Memorial Record of Western Kentucky, Lewis Publishing Company, 1904,
pp 688-690 (portrait in document) [Caldwell]

     HON. JAMES D. LEECH.  The name of Leech has long figured
conspicuously in connection with business interests and public
affairs in Caldwell county, and the career of James D. Leech has
added to it new lustre [sic].  He was born upon his father's farm in
this county, June 27, 1854, and is a son of the late James Harvey
Leech.  His boyhood days were passed in the Fredonia valley, and he
remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-two years of
age, when he made preparations for having a home of his own by his
marriage to Miss Alice Mande Shelby, a native of Lyon county,
Kentucky.  About that time Mr. Leech purchased a farm adjoining his
father's land in Fredonia valley, and resided thereon until
September, 1885, when he purchased the old Cumberland College site,
just outside the corporation limits of the city of Princeton. 
Locating thereon, it has since been his home, and his residence and
environments are very attractive, constituting one of the beautiful
homes of the county and one of the pleasing features of the
landscape.
     Mr. Leech has largely followed in the business footsteps of his
father.  He has always owned farm lands and directed farming
interests, raising fine stock and producing excellent crops in his
fields.  Upon the death of his father in 1884 he took up his
unfinished tasks and business, and has since carried on the work. 
Like his father, he has administered numerous estates, and in all
his business relations has manifested energy, sagacity and
integrity, qualities that have placed him among the men prominent in
business affairs in Caldwell county.  For five years after the
organization of the Citizens' Bank, in 1890, Mr. Leech served as its
president.  He was then vice president of the First National Bank
until the Farmers' Bank was organized, in 1898, when he was chosen
president of the last named institution, and has since acted in that
capacity.  His capable control, his keen foresight and his sound
business judgment have been important elements in the success of
this institution, and have made it one of the leading financial concerns
in this part of the state.
     In 1891 Mr. Leech was called upon to mourn the loss of the lady
whom he wedded in his youth.  Her culture, refinement and kindly
spirit had endeared her to many friends, and she was beloved by all
who knew her.  She left two children, Helen L. and James Harvey. 
The daughter is the wife of F. L. Wilson, of Auburn, Kentucky.  In
1892 Mr. Leech was again married, his second union being with Miss
Lena Wessen, a native of Mississippi, who has since presided over
his household with grace and dignity.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Leech are
well known in social circles, and the hospitality of their own home
is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
     In politics Mr. Leech has ever been a stanch Democrat, and in
the year 1887 he was elected to the state legislature, serving for
one term with credit to himself and satisfaction to his
constituents, but his business relations have since demanded his
entire time and attention, and he has never again consented to
become a candidate for office, although always manifesting a deep
interest in political measures and public affairs.  From his youth
he has been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and in
1885 he was elected an elder of the Bethlehem organization.  To his
church and all its work he has ever been a generous contributor,
taking a deep interest in all that has pertained to the line of
moral development.  Socially he is a Royal Arch Mason, and has been
a very active and helpful member of the fraternity.  The soul of
geniality, he has a kind and cheering word for all with whom he comes in
contact, regardless of their position or station in life,
and he is to-day [sic] one of the most popular and respected
citizens of Caldwell county.

Leech Shelby Wilson Wessen
=
Lyon-KY MS

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