from a Danville newspaper dated May 1, 1924: "Near Blountsville, Tennessee, lived the family of John Hamilton. He had married Catherine Spurgeon. John Hamilton died about 1830. Catherine Hamilton and most of her ten children made the long journey over the mountains in a wagon and settled near Hadley, Indiana in 1833. In 1835 she and her son, Abraham and one or two daughters moved to Union Township. Here Abraham entered 120 acres of land. On October 17, 1839, he married Fanny Clark, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Ragland Clark of near Mt. Pleasant church. They had come from Clark county, Ky. In a little cabin on their farm, was born a daughter to Abraham and Fanny Hamilton, on June 13, 1841. They named her Elizabeth. When she was about ten years old, her father built a double log house of hewn logs. The Lebanon and Danville road was the first road surveyed in the township excepting the State road, and this was one of the first houses built on this road.

On March 17, 1859, James Montgomery Leach and Elizabeth Hamilton were married. These two young people had grown up during the early pioneer period. They bore many hardships and enjoyed many pleasures of the time. When James M. Leach was eighteen his father gave him forty acres of forest land. To this he later added till he had one of the best farms in the section. This was during the period of prosperity following the real pioneer time and they both worked together to do their part to make it such. In 1882, they built one of the best farm homes of that time, in the township. This venerable couple are now living in Lizton, where they once saw virgin forest instead of town. They have seen more change and greater progress than there has been in any like period of this nation's history. They have six children living, beside grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As they see their great-grandchildren growing up, they live in both the present and the past."

from the Republican for Aug. 27, 1925:

Mrs. James M. Leach - One of County Pioneers
Passing of One of Our Oldest Native Born

Elizabeth Hamilton Leach, oldest daughter of Abraham and Fanny Clark Hamilton, was born near Lizton, June 13, 1841, and departed from this life August 19, 1925, aged 84 years, 2 months and 6 days. Two families who were early settlers in this county were Catherine Hamilton and children and Charles Clark and family. These settled near Hadley in 1832. The Clarks moved near old Mt. Pleasant church a few years later and Abraham Hamilton and mother, Catherine Hamilton, to Union township in 1835 or 1836. The Clarks came from Clark county, Ky. and the Hamiltons from Sullivan county, Tenn. Abraham and Fanny Clark Hamilton were married in 1839 and began life in the midst of an unbroken forest, when conveniences and luxuries were the fewest. There were nine children born in this family, the subject of this sketch being the oldest, and the last survivor. Wild game furnished most of the meat. The mother spun and wove the linen and wool cloth. She saw the timber cut to make clearings to raise crops, and the swamps drained. She attended school in a little log house in the thick woods. Her father had to blaze a path to the school so she would not get lost. She did her part in making the home. Then she was married to James Montgomery Leach on March 17, 1859, by Daniel Kempton. These two young people carved a home out of the forest and reared a family. The country had become more prosperous by this time and to them came a greater degree of prosperity. In August 1862, Milton Hopkins held a meeting in the old church which stood in the east part of Lizton. It was at this time that James M. and Elizabeth Leach made the good confession and joined the church, and, with a number of others who joined during this meeting, became prominent workers. But these two are the last of this little group, they being the oldest members, both in point of time, and age. The Leach home for many years was the home of the visiting ministers. They took an active part in erecting the present building. Mrs. Leach was, during her active life, a liberal supporter of the church, and gave to missions before this was a poplular church activity. About twenty years ago she presented the church with the individual communion service. Mr. and Mrs. Leach were the parents of nine children, seven of whom lived to maturity - John Enos, William L., who died in 1889, Margaret Catherine Leak, Minnie Jane Tucker, Carrie Ellen Davis, James Henry, and Fanny Elizabeth Leak. Of her sisters and brother, Jane Scott died a number of years ago, Catherine Dickerson died in May 1923, Margaret Rutledge died in October 1924, and John W. Hamilton died in April 1925. Mr. and Mrs. Leach have lived as companions for more than 66 years, fighting life's battles and sharing their joys and sorrows. She leaves besides this aged companion, six children, twelve grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and many friends but all these are of generations she has seen grow up. She was a faithful and consistent Christian and a loving mother and grandmother who always abounded in the faith of her Lord.