Thomas Leech was born at Leech's Corners June 10, 1828, and died in the
spring of 1884. Thomas was both farmer and merchant and one of the first to sell
goods at Leech's Corners. He served four years as a commissioner for Mercer
County. His grandfather, Joseph Leech, was one of the pioneers of Mercer County.
Leech's corners was founded by John Leech, a soldier in the War of 1812, a
member of the state legislature, and for over thirty years a justice of the
peace. A post office called Salem was established at this post office in March
1832. Its first postmaster was William Leech. A church, school, grist mill and
sawmill stood here, along with numerous businesses. An early map displayed in
Mercer County Historical Society pinpoints the sites of Reznor residences and
Hotel Reznor.
Margaret Reznor married Thomas Leech October 1848.
Son Ira Leech attended common schools and learned carpentry. He engaged in
contracting and building at Greenville until 1902, when he became a partner with
Joseph Riley in a lumber business. Ira was a councilman four years and served
two terms on the school board, of which he was president. He married Valzera
Christy April 30 1884. She was born in Hempfield Twp 30 December 1858. Her
parents were James W. and Mary (Thompson) Christy. The Christys were pioneers in
Mercer County. A Christy ancestor served as a scout during the Revolutionary
War.
Twentieth Century History of Mercer County, 1909 |