De Witt Clinton LEACH, Congress, MI (1822-1909)

LEACH, De Witt Clinton, a Representative from Michigan; born in Clarence, Erie County, N.Y., November 23, 1822; moved with his parents to Genesee County, Mich., in early youth; attended the common schools; taught school; located in Lansing, Mich., in 1841; editor of the Michigan State Republican several years; member of the State house of representatives in 1849 and 1850; delegate to the State constitutional convention in 1850; was present at the formation of the Republican Party at Jackson, Mich., July 6, 1854; State librarian 1855-1857; elected as a Republican to the Thirty-fifth and Thirty-sixth Congresses (March 4, 1857-March 3, 1861); was not a candidate for renomination in 1860; Indian agent for Michigan, by appointment of President Lincoln, 1861-1865; moved to Traverse City, Mich., in 1865, and published the Grand Traverse Herald for nine years; delegate to the State constitutional convention in 1867; moved to Springfield, Mo., in 1875, where he published the Patriot Advertiser; returned to Traverse City, Mich., in 1882 and published the Northwest Farmer; retired in 1902 and returned to Springfield, Mo., where he died on December 21, 1909; interment in Maple Park Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present