[p. 436] one of the best known citizens of Lawrence County, who formerly was engaged in a general mercantile business at Moravia, where he also served as postmaster for seven years, was born in North Beaver Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, July 16, 1847. His parents were John and Hannah (Vaneman) Leslie.
The Leslies were very early settlers in North Beaver Township, where the grandfather owned land, and where the father of Robert M. was born and spent his life as a farmer. John Leslie and wife had four sons and four daughters, who grew to maturity: Catherine, Nancy, Mary Jane, Elizabeth, John N., Nicholas V., George W. and Robert M. At present three of the family still survive: Nicholas, Elizabeth and Robert M.
Robert M. Leslie learned the carpenter trade in 1865, and from that on, for thirty years, worked as a carpenter and contractor. This work took him all over the county, and he was not only concerned in the construction of many fine buildings, but made many friends both of a political and personal character. In 1898 he bought a store and settled down in a home in Moravia, and on June 17, 1899, was made postmaster. He continued in the general mercantile business until January 1, 1908, when he sold the business to his son.
Mr. Leslie was married in 1869 to Anna E. Paden, who is a daughter of Thomas Paden, and they have seven children: Frank W., who is engaged in farming in North Beaver Township; James, who is a clerk in the postoffice at New Castle; Wallace, who is a railway mail clerk on the line between Chicago and Pittsburg; Edward W. who bought his father's mercantile interests at Moravia; Ira D., who is express agent for the Adams Express Company at New Castle; Grace Ellen, who is the wife of James Patterson, of New Castle, and Leon L., who resides at home.
For many years Mr. Leslie has been active in politics. Has always taken an active part in every movement in all matters that tend to the advancement of his community. It was through his undivided efforts that the first bridge was erected across the Beaver River at Moravia. He was the first to petition to have North Beaver divided into two election districts, which has since been thrown into four districts. Also first petitioner for free mail service. He has acceptably filled local offices and was the candidate for county commissioner at the Republican primaries in 1908 and lost the election by only 102 votes out of 11,000 cast. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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Updated: 22 Oct 2001