Memorial Record of Western Kentucky, Lewis Publishing Company, 1904, pp 684-687 (portrait in document) [Caldwell] HON. JAMES H. LEECH. One of the most successful business men ever connected with the interests of Caldwell county, and one of the most distinguished and honored citizens that has ever resided within its borders, no history of this section of the state would be complete without definite and extended mention of the Hon. James Harvey Leech. He was born in Livingston county, Kentucky, on the 15th of October, 1824, and died while serving in the house of representatives of the state legislature, April 3, 1884. His parents were James C. and Malinda (Glenn) Leech. His father was a native of Rockridge county, Virginia, and was of Scotch lineage, while the mother's birth occurred in Lyon county, Kentucky. Her parents were of an old North Carolina family, who became early settlers of the west portion of this state. James C. Leech was a pioneer resident of Livingston county, Kentucky, prominent and influential in public affairs, and for many years he efficiently served as high sheriff of the county. By occupation he was a farmer, and gained an enviable reputation as an honorable business man. He possessed strong force of character, was active in church work, and from an early date in the history of the Cumberland Presbyterian church until his death was one of its faithful, consistent and helpful members. His home in pioneer days was often the scene of church meetings, and was always the place of entertainment for the ministers of the denomination. His death occurred at Smithland, and subsequently his estimable wife followed him to the great beyond, passing away in the city of Paducah. Such worthy and esteemed people were the parents of James Harvey Leech, and thus he was reared in a good Christian home, amid refining influences, and was trained not only in religious faith, but also was taught lessons of energy, perseverance and integrity. Although he began life for himself under discouraging financial circumstances, his home training and the innate force of his character and the excellent qualities of his heart and mind made possible the successful career which he entered upon. His first business venture was in steamboating, and this proved a failure, but fate was kinder to him in later life, and his marked ability enabled him to gain a prominent position in financial circles. He was married on the 15th of October, 1850, to Miss Elizabeth Glenn, who still survives her husband, and is now in her seventy-fifth year, making her home with her only son, James D. Leech. She was born and reared in Caldwell county, Kentucky, and has spent the greater part of her life here. It was in 1852 that Mr. Leech left his native county and established his home upon a farm in Caldwell county, about six or seven miles from the county seat, there entering upon a prosperous career as an agriculturist. He ever afterward continued to reside upon the homestead farm, and as he prospered his business affairs multiplied, and his excellent management inspired his fellow citizens with confidence in his ability and worth. They frequently sought his advice and his aid in business affairs, and, recognizing his ability for leadership, also called him to public office. For years he was public administrator for his county and commissioner of the poor, and the excellent manner in which he conducted the vast amount of business that claimed his attention as administrator of hundreds of estates and as guardian of scores of children is attested by the fact that he was never engaged in litigation in any court for a single matter of business that came to him in this way. He was always prompt, accurate and willing to give an account of the matter which he held in trust, and no none was ever defrauded of a single dollar through any act of his. In 1881, in accordance with the express desire of his fellow citizens, he became a candidate for the seat in the lower house of the state legislature, and, winning the nomination of the Democratic party, was elected to that office, where he served so acceptably that in two years he was re-elected without opposition, either in party or in the Republican party. In accepting this office he merely obeyed the call of his fellow citizens, who recognized in him a man of worth and one well qualified to discharge the duties that devolve upon the legislators. In the general assembly his influence, as in other walks of life, was strongly felt, and he left a deep impress upon the laws of the state enacted during that period. All who knew him recognized in him a man of excellent business ability, a citizen of unquestioned loyalty and a friend who was ever faithful. While he was serving his second term in the legislature death claimed him. Many were the marks of respect showed to his memory by his fellow legislators upon the occasion of his death and burial, a large number of both branches of the legislature accompanying his remains to the place of burial in Caldwell county, and fitting resolutions were passed and eulogies of praise to his memory were recorded. The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Leech was ideal, a most congenial relationship ever existing between husband and wife. They were long members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. with which Mrs. Leech is still identified. Mr. Leech made a profession of religion and joined the Bethlehem Cumberland Presbyterian church in the year 1852. In 1854 he was ordained as a ruling elder, and was elected clerk of the session in 1859. He loved his church and the cause of Christ, and was ever devoted to its welfare and promotion. He possessed a cool and reflective mind rather than an impetuous disposition, and was a man of the strictest integrity and lived an exemplary and upright life. Whether in public or private life, he discharged every duty as became a loyal follower of the church. He was also true to the teachings of the Masonic fraternity. His memory is enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him, while his influence remains as a blessed benediction to those who were closely associated with him in the active affairs of life. Leech Glenn = Livingston-KY Rockridge-VA Lyon-KY NC McCracken-KY http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/caldwell/leech.jh.txt