The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Decatur County, Iowa August, 1935 Birthday Anniversary E. J. Sankey, civil war veteran and a resident of Decatur county since 1856, was 92 years old Thursday of last week. His son, Carl Sankey, and wife of Davis City, and his daughter, Mrs. T. J. Smith, of Lamoni, assisted him in celebrating the day at his home in Leon. He received the congratulations of many friends. Mr. Sankey came to Decatur county in 1856 with his mother, his father having passed away in 1849 at Burlington where the family had arrived from Pennsylvania on their way to settle in Iowa. August 15, 1861, he enlisted in Co. L, Third Iowa Volunteer cavalry. He re-enlisted as a veteran in January, 1864, and was wounded at the battle of Guntown. He was sent to Memphis and later home but he rejoined his regiment soon after. He was honorably discharged February 26, 1865. On his return to Decatur county he bought land in Franklin township. He was elected sheriff in 1867 and two years later was re-elected. He was a fearless and competent peace officer. He purchased land in Grand River township after leaving office and operated it until 1878 when he returned to Leon, having been elected county treasurer. He has since been a resident of Leon. In 1885 he was elected clerk of the courts and served four years. He was elected as representative from this county to the state legislature in 1903, serving in the thirtieth and thirty-first general assemblies. In 1908 he was again chosen as representative. He was a leader in democratic circles and was always active in the affairs of his home town, the county and the state and nation. He was married in Center township on the sixth day of May, 1866, to Miss Mary M. Gillham. She passed away in 1907. There were ten children in the Sankey family. Four of them, Mrs. T. J. Smith of Lamoni, Mrs. Lois Lea of Nampa, Idaho, Miss Orra Sankey of Los Angeles, and Carl of Davis City, are living. Submission by Sara Rose Joan LeFleur, January 20, 2014

News Index   ***   Decatur County IAGenWeb