JOHN LEIBY (LESLIE COMBS) HOUSE

N.E. Corner High and Upper Sts., Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
Built 1805

Source: Old Houses of Lexington, C. Frank Dunn, typescript, n.d., copy located in the Kentucky Room, Lexington (Kentucky) Public Library.

Built by John Leiby in 1805, (1806 directory: "John Leiby, brickmaker, High St.") this substantial old house has had a most interesting history.

Leiby bought the corner lot "part of In-lot No. 60" on February 19, 1805, from Thos. Moore and James Maccoun for 115 pounds. It was "66 feet on High St. and extended back 90 feet."

He sold the house late in 1807 to Robert Miller, who conveyed it at a profit March 21, 1809, to Samuel and George Trotter.

The Trotters rented the house during the next twenty years. Capt. Leslie Combs, who married Miss Margaret, daughter of George Trotter, Sr., May 19, 1818, spent his "honeymoon" here.

In 1820 the following ad appeared in the Public Advertiser announcing the opening of a fine academy in this house:

"SELECT SCHOOL

"For Young Ladies

"At the corner of Hill and Upper streets, opposite Richard Higgins's Esq., and lately occupied by Capt. Leslie Combs

"Mrs. GRACE

"HAVING KEPT an Academy of the first respectability both in Charleston and Augusta, in which cities she has been favored with the approbation of the public, is encouraged to form an establishment on a similar plan in Lexington. From her experience and assiduity in the instruction of young ladies, she indulges in the pleasing hope, of meriting the patronage of those Ladies, who may be pleased to confide the education of their daughters to her care. The greatest attention shall be paid to their morals and manners; and the young ladies taught to Read, Write and Speak with accuracy and elegance.

"The branches of tuition embraced in this Academy, will be English and French, taught Grammatically; History, Chronology, Geography and the use of the Globes and Maps; Chemistry, Arithmetic, Writing, Composition, Fancy Needle Work and Embroidery. The number of pupils will be limited to thirty. A few boarders can be accommodated.

"Terms will be moderate, and made known on application.

"Music, Dancing and Drawing Masters (if required) will give regular attendance at the Academy.

"Lexington, August 30, 1820."

In a partition of the real estate of S. & G. Trotter by surviving partners and heirs, in March, 1829, this "brick house and a frame at the intersection of Upper and High Sts., opposite the residence of Richard Higgins" went to Eliza (Trotter) Hall and her husband, Rev. Nathan H. Hall; John P. Trotter and Pamela A. Trotter, his wife, and George James Trotter. (Reverend Hall was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church from 1823 to 1846). They sold it June 6, 1831, to John C. Richardson, M.D., and Samuel B. Richardson, "who razed the frame building and built the brick house adjoining the "Leiby House."

The following ad in the Kentucky Gazette October 30, 1829, showed that the occupant of the house at that time was Mrs. Murdock:

"FOR SALE: A two-story brick house on High St. Well situated for a family residence, in the present occupation of Mrs. Murdock. Also, all that block of Buildings commencing at the house occupied by Mr. Johnson at the corner of Main and Limestone streets and extending up Limestone street to the corner house occupied by Mr. Benjamin Bruce. For terms apply at this office."

The ad obviously was inserted by the Trotter heirs. The latter property is explained in "Trotter's Block" in these tours.

Rev. Nathan Hall and wife, before removing to the country, probably had been living here a few years before. A local newspaper __ July 1825, announced "Miss Florida Pope, eldest daughter of (Sen.) John Pope, of Washington County, died at the Lexington residence of Rev. Mr. Hall."

Dr. J.C. Richardson in November, 1838, traded the adjoining building to James Royle, owner of the old Royle factory on Town Branch, for a farm. (1838 Directory: "James Royle, woolen manufacturer, 3 and 5 E. High St.")

He rented his corner house to "Dr. Paulding, 1 E. High St." but had his office in a brick building he had built in the rear of it. (1838 Directory: "J.O. Richardson, physician and surgeon, S. Upper St. above Water St., boards at Lexington Hotel.") The latter building, now occupied by a grocery, was long known as "Dr. Richardson's office.

Royal traded for the house "Bells Grove farm, 49 acres, valued at $7,400."

During the war (noted in 1859-60, 1864-5 and 1867 Directories) Otho A. Reynolds, grandson of the famous Aaron Reynolds, of Bryan Station and Blue Licks' fame, lived here with his family. His sons, Charles, Frank W.B. and Will were well known to the elder present generation.

James Harkins, of Harkins, Baxter & Co., also lived at the "Northeast corner High and Upper Sts.," in the 1860's, the directory shows.

Transcribed by Pam Brinegar, March 2000

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