The son of David Leche - born in Ireland and Jane (Weakley) Leche - born in Pa.
David H. Leche was born June 2, 1825 in Baltimore, Md. He was Christened "David Harmanus Leche" on Sept. 2, 1825 at the Associated Reformed Church in Baltimore. His parents are listed as D. Leche and J. Weakley in church records.
The father; David Leche, is found in the 1850 Census living in Baltimore. His occupation is listed as "Dry Goods Store". Based on the value of property, he was quite successful.
On May 29, 1850 David H. Leche was married to Harriet Ann Sample of Paradise, Lancaster County, Pa. by Rev. P. J. (Philip Jay) Timlow. In the 1850 Census, newlyweds David H. Leche (age 25) and Harriet are living in Baltimore County in their own household. David is listed as a farmer. At this point there are no children; however, the 1850 "Slave Inhabitants in the 2nd District of Baltimore County" shows that he owned 8 slaves.
The 1850's were not kind to the Leche family of Baltimore. In 1850 David's youngest brother died at age 20. Then 1853 claimed his father David Leche Sr. and brother Thomas. In 1855 Mother Jane (Weakley) Leche passed away. Not long after this, probably in 1856, David and Harriet either sold or freed the slaves and moved to Pennsylvania.
The 1860 Census shows David H. Leeche (sic) and wife Harriett Leeche living in Gordonville, Leacock Township, Lancaster County, Pa. At this point they are the parents of Jane W. (age 9- born in Md.), David (7- Born in Md), Margaret M. (6- born in Md.), Nathaniel S. (4- born in Pa), Harriett (2- born in Pa), and Philip P. (0- born in Pa). There is also Solomon Leeche (7) living with them, who is listed after the children & was born in Delaware. This Solomon Leeche is almost certainly the orphaned son of David's brother Solomon Leche who died in 1857 and his wife Josephine (Leffingwell) Leche who passed in 1858.
Gordonville, Pa., the Leche's new home, lies the the heart of the Pequea (Peck-way) Valley in eastern Lancaster County. Only 10 miles from the town of Christiana, where in 1851 a group of runaway slaves had been protected from "Slave Hunters" in the famous "Christiana Riots". The area was a major hub in the underground railroad, and a stronghold of the Abolitonist movement. As a split of the Union over slavery and states rights became more likely in the late 1850's, Abolitionist speakers held huge rallies in this area to garner support and funding.
When the Civil War began in 1861, a Cavalry Company of 98 men and officers were raised from this area in less than a week. This Company, "The Pequea Dragoons" were then attached to the 2nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry (P.V.C.).
David H. Leche volunteered to lead these men, and was mustered in as 1st Lieutenant on October 17, 1861. On April 23, 1862 the Lancaster Examiner & Herald reported: "Promoted - Captain Brinton of the Pequea Dragoons attached to the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry has been promoted to the Majority of his Regiment, and Captain D.H. Leche succeeds him in command of the Company." It seems the official promotion never came through.
In December 1862, the 2nd P.V.C. were stationed on the southern end of the Union line guarding Washington D.C. The 17th P.V.C. had been reporting Rebel scouts in the area. On Dec. 27, a wagon train of supplies and it's escort from the 17th P.V.C. were captured. The 17th P.V.C. had only been in service for about 2 months; therefore, a detachment of the battle tested 2nd P.V.C. was sent to lead a reconnaissance.
On Dec 28, 1862, Co.D 2nd P.V.C. (the Pequea Dragoons) commanded by Capt. Charles Chauncey left camp.
Lieutenants Leche, Eckert, and Co.D took the lead position, ahead of 3 Companies of the 17th P.V.C.
The party of about 250 Union Cavalry crossed Bacon's Creek near Occoquan, Virginia. Where they were ambushed by the combined forces of General Hampton's South Carolina Cavalry and J.E.B. Stuart's Virginia Cavaliers (about 1,800 men). Lieutenant David H. Leche was killed while rallying his men.
Captain Charles Chauncey of the 2nd P.V.C. wrote in his report to headquarters - "I cannot refrain from mention of Lieutenant Leche. He fell at first fire, sword in hand, and even his enemies were impressed by his noble conduct. General Stuart inquired who he was, and praised him highly. He has died a soldiers death, and the comrades who mourn his loss recognize in him, one of the brightest examples of true courage."
Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Post #524 Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pa. was founded July 1, 1884, named "Lt. David Leche Post" in his honor. Sadly, most GAR records list Post #524 as the Lt. David Leech{sic) Post.
Glenn Benner - 2015,2017,2022, & 2023 all rights reserved
Research on Lt. David Leche, Co. D 2nd PvC, and the skirmish at Occoquan continues. If you have interest in any of these topics, please contact me!
Thank You - Glenn
David H. Leche was born June 2, 1825 in Baltimore, Md. He was Christened "David Harmanus Leche" on Sept. 2, 1825 at the Associated Reformed Church in Baltimore. His parents are listed as D. Leche and J. Weakley in church records.
