Family research bio by Marilyn (Nutter) Pederson.
Emanuel Jones Leigh.4, ( John Leigh.3, Zachariah Leigh.2, John Leigh.1) born: 1776, Prince Edward County Virginia, died: 15 February 1848, aged 72, Christian County Illinois, buried: Thomas Anderson Cemetery, Palmer, Christian County Illinois, son of; John Leigh and Elizabeth Greenhill, married: about 1805, Prince Edward or Amelia County Virginia, Martha Thomason, born: about 1790/91, Prince Edward County Virginia, died: 12 November 1853, Bear Creek Township, Christian County Illinois, buried: Thomas Anderson Cemetery, Palmer, Christian County Illinois, daughter of: Arnold Thomason and Jane Williamson, Children, Albert Gallatin Leigh, Elizabeth Jane (Leigh) Lowe-Connor (Mrs. Thomas P. Lowe)(Mrs. John M. Connor), Emanuel Thomas Leigh, John Arnold Leigh, Martha Ann (Leigh)(Mrs Brookins Chapman), America Indiana (Leigh ) Hayward (Mrs. Robert Hayward), Daniel Benjamin Leigh, James Madison Leigh, David D. Leigh, Mary Leigh, Infant Leigh.

Source: History of Christian County Illinois, 1880
EMANUEL J. LEIGH, was a Soldier in War of 1812, entering as Captain and later promoted to Major. After the war of 1812 he lost his wealth, turned against slavery, freed his slaves, and in October 1822, migrated to Indiana, in the spring of 1823, he took his family to Illinois, settling on a farm 3 miles southwest of Edwardsville, Madison Co., for this farm he paid $3 per acre and for 11 years this was his home, during his residence in Madison County he was commissioner for 8 years, he later moved to Macoupin County living on his farm for 5 years, in 1839 he permanently located on land which is now within the limits of Bear Creek Twp., Christian County Illinois.

Source; Another short history, same as source above; Came to Illinois in spring 1823, first in Madison County, where he remained for 11 years, then moved to Macoupin County until 1839, when he came to Christian County to Bear Creek Township.

1893 Christian County Illinois, Portrait and biographical Record
States Emanuel J. Leigh, was in the war of 1812 entering as Capt. being promoted to major, after wards he followed merchandising at Prince Edward Court house, for many years, his store being destroyed by fire, he moved to Indiana in 1822, and remained there during the winter, in the spring of the following year he took his family to Illinois, where he made a settlement on a farm three miles southeast of Edwardsville, Madison County Illinois, (I wont write it all out. (Marilyn)

Source; War of 1812, page 627, Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army, from its organization, Sept 29th. 1780 to March 2nd. 1903, by Francis B. Heitman, Vol I. Washington Government office 1903, Sent to Marilyn Pederson, received from Archives Wash. DC. November 2001

Leigh, Emanuel J. Va., Va. Capt. 10th. infantry, 14 April 1812, honorable discharge 15 June 1815

Source; War of 1812 papers of Thomas Langrell/Langwell, reads as follows:
By order of Secretary of War, to all whom it may concern, Know ye that Thomas Langrell, private of Capt. EMANUEL J. LEIGH company, Tenth regiment of infantry, who enlisted the 14 May 1814 is hereby honorably discharged from the Army, said Thomas Langrell was born in County of Dorchester Maryland is about 38 yrs old five feet three inches dark completion, dark hair black eyes, Occupation: farmer, given at Washington, 8 April 1815 D. Parker Thomas McClelland Major 10th inf.

I certify that Thomas Langrell soldier, enlisted by Capt. EMANUEL J. LEIGH, of the Tenth regiment of Infantry on the 14th. day of May 1814, is entitled to an honorable discharge, he having faithfully served out the full period which he enlisted for, said Thomas Langrell was born Dorchester, Maryland is 38 yrs old. 5 ft. 3 1/2 in. dark completion, black eyes, black hair, farmer, received 100 pounds pay given at Fredericksburg the 7th April 1815 signed by: Emanuel J. Leigh, Capt. 10th Infantry.