Anna Leszcz
07/03/1837-01/24/1927
Lot Number: Lot 3, Block 2, Section C
Monument Installed on West End of Lot
Wife Of John
Mother Of Frank
DEATH BRINGS TO END CAREER OF PIONEER WHO HAD MUCH TO DO WITH EARLY COUNTY HISTORY Mrs. Anna Leschke (sic), nee Zilinski, one of the first three white settlers to whom are credited the building of the first structures on the present site of the Town of Newton and a pioneer of Manitowoc county, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Joseph Pekarske, at Newton early this morning at the advanced age of seventy-three years. The coming of Mrs. Leschke to this country from Germany-Poland where she was born July 3, 1844, plays an important part in this history of Manitowoc county. Her parents having died, Mrs. Leschke was taken into the care of an uncle and aunt Mr. and Mrs. W. Swokowski, while still in infancy and at the age of eighty ears (sic) she embarked for these shores with her foster parents. After landing here the party of three made its way over land to this city where, on the day of their arrival with a few small bundles of clothes and foodstuffs, they were offered a ride by a farmer. With no destination in view to speak of they accepted. First Building in Newton The ride with the generous farmer ended on the present site of Newton where the Samaritan friend informed them they would find place build and to farm. Left without shelter, the party lost all belongings in the woods that night when a spring shower suddenly caught them unawares. Practically destitute the trio started building the next day and it was but a short time when they were faring well. Thus the Town of Newton got its start. Scrapes with Indians and the hardships endured by early day pioneers were not missing from their routine of life. On one particulary instance Indians drove them from their farm and the settlers were forced to flee to Sheboygan for safety. From Newton they also blazed a trail to Manitowoc which later became a road and is practically the same that leads from this city to that point today. Lived at Newton Over 60 Years Mr. and Mrs. Leschke, the former who died in February two years ago, live at Newton all their lives. Mrs. Leschke today passing away in the home she had lived for more than sity years. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Joseph Pekarske and Mrs. Andrew Pekarske of Newton, one son, Frank Leschke also of Newton, and one brother, John Zilinski of St. Louis, Mo. fourteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be held from St. Casmer's Catholic church at Newton, Wednesday at nine o'clock, Father Sczopinsky officiating and interment will take place at Newton. Mrs. Leschke was one of the founders of the St. Casmer's church and even at her advnaced age, was an active member of the Holy Rosary society of the organization. Manitowoc Herald News, Monday, January 24, 1927 P.2