He was living at Lot 32, Con 5 in the directory of Erin Township in 1837 as was a James Leeson, most likely his father.

There was an Ann Leeson living with the family at the time of the 1861 census, born in Ireland aged 70.  Most likely this is John's mother.  In the 1901 census, it says he immigrated from Ireland in 1841.  He was widowed, aged 88 at the time of his death.

John's age was given as 47 in the 1881 census for Erin.  There is a Mansford, aged 8 living with the family.

Jan.20, 1921 Orangeville Banner, p.3:John Leeson - The death of Mr. John Leeson, an old resident of Erin Township, took place at his home near Orton on Friday, January 14th, at the ripe age of 88 years. Deceased, who was the youngest of a family of seven stalwart sons, was born in Ireland, but came to Canada with his parents when a lad of seven years. The family settled on what is now known as the Leeson homestead in Erin, where the subject of our sketch has resided for 81 years. The late Mr. Leeson was a man of large frame and unusual physical strength. Even, in his declining years his large stature would attract more than passing notice anywhere. He was a successful farmer, a man of warm, kindly heart and a neighbor who was always ready to do a good turn if it was in his power. His passing will be ?enly regretted by many old friends. He was identified with the Anglican church and was pronounced Conservative in his political convictions. His wife died about ten years ago and his loss will be mourned by the following family: - Mrs. W.R. Carmichael, Wiste, Alta., Mrs. Wm H. Donaghy, 12th line., East Garafraxa; Mrs. J .W. Hoare, The Maples; Misses Susannah and Clara and one son, John, living on the homestead. Despite the inclemency of the weather there was a large attendance of the people of the neighborhood at the funeral, which was held to Price Corner's Cemetery in East Garafraxa on Sunday afternoon. Rev. Mr. Atkinson conducted the services and Messrs. Norman Deering, Geo. Cox, James Nevills, James Armstrong, Dan McGill and David Jestin were the pallbearers. The floweres included a pillow from the family at home, a sheaf from Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Hoare and sprays from Mrs. Donaghy and The Maples Women's Institute.

Surrogate Court Registor Books Volume Z -- Jan. 1919 - Feb. 1921 -- Erin Twp, Wellington Co.
FHC film # 1435790Leeson, John of Erin Twp Daughter: Clara V. Leeson, Erin Twp Daughter: Emma Jane Hoare, East Garafraxa Twp, Dufferin Co., Married Woman Daughter: Annie Carmichael Daughter: Elizabeth Donaghy Son: John Leeson Daughter: Susannah Leeson Farmer