Leonard Sefing was born on June 17, 1838 at Nononroth, Kreis Dieburg, Grossherzogthum Hessen, Germany. He was the son of Herman and Anna (nee Conrad) Sefing and came to this country in 1854 with his mother. Shortly after arriving here he became a teacher in a German school in Weisenberg Township. Later he took up bricklaying and contracting and followed that profession for over fifty years, during which time he erected what are now some of Allentown's most famous landmarks, including the' Breinig and Bachman building, the Stiles building, Grand Central Hotel (now Hess Brothers), the Nagle building, the Lyric Theatre, the Academy of Music, the power house at South Allentown and numerous others.

He was one of the charter members of St. Michael's Lutheran church and was assistant superintendent of the Sunday school for over twenty-five years. For twenty years he had been a trustee of the Lutheran Orphans' Home at Germantown, Philadelphia, and as trustee made trips to that institution at regular monthly intervals. He took great pride and interest in this institution and was known to all its inmates as the "Egg Uncle" by reason of the fact that he had always supplied them with eggs, which he secured by solicitation and forwarded to them regularly. His interest in this institution dated from a time when he made a visit there and one of the little orphans put his aims around his neck. This made such an impression on him that he was forever after a staunch friend of the many inmates there and they looked forward to his visits with keen anticipation.

He was prominently identified with Allentown's municipal affairs during his lifetime, having been a member of common council for a number of years, tax collector in the Tenth ward for five years, and inspector of the first asphalt pavement put down in the city. At the time of his death he was superintendent of the Union and West End cemetery, which position he had held for a number of years.

His wife died on July 10, 1897, and on June 20. 1901, he was again married to Ellen Maria Focht, who survives him at the family residence, 1010 Chew Street. He had been a member of Vienna Lodge, No. 847, I. O. O. F,, and Franklin Chamber, No. 9, Order of Knights of Friendship. Mr. Seflng died Jan. 18, 1912.

He was married on June 8, 1862, to Abby Helena Sauer of this union there were eight children.