A BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE OF J. PETER LESLEY. 



By henry M. chance. 

 iRead April 6, 1906.) 



In the year 1856 upon the thirteenth day of July, J. Peter Lesley 

 was elected to membership in the American Philosophical Society. 

 Although he had then lived not quite thirty-seven years, he was 

 already widely known as a geologist of marked ability, as a man of 

 parts, and as one likely to become a valuable member of this 

 organization. This hope was almost immediately realized, for the 

 new member at once became one of its active workers, and soon, 

 by reason of his ability and vigorous personality, recognized as one 

 of its leading spirits. That in according him leadership his fel- 

 low-members judged wisely and well, and that the confidence re- 

 posed in him was abundantly justified the records of this society 

 bear ample testimony; and we who now do homage to his memory 

 do know that so long as the American Philosophical Society shall 

 have being, the memory of the life and work of J. Peter Lesley 

 will be cherished as one who contributed largely to its welfare and 

 added to the dignity and strength of its purposes and influence. 



He was by divine right a leader of men, a nobleman, intellectually 

 a giant. As a man among men he was of charming personality, 

 generous to a fault, a tireless worker, energetic, practical, resource- 

 ful, yet withal a philosopher, student and profound thinker, one to 

 whom no personal exertion was too great, who considered other 

 men's mountains as mere molehills, too small to cause the hesitation 

 of a moment, but to be surmounted quickly that the pleasant valley 

 of scientific truth lying beyond might surely be reached ; yet a man 

 considerate and forbearing to others. One we must place among 

 the great and grand historic characters. 



In 1859 he became librarian and secretary to this society, the 

 duties of which office he performed until 1885, a period of twenty- 

 six years. In 1887 he became one of its vice-presidents continuing 



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