Contra Costa County Biography

CLAUDE R. LEECH M. D.

Transcribed by Sally Kaleta, December, 2006.

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 
Noteworthy among the able and skillful physicians of Contra Costa County is 
Doctor Claude R. Leech, who during his twenty years of residence in Walnut Creek 
has built up an excellent practice. He was born in Pennsylvania, September 8, 
1868, his parents being Thomas and Margaret (Reznor) Leech.
Doctor Leech's father was one of the representative agriculturalists in his 
locality, and his death occurred in 1884. His mother died in 1906. There were 
seven children born in the parent's family. At the age of seventeen. Dr. Leech 
came to California. He acquired his education in the public and high schools of 
Oakland, after which he attended the University of California and the Cooper 
Medical Institute, graduating from the medical class of the latter in 1894. In 
1895 he began the practice of his profession in Oakland with gratifying success. 
In 1897 he removed to Walnut Creek, where he has since remained. Doctor Leech is 
a stalwart Republican. He has served on the Walnut Creek school  board for a 
number of years. He is health officer in Walnut Creek, holding this office for 
some years. His study and research work has been a decided help to humanity in 
the prevention of disease in this locality. He is a member of the county and 
State medical societies. On February 9, 1896, Dr. Leech was united in marriage 
to Miss Eva Berry, a native of Minnesota. Fraternally, Doctor Leech is a member 
of the Masonic Lodge of Walnut Creek and is loyal to its teachings, which he 
exemplifies in his life. In matters of citizenship he manifests a progressive 
and public-spirited interest. His professional duties are constantly growing in 
volume and importance. Mrs. Leech is an active member of the Eastern Star. 
 
Source: "The History of  Contra Costa County, California," Elms Publ. Co., 1917, 
p. 543.