John Leakey

Tennessee native John Leakey (1824-1900) came to Texas in 1847 and settled for a time in Henderson County, where he worked as a brickmason and rancher. In 1852 he and his wife Nancy Patterson moved to Uvalde County near present-day Sabinal. Seeking other opportunities, he went to the Frio Canyon, where abundant cypress timber led him to settle his family and begin a cypress shingle business despite constant threats of Indian attacks. During the Civil War he served the Confederacy as a freighter, hauling provisions for the troops. After the war he returned home, established a steam sawmill, and attended to his ranching interests. He also started a school for local children, and his home often sheltered itinerant preachers. The town on the Bandera-Edwards County line was laid out in 1883 and named for him after he donated land for the plaza, a church, school, and cemetery. Leakey served as county seat of Edwards County until 1891 and became county seat of Real County when that county was organized in 1913. A successful businessman, Indian fighter, and pioneer, John Leakey played a vital role in the area's early growth.

Leakey, Texas · United States