Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

T. W. LELAND

Thornton W. Leland came to the small village of Saugatuck in the early sixties, and here he resided until his death in 1930.

His father came from the East and settled in Ganges township and when just a lad Thornton came to Newark seeking employment. Later he clerked in Johnson and Wells general store until they sold out.

He then worked in the S. A. Morrison tannery for some time.

Was married to Jessie S. Morrison in 1876 and she preceded him in death in 1911 —a daughter was born who died in infancy and one son, E. L. Leland, who survives and manages the Warm Friend Tavern.

Mr. Leland was extensively engaged in farming, at one time operating a fruit farm on the lake shore which later was cut up into lots for a summer resort and sold — today the Felker High Pines subdivision is a part of that farm. He was also associated with Mrs. Leland and E. L. in the Leland Dept. Store which they successfully ran a number of years.

The last few years of his life he returned to his chosen vocation, floriculture, having many acres of beautiful bloom. He was a Past Master of the F.&A.M. Lodge.

He celebrated his seventy-seventh birthday by taking a trip in the "Red Streak" airplane flying from Saugatuck to Benton Harbor. He was always a man of great activity.