Close application to business and excellent management have brought to Edgar Leonhardt, assistant cashier of the National Mohawk River Bank, at Fonda, the high esteem of his fellow workers, as well as of the residents of the community in which he makes his home. He was born in Fonda, New York, on November 18, 1872, his parents being Peter and Susan (Casler) Leonhardt. Peter Leonhardt was born on September 16, 1838, and died in Fonda on May 27, 1900. He was a custom tailor and at the time of his death was associated with Jacob Hees in that line of business. Susan (Casler) Leonhardt was born in Germany, on November 5, 1850, and came to America with her parents at the age of four and they settled at Freysbush, near Fort Plain, New York. All of her life was spent in this vicinity and she is now living with her son in Fonda, aged seventy-four years. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Casler, both of whom were born in Germany and both died in Fort Plain, New York. Frederick Casler followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life.
Edgar Leonhardt received his early education in the public schools and in Fonda, New York, high school. At the age of fifteen he left school to become associated with the National Mohawk River Bank as bookkeeper. In 1907 he was made teller of the same institution, and in 1919 was made assistant cashier, which position he still holds. He was made a director in 1925. On October 3, 1901, in Fonda, Mr. Leonhardt was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Fox, who was born in Johnstown, New York, and is the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Ecker) Fox. Charles Fox was born in the town of Mohawk, on October 8, 1827, the son of Matthew and Catherine (Dockstader) Fox. He was a retired farmer at the time of his death, which occurred in Fonda on April 6, 1894. Matthew Fox, paternal grandfather of Mrs. Leonhardt, was born on the old Fox homestead in the town of Mohawk, New York, on August 29, 1797, and died at the same place on June 1, 1867. He was a farmer by occupation. His wife, Catherine (Dockstader) Fox, was born on February 11, 1805, and died at the old homestead on August 7, 1868. Margaret (Ecker) Fox, mother of Mrs. Edgar Leonhardt, was born in Stone Arabia, on January 11, 1831, and died in Fonda, on November 14, 1906. She was the daughter of George Ecker, whose wife's maiden name was Near. George Ecker was born in Stone Arabia on December 15, 1805, and died in Hagaman, New York in 1858. His wife was born in Stone Arabia, and died in that place. Mrs. Leonhardt is a member of the Montgomery county, New York, Historical Society, and of the Dutch Reformed church of Fonda.
For ten years Mr. Leonhardt was treasurer of the village of Fonda, and also trustee of the village for the same length of time. He then was elected president of the village and served in this capacity for five years. During his administration as president of the village he began paving the streets and removing the cobblestones. He also installed the water meter system and cleared up the water rights to reservoir property. During the World war he was a member of the Liberty Loan committee and was treasurer of the Red Cross branch of Fonda. Mr. Leonhardt is also a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Fultonville Lodge No. 531, F. & A. M. He was master of the lodge in 1922-23, when the Masonic building was erected in Fultonville, and had charge of its construction. He is also a member of Johnstown Chapter, No. 78, R. A. M.; Gloversville Commandery, No. 51, K. T., and of Cyprus Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Albany, New York. For ten years he was treasurer of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society and takes a great interest in the work of the society. He was also a member of the Improved Order of Red Men of Fonda until it disbanded, his membership covering a period of twenty-five years. His church associations are with the Reformed church of Fonda, and he is president of its board of trustees. He is affiliated with the republican party, and for diversion turns to hunting and fishing.