by his excellency, Hon. John A. Martin, to one of the most important positions of public trust in the state, and at the disposal of the governor. A position that can not be filled by everybody. it requires a man educated and fitted for the position. He must have a thorough knowledge of insurance to qualify him for the duties of office.......................
Eight years ago this coming April, he first entered the office of superintendent of insurance as a clerk. Not a great while after he was made the assistant to Orrin Welch, who was the superintendent. That position he filled until the election of 1882, when he resigned for the reason that he was not in harmony with the then Governor St. John. When Hon. R. D. Morris, the present incumbent was appointed after the election of Gov. Glick, as the successor of Mr. Welch, Mr. Morris immediately solicited W. J. as his assistant, and in July 1883 he again took a position at his desk in his office which he still holds at the present time.
*this article was written by brother A. T. Lea
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weekly Capital and Farmer's Journal (Topeka, Kansas) 01 Sep 1887, Thu Page 8
A WELL KNOWN CITIZEN GONE
W. J. Lea's long struggle with consumption ended yesterday. W. J. Lea died at his home on West 8th Street about noon yesterday. The deceased has been a sufferer from consumption for a number of years but has been able to be about and to carry on business until three weeks ago, since when he has been confined to his bed. The announcement of his death was not then a surprise to his friends who have realized the end is near.
Mr. Lea came to Kansas from Illinois, and after working for some time at his trade, that of a printer, engaged in the newspaper business, with his brother, A. T. Lea, at Columbus, Kansas. He was at one time foreman of the Kansas City "Journal."
In 1879, during Governor St. John's first term, Mr. Lea received an appointment in the office of state superintendent of insurance, and remained in that department until July 1, 1887, the latter part of that time as assistant superintendent. During the recent session of the legislature, Governor Martin appointed Mr. Lea to succeed Hon. R. B. Morris as Superintendent, but the Senate failed to confirm his appointment and he resigned the assistant superintendency at the end of the fiscal year. He then formed a co-partnership with Major T. Anderson as insurance agents, but continued ill health deprived him from giving much personal attention to his office business.
Mr. Lea was a member of Lincoln Post #1, G. A. R., Northcraft lodge #228, I.O.O.F. and the Modoc singing club, of which he was one of the oldest members.
The funeral services, which take pace from the family residence at 3:00, will be conducted under the auspices of the lodge and post, assisted by the Modocs.
He leaves a wife and two children. Mr. Lea was 43 years of age last Wednesday.
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The Columbus Weekly Advocate (Columbus, Kansas) 01 Sep 1887, Thu Page 3
A. T. Lea, senior editor of this paper, received a telegram last Sunday morning, announcing that his brother, William J. Lea, of Topeka was in a dying condition, from that dread disease - consumption. The senior took the 10:40 Gulf Train for Topeka, and upon arriving there 1 am Monday morning, found brother very low and unconscious, from which state he never rallied. At 1 pm Monday, death claimed it's victim, and the sufferer was relieved. Deceased leaves a wife and two children, an aged mother, Mrs. Jane Peters of this city, two brothers, three sisters and many friends in all parts of the state to mourn his death.
When the Civil War began, William enlisted in Company A, 84th Illinois Infantry. He served for eight months, then was discharged due to disability. Once he recovered, he enlisted again, in Company C, 137th Illinois Infantry. He was mustered out Sep 1864.
William continued in the printing trade for a time, and joined with his brother, A. T. Lea to establish the "Columbus Independent" in Columbus, Kansas. He also began other newspapers in the late 1860's and early 1870's in both Kansas and Missouri.
On July 7, 1873 William married Mary I. Harris in Troy, Ohio. They had two children, Rhea Harria Lea and Edna Portia Lea.
By 1876 William had become a local agent of the land department of the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad. In 1877 he was elected one of the directors and secretary of the Southside Town and Mining Company at Galena. He was one of the original stockholders. A year later he sold his mining interests and became involved with other stock options.
By 1879 William had become employed in the Topeka, Kansas office of the State Superintendent of Insurance. He worked his way up to Assistant Superintendent. The Governor appointed him as Superintendent of Insurance for the State of Kansas in 1887, but the Senate vetoed this appointment.
