News Journal, February 22, 1923

OLD RAILROAD MAN CALLED MONDAY NIGHT
LONG CAREER OF PLUCKY WORKER ENDED

Leander J. Bussard Died Monday Evening Following Long Illness--Funeral Wednesday

Monday evening at about seven o'clock at his home on North Market street L.J. Bussard passed away after a long illness, and a gradual decline of health. The funeral service was held Wednesday afternoon at the Methodist church, and the burial was in the Oaklawn cemetery.

L.J. Bussard was the son of Adam Bussard and Mary (Nagle) Bussard, and was born six miles northwest of North Manchester January 6, 1855. He died February 19, 1923, aged 68 years, one month and thirteen days. He married Miss Emma Grover at Wabash September 3, 1883, who passed away February 11, 1891, leaving one son, William G. Bussard, now of Elkhart. October 5, 1893, Mr. Bussard was married to Julia Swartz of Fort Wayne, and she survives him. He is also survived by three brothers, Esta, Josh and John, while one sister died in infancy.

When a child of five Mr. Bussard became afflicted with trouble that crippled him so that for years he had to walk with crutches. He attended school at the Bussard school house, and in the summer following his seventeenth birthday he came to North Manchester and began work in the office of the old Eel River railroad under A.G. Beauchamp. He learned telegraphy there, and filled positions as an operator at South Whitley and Roann. When about 22 years of age he went to Cleveland where he underwent an operation which so far remedied his troubles that he was able to discard his crutches, and through the rest of his life was able to get about by the use of a cane. Returning from Cleveland he went to work for the Big Four under Dayton Harter, later going to Marion, and then to Wabash where he became dispatcher. He served as dispatcher capably and well until his hearing became affected. Then he was offered any agent position that he might desire on the road, and he came to North Manchester, where he served as agent for fourteen or fifteen years.

Though sorely afflicted he was distinctly a railroad man, working ever and always for his company with a loyalty that made him one of the most trusted men on the road. After retiring from the railroad business on account of health he continued active, for a number of years engaging in the insurance business. He was a man well liked by those who had dealings with him; a man who was always happy, who was square in his daily life, who saw the bright side of life if there was any bright side to see.