John Leak was born Jan 11, 1786 probably in North Carolina, the son of Samuel Leak, Sr. and Jane "Sally" ?.

John Leak married Mary Clara "Polly" Dendy Mar 4, 1812 in Laurens County, SC. Polly was born Dec 8, 1794 in Laurens County, SC, the daughter of Joel Dendy, Sr. She was apparently named for her grandmother, Clara/Clary Cargill, wife of William Dendy. Clara/Clary Cargill was the daughter of John Cargill and Rachel Tinsley.

Conflicting information about John Leak has prompted confusion among researchers for years. A John Leak is said to be buried in Cartersville, Bartow County, GA behind the Masonic Temple on N. Tennessee Street, and is probably the same John Leak who donated land for the town of Cartersville. He is also probably the same John Leak recorded on a land transaction in Cassville, Bartow County, GA as early as 1838 or 1839. Though most likely related to our John Leak, it's fairly certain that this John Leak is not part of our direct line.

John and Polly Leak lived in Laurens County, SC where all ten of their children were born before they moved to Bartow (formerly Cass) County, GA in 1843. After moving to Bartow County, they first lived in Cassville before moving to Adairsville. In the 1850 Bartow County Census, John is 65 years old and listed as a farmer with $1,200 in assets. Polly is recorded as being 56 years old, and the census notes that four children, Barnet, Whitfield, Luda, and 13-years-old Elizabeth, are living at home.

John Leak died May 16, 1873 and is buried in Poplar Springs Cemetery, formerly Towers Family Cemertery, in Adairsville, Bartow County GA.

In her later years, Polly lived with her son, James C. Leak. The family bible of another son, Tillman, still exists today in Athens, GA and lists Polly's date of death as Feb 17. Though the old, brittle pages of the bible partially obscures the year Polly died, it is thought to have been in 1893, which would have put her at the "very advanced age" of 98. She is said to be buried in Sanford, FL, though no gravesite has as yet been found.

The following Last Will and Testament for John Leak was contributed by Richard A. Hardy from the research of his uncle, William A. Leake, Sr.

State of Georgia
County of Cass

of the County of Cass State of Georgia being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life do therefore make and even publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament. That is to say First after all my lawful debts are paid and discharged the residue of my Estate real and personal I give bequeath and dispose of as follows to wit. To my beloved Wife all my real and personal property of whatsoever kind it may be during her natural life or widowhood. After her death or in case she should marry then to be equally divided among my children or there heirs share and share alike.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal the second day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.

John Leak (seal)

The above written instrument

Was subscribed by the said John Leak in our presence and acknowledged by him to each of us and he at the same time published and declared the above instrument so subscribed to be his last Will and Testament and we at the testators request and in his presence have signed our names as witnesses hereto and written opposite our names our respective place of residence.

Horatio G. Lawrence Adairsville Cass Co. Ga.
Will Freeman Adairsville Cass Co. Ga.
Reuben Freeman Adairsville Cass Co. Ga.

John and Polly's bible also still exists and is in Adger, AL. Most births and marriages were diligently recorded and it serves as an invaluable resource for verifying dates and mates. John and Polly Leak's many descendants may be found throughout the eastern United States.