William had suffered from consumption off and on for three years prior to his death from consumption. His wife, Mary Lea, purchased four plots in the Topeka Cemetery. William is buried in one, and his son Rhea is in another. After the death of son Rhea in 1897, Mary and daughter Edna moved from Topeka to Los Angeles, California, so the other two plots were never used. Mary died in Los Angeles in 1911. In 1936 daughter Edna sold the other two plots.
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http://www.kancoll.org/books/cutler/shawnee/shawnee-co-p28.html
KANSAS COLLECTION BOOKS
William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
Published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL
SHAWNEE COUNTY, Part 28
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES (KELLAM - LYON)
WILLIAM J. LEA, of Topeka, western manager for the Aetna Life Insurance Co. of Hartford, is of Scotch-Irish descent. He is the son of Albert Gallatin Lea and Jane (Rhea) Lea, and was born in Wilson County, Tenn., August 17, 1844. He received a partial academic course at Cherry Grove Seminary in Illinois. His father died when he was thirteen years of age, and by his death he was early thrown upon his own resources. He assisted in the support of his widowed mother and obtained a good education besides.
One year after his father's death, not having a taste for farming pursuits to which he had hitherto been brought up, he bound himself as an apprentice to learn the printer's trade in the office of the Macomb, Illinois Eagle, where he remained for four years. During the last two years of his apprenticeship, he became foreman of the printing office, and did much of the local editorial work on the paper.
In 1860-61 he removed to Missouri, where he spent a year and then returned to Illinois. The war having broken out, August 11, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company A, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry. He served thirteen months as a Corporal, when he was discharged for disability April 21, 1863. (**this could not be right, he was only in for a total of 7 months!!) Having regained his health he enlisted May 2, 1864, in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, serving until the regiment was mustered out September 24, 1864. During his service he participated in the bloody battle of Perryville, and also the defense of Memphis during Forrest's raid.
On leaving the service he resumed the printing business in Galesburg, Ill., being foreman in a printing office in that city for a year.
In 1865 he removed to Kansas City, and there worked at his trade until 1868. He then went to St. Louis where for eight months he took charge of a large job printing office.
He again returned to Kansas City, where he engaged for a time as the city editor of the Kansas City Daily Advertiser.
In 1870 he removed to Columbus, Kansas, and with his brother, A. T. Lea, established the Columbus Independent, the firm being A. T. & W. J. Lea.
Two years later, in June, he moved to Oswego, Kansas, where he associated with F. B. McGill and started the Oswego Independent.
Six months later he sold out his interest in the paper, and entered into mercantile business with Richard Taylor. This continued for six months, when he went to Joplin, Mo., and started the Mining Journal.
After six months he moved to Baxter Springs, Kansas, where he became connected with the Baxter Springs Republican. He continued in this connection until 1876, when owing to ill-health he was forced to abandon the newspaper business and accepted a position as local agent of the land department of the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad.
In 1876 he became interested in the Bonanza Lead Mines, just then discovered. In 1877 he became one of the original stockholders in the Southside Town and Mining Company at Galena, being elected one of the directors and secretary of the company.
He disposed of his mining interests in 1878, and afterward engaged in stock business until he became chief clerk in the office of the State Superintendent of Insurance in 1879.
He held that position until the fall of 1882, when he became actively identified with the anti-St. John movement, which resulted in the organization of the anti-St. John Club of Topeka, which was one of the principal motors leading to the election of Gov. Glick. The club was organized on the motion of Mr. Lea, and he was one of the first to advance money to further the interests of the movement. Mr. Lea was educated a Democrat, but since the war and ever since he attained his majority he has been a vigorous and consistent Republican. He holds to the religious faith of the Cumberland Presbyterians. He is also an Odd Fellow, and member of the G. A. R.
