Nathan Leonard
1832-1917. City engineer for Iowa City, math and astronomy professor when the university opened for good in 1860 and considered a gifted teacher, he provided a long, steady influence on university growth, serving twice as acting president. With a near photographic memory, he represents the important early faculty often overshadowed by “superstars” Samuel Calvin and Gustavus Hinrichs. He was dismissed in 1887 after “wets” in Iowa’s legislature extracted agreement to that end since he headed the Temperance Society of Iowa City. He subsequently edited the Ft. Wayne Gazette for a decade, and served as president of Montana State.