Real County
Historical Museum 

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John Leakey

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John Leakey was born in Warren Co., Tennessee, on June 5, 1824. He was destined to live a very exciting life. He was a stonemason by trade. He and his friend Newman Patterson journeyed to Texas in 1847. He married Newman’s sister and eventually settled in the Frio Canyon; later, this settlement would become the community of Leakey, Texas. His adventurous spirit was a great advantage in founding the community and saving his scalp from scrapes with Indians and outlaws. To tell his life's adventures would take a book, but trust he did live a full life. He died in 1900 and is buried in Leakey Floral Cemetery beside his wife Nancy.

Jackson Von Ward portrayed him on the 2026 float. Jackson was very familiar with the real John Leakey because Jackson actually played the part of John Leakey in the time-travel play, “Tales of John Leakey”, sponsored by the Real County Historical Museum. Jackson is a Director at the Museum, an accomplished musician, singer-songwriter, and artist. He is also a volunteer with Texas Borderland Archaeology.