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sos.mo.gov
Missouri State Archives Page 14 of 70
RECORDS OF GOVERNOR JOSEPH WASHINGTON MCCLURG 1864-1871
March 1870 Appointments—Coal Oil Inspector: petition, citizens of Kansas City; recommending William J. Lea
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The Times (Clay Center, Kansas) 10 Feb 1887, Thu Page 4
A Left Lieutenant
Governor Martin Tuesday afternoon sent to the Senate the name of Honorable W. J. Lea of Topeka, to be state insurance commissioner of Kansas; the appointment was referred to the committee on insurance, and in due time was confirmed by the Senate. Mr. Lea has been assistant superintendant for a number of years and is in every way qualified for the position which by the way is an important and lucrative one. Few papers understand that Mr. Lea is entitled to the honorable title of "Lieutenant", but such is the case. In '78 or '79 the warlike spirit took complete possession of Mr. Lea, who has the figure and voice of an old time West Pointer and he sought at the hands of Governor St. John an appointment on his staff. This he received graciously in the face of the fact that St. John disliked Lea, and Lea had a hearty hatred for the Governor, and he was elated to the skies, showed the commission to everyone with a minutes spare time, and commenced to dicker for a uniform that would outshine anything in the capital city. After several days, however, in reading over his much beloved commission, he found that it did not take effect until some time in '85, after St. John's term should expire. Horrible! Horrible! Lea was always in doubt whether the Governor did this out of the bitterness hate for the "disbelieve" or whether private secretary Ward did it for a joke. In either event, both gained the eternal hatred and scorn of Lieutenant Lea and he snubbed them unmercifully. It was a death blow also to Lea's war ambitions and thereafter he trudged along in the rear ranks as a high Private.
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The Columbus Weekly Advocate (Columbus, Kansas) 10 Feb 1887, Thu Page 1
State Superintendant of Insurance
It is exceedingly gratifying to the many friends of W. J. Lea, a former citizen of Columbus and Cherokee County, to learn that he has been appointed by his excellency, Hon. John A. Martin, to one of the most important positions of public trust in the state, and at the disposal of the governor. A position that can not be filled by everybody. it requires a man educated and fitted for the position. He must have a thorough knowledge of insurance to qualify him for the duties of office.......................
Eight years ago this coming April, he first entered the office of superintendent of insurance as a clerk. Not a great while after he was made the assistant to Orrin Welch, who was the superintendent. That position he filled until the election of 1882, when he resigned for the reason that he was not in harmony with the then Governor St. John. When Hon. R. D. Morris, the present incumbent was appointed after the election of Gov. Glick, as the successor of Mr. Welch, Mr. Morris immediately solicited W. J. as his assistant, and in July 1883 he again took a position at his desk in his office which he still holds at the present time.
*this article was written by brother A. T. Lea
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Weekly Capital and Farmer's Journal (Topeka, Kansas) 01 Sep 1887, Thu Page 8
A WELL KNOWN CITIZEN GONE
W. J. Lea's long struggle with consumption ended yesterday. W. J. Lea died at his home on West 8th Street about noon yesterday. The deceased has been a sufferer from consumption for a number of years but has been able to be about and to carry on business until three weeks ago, since when he has been confined to his bed. The announcement of his death was not then a surprise to his friends who have realized the end is near.
Mr. Lea came to Kansas from Illinois, and after working for some time at his trade, that of a printer, engaged in the newspaper business, with his brother, A. T. Lea, at Columbus, Kansas. He was at one time foreman of the Kansas City "Journal."
In 1879, during Governor St. John's first term, Mr. Lea received an appointment in the office of state superintendent of insurance, and remained in that department until July 1, 1887, the latter part of that time as assistant superintendent. During the recent session of the legislature, Governor Martin appointed Mr. Lea to succeed Hon. R. B. Morris as Superintendent, but the Senate failed to confirm his appointment and he resigned the assistant superintendency at the end of the fiscal year. He then formed a co-partnership with Major T. Anderson as insurance agents, but continued ill health deprived him from giving much personal attention to his office business.
Mr. Lea was a member of Lincoln Post #1, G. A. R., Northcraft lodge #228, I.O.O.F. and the Modoc singing club, of which he was one of the oldest members.
The funeral services, which take pace from the family residence at 3:00, will be conducted under the auspices of the lodge and post, assisted by the Modocs.
He leaves a wife and two children. Mr. Lea was 43 years of age last Wednesday.
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The Columbus Weekly Advocate (Columbus, Kansas) 01 Sep 1887, Thu Page 3
A. T. Lea, senior editor of this paper, received a telegram last Sunday morning, announcing that his brother, William J. Lea, of Topeka was in a dying condition, from that dread disease - consumption. The senior took the 10:40 Gulf Train for Topeka, and upon arriving there 1 am Monday morning, found brother very low and unconscious, from which state he never rallied. At 1 pm Monday, death claimed it's victim, and the sufferer was relieved. Deceased leaves a wife and two children, an aged mother, Mrs. Jane Peters of this city, two brothers, three sisters and many friends in all parts of the state to mourn his death.
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