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Belgians in the Civil War

Emigrants arrival

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BELGIANS IN AMERICA:    Biographies of Belgian settlers  

One of the most familiar figures in connection with official affaird of the county was that of John Leys. For thirty-one years he was either a deputy of official in the service of Woodford county, and was as well versed in the duties of the various positions that be filled as any one in this portion of Illinois.

He was born in Burges, Belgium, March 21st, 1837 his early education was gained while living there. He later attended the Antwerp Naval school and spent some years as a sailor and received a certificate of navigation from the French government. In 1857 he came to Chicago and from there came to Woodford county. Later ho removed to McLean county. He enlisted in Company C of the 33rd Infantry, August 15th. 1861, at Bloomington.

On the day of his return from the war, he was married to Miss Ann Taylor. Six children were born to this union, of whom Edna L. Evey, Anna L. Hodgson J. H. and J.Albert Leys, still survive.

The newly married couple settled in Kansas township and remained there until 1874 when Mr. Lays was appointed deputy county clerk. He served as deputy until 1886 when he was elected county clerk, after one term he became deputy, and served until 1894 when he was appointed to fill the unexpired term of T. A. Huxtable. His death occurred at Eureka, December 1st, 1905 having been in the service of the county thirty-one years

Source : Moore, R. L.  : History of Woodford County; Eureka, Ill.: Woodford County Republican, 1910, 250  pgs.