Born in Virginia, IL in 1927. Has one sister who lived on a farm 4 miles west of Virginia. Father bought farm in 1920. Leland married in 1948, has five children. Farm was 120 acres. Father farmed till 1960. Farmed with horses till 1937. Raised corn, wheat, oats, clover. Paternal grandparents came from Germany in 1846. Father bought farm from his father. Maternal grandparents inspired him. Father was a woodworker of small items like yard ornaments and carts. Five or six Sweatman brothers lived in the area. There were 13 kids. Met for a summer picnic.
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
School 1.5 miles away. Sixteen students, school fell to four students eight years later. Rode to school with the teacher. Sister did not go to high school. He wanted to go. Biked four miles. Excellent teachers. Won county spelling contest in eighth grade. Describes school room and routine.
