He attended the common schools; moved to Ohio in 1816 and settled in Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio where he studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1821 and commenced practice in Steubenville.
[1] Leadbetter was commissioned captain of the Second Company, Third Regiment, Sixth Division, Ohio Militia, in 1821.
He was commissioned quartermaster of the Fourth Division of the Ohio Militia in 1831, and was county recorder 1831–1836.
He resumed the practice of his profession; also engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock raising.
He died in Millersburg, Ohio, on February 26, 1870; interment in Oak Hill Cemetery.