Henry W. Leete, president and manager of the Rowland Machine Company of New Haven, was born in Guilford, Connecticut, May 17, 1856, and after mastering the elementary branches of learning taught in the Guilford district schools he was graduated from the high school of that place. He started upon his business career as an apprentice to I. S. Spencer's Sons, with whom he remained for nine years, learning the machinist's trade and gaining expert skill along that line. On the 30th of May, 1880, he entered the employ of F. C. and A. E. Rowland in the capacity of foreman. He afterward became superintendent and when the business was reorganized in 1906 he was made president of the Rowland Machine Company. His association with the business covers thirty-seven years and since Mr. Leete assumed the presidency there has been a steady increase in the business, which now employs from fifty to sixty men, while ninety per cent of the product is sold in the city.
     In 1882 Mr. Leete was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Prout. They hold membership in the Episcopal church and Mr. Leete belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also has membership in the National Metal Trades Association and in the Credit Men's Association of New Haven. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and while interested in its success he never seeks nor desires office, preferring to concentrate his efforts upon his business affairs. He early showed conspicuously the traits of character that have made his life a successful one. In his first position he performed all the duties that devolved upon him, however humble and however small the recompense might be, conscientiously and ably and the same qualities have characterized all of his later activities. Since becoming one of the proprietors of the business his strict integrity, business conservatism and judgment have been so uniformly recognized that he has enjoyed public confidence to a notable degree and into his interests he has, moreover, infused the spirit of modern day progress and enterprise that has resulted in notable progress within the last few years