New Ulm, Austin County
(May 16, 1806-October 21, 1887) Born along the Czech-Moravian border, Josef Lidumil Leshikar received early training as a tailor. During the revolution of 1848, he became a spokesman for political freedom in his homeland. In 1853 he led a group of immigrants to the new Czech settlements in Austin county. Always opposed to slavery, Leshikar spoke out against secession and Civil War in articles he wrote for Czech and U.S. newspapers. Lesikar married Terezie Silar (1808-1884) and had four sons. Recorded - 1985