Marion Thornton (Buddie) LEOPARD

The following bio was taken from pages 285-286 of the book entitled "Rusk County History" compiled and edited and used with permission of the Rusk County Historical Commission.

Transcribed by Gloria Riley

Submitted by Gloria Briley Mayfield, Rusk County TX Coordinator

Marion Thornton (Buddie) Leopard, born February 16, 1906, married Essie Frances Taylor, born June 11, 1911, and they lived all their lives in Rusk County. They were married July 31, 1929 and had seven children. Two twin daughters were born dead. The other five children were Horace Alton, born January 18, 1932, who married Peggy Snelgrove; Frances Aileen, born September 17, 1934, who married Bill Chapman; Shirley Ann, born April 17, 1937, who married J. Malcolm Greer; Lois Faye, born September 4, 1940, who married Curtis J. Greer; and Helen Ruth, born May 11, 1943, who married Roy B. Smith.

All the children were born in Rusk County, and only Frances and her family and her mother reside there now.

Buddie was a farmer most of his life, and in his last few years was a fish farmer. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping. Joining fox hunts was a favorite pastime, but best of all, he had an ear for music and loved playing the fiddle. He played in several bands, including his own, and played for many a dance. Three of the children learned to play instruments. Of course, they all played by ear. He was taken in death by a heart attack on February 2, 1969.

The children all share many memories of cotton plantings, hoeing, and picking, cane stripping and syrup making, corn pullings, and potato diggings. The girls and Essie spent many hours over a washtub and rub board.

Buddie and Essie were children of O. W. and Lizzie Strong Leopard, and T. and Susie Wilkerson Taylor.

Buddie’s grandparents on his mother’s side were John Thornton Strong and his wife. His great-grandparents were John Strong and Mary Ann Whatley, who were among the first settlers of the Church Hill Community.

Written by Frances Chapman