Representative Louis Josiah Leech View All Years

HONORABLE LOUIS JOSIAH LEECH

MR. SPEAKER: Your committee, appointed to prepare suitable resolutions commemorating the life, character and public service of the Honorable Louis Josiah Leech, member of the Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth and Thirty-first General Assemblies of Iowa, begs leave to submit the following:

Louis Josiah Leech was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, August 3, 1846. At the age of nine he came with his parents to Iowa, locating in the vicinity of West Branch, where he has since resided.

With the outbreak of the Civil War he determined to serve his country, although still a youth. In January, 1863, he enlisted at Davenport in Company B, Second Iowa Cavalry. During the war he participated in many battles, among them the battles of Oxford, Franklin, and Nashville, Tennessee, and saw service as far south as Mobile, Alabama. He was mustered out at Taladaga, Alabama, October 15, 1865.

On August 15, 1868, he was united in marriage with Ruth Anna Whitacre. Two sons, Oliver J. and Albert M., were born, Oliver dying November 24, 1903, at the age of thirty-four years. Mrs. Leech passed away September 3, 1888.

At the close of the war he farmed a short time, then entered the State University of Iowa to study medicine and received his diploma in 1882, locating in his home town, and practicing continuously there since that time, until his death.

He was married to Miss Lydia R. Thomas, July 12, 1893, and she, with his son Bert, survive him.

Dr. Leech served for many years on the local school board, the town council and as mayor. He also served in the Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth, and Thirty-first General Assemblies of Iowa. For many years he was interested in the work of the Grand Army of the Republic, and at the Sixtieth Annual Encampment, held at Des Moines in 1934, he was elected Department Commander of Iowa, an honor which he greatly appreciated.

Few men have given to their community the service, in different ways, which Dr. Leech contributed to West Branch. He ushered into this vale of tears many hundreds, and to many of them was a lifelong physician and friend, and a comforter as they made their earthly exit. He was beloved by many, and a splendid tribute was paid by the people of his own and nearby communities when four thousand met on the school grounds a few years ago, to help him celebrate his birthday, and to let him know while he lived, the honor in which he was held.

Dr. and Mrs. Leech were attending the National Encampment of the G. A. R. at Madison, Wisconsin, in September, 1937, where he fell on the state capitol steps, fracturing his right knee. He was taken to a hospital, but never recovered, passing away on the morning of September 22nd, having reached an age little in excess of ninety-one years.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, That in the passing of Louis J. Leech, the state has lost a valuable citizen and a man of character and generosity.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House, and the Chief Clerk be instructed to send an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

GORDON SMITH,

E. A. JOHNSON,

F. A. LATCHAW,

Committee.

Unanimously adopted, April 12, 1939.