The father; David Leche, is found in the 1850 Census living in Baltimore. His occupation is listed as "Dry Goods Store". Based on the value of property, he was quite successful.
On May 29, 1850 David H. Leche was married to Harriet Ann Sample of Paradise, Lancaster County, Pa. by Rev. P. J. (Philip Jay) Timlow. In the 1850 Census, newlyweds David H. Leche (age 25) and Harriet are living in Baltimore County in their own household. David is listed as a farmer. At this point there are no children; however, the 1850 "Slave Inhabitants in the 2nd District of Baltimore County" shows that he owned 8 slaves.
The 1850's were not kind to the Leche family of Baltimore. In 1850 David's youngest brother died at age 20. Then 1853 claimed his father David Leche Sr. and brother Thomas. In 1855 Mother Jane (Weakley) Leche passed away. Not long after this, probably in 1856, David and Harriet either sold or freed the slaves and moved to Pennsylvania.
The 1860 Census shows David H. Leeche (sic) and wife Harriett Leeche living in Gordonville, Leacock Township, Lancaster County, Pa. At this point they are the parents of Jane W. (age 9- born in Md.), David (7- Born in Md), Margaret M. (6- born in Md.), Nathaniel S. (4- born in Pa), Harriett (2- born in Pa), and Philip P. (0- born in Pa). There is also Solomon Leeche (7) living with them, who is listed after the children & was born in Delaware. This Solomon Leeche is almost certainly the orphaned son of David's brother Solomon Leche who died in 1857 and his wife Josephine (Leffingwell) Leche who passed in 1858.
Gordonville, Pa., the Leche's new home, lies the the heart of the Pequea (Peck-way) Valley in eastern Lancaster County. Only 10 miles from the town of Christiana, where in 1851 a group of runaway slaves had been protected from "Slave Hunters" in the famous "Christiana Riots". The area was a major hub in the underground railroad, and a stronghold of the Abolitonist movement. As a split of the Union over slavery and states rights became more likely in the late 1850's, Abolitionist speakers held huge rallies in this area to garner support and funding.
When the Civil War began in 1861, a Cavalry Company of 98 men and officers were raised from this area in less than a week. This Company, "The Pequea Dragoons" were then attached to the 2nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry (P.V.C.).
David H. Leche volunteered to lead these men, and was mustered in as 1st Lieutenant on October 17, 1861. On April 23, 1862 the Lancaster Examiner & Herald reported: "Promoted - Captain Brinton of the Pequea Dragoons attached to the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry has been promoted to the Majority of his Regiment, and Captain D.H. Leche succeeds him in command of the Company." It seems the official promotion never came through.
In December 1862, the 2nd P.V.C. were stationed on the southern end of the Union line guarding Washington D.C. The 17th P.V.C. had been reporting Rebel scouts in the area. On Dec. 27, a wagon train of supplies and it's escort from the 17th P.V.C. were captured. The 17th P.V.C. had only been in service for about 2 months; therefore, a detachment of the battle tested 2nd P.V.C. was sent to lead a reconnaissance.
On Dec 28, 1862, Co.D 2nd P.V.C. (the Pequea Dragoons) commanded by Capt. Charles Chauncey left camp.
Lieutenants Leche, Eckert, and Co.D took the lead position, ahead of 3 Companies of the 17th P.V.C.
The party of about 250 Union Cavalry crossed Bacon's Creek near Occoquan, Virginia. Where they were ambushed by the combined forces of General Hampton's South Carolina Cavalry and J.E.B. Stuart's Virginia Cavaliers (about 1,800 men). Lieutenant David H. Leche was killed while rallying his men.
Captain Charles Chauncey of the 2nd P.V.C. wrote in his report to headquarters - "I cannot refrain from mention of Lieutenant Leche. He fell at first fire, sword in hand, and even his enemies were impressed by his noble conduct. General Stuart inquired who he was, and praised him highly. He has died a soldiers death, and the comrades who mourn his loss recognize in him, one of the brightest examples of true courage."
Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Post #524 Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pa. was founded July 1, 1884, named "Lt. David Leche Post" in his honor. Sadly, most GAR records list Post #524 as the Lt. David Leech{sic) Post.
Glenn Benner - 2015,2017,2022, & 2023 all rights reserved
Research on Lt. David Leche, Co. D 2nd PvC, and the skirmish at Occoquan continues. If you have interest in any of these topics, please contact me!
Thank You - Glenn
The son of David Leche - born in Ireland and Jane (Weakley) Leche - born in Pa.
David H. Leche was born June 2, 1825 in Baltimore, Md. He was Christened "David Harmanus Leche" on Sept. 2, 1825 at the Associated Reformed Church in Baltimore. His parents are listed as D. Leche and J. Weakley in church records.
The father; David Leche, is found in the 1850 Census living in Baltimore. His occupation is listed as "Dry Goods Store". Based on the value of property, he was quite successful.
On May 29, 1850 David H. Leche was married to Harriet Ann Sample of Paradise, Lancaster County, Pa. by Rev. P. J. (Philip Jay) Timlow. In the 1850 Census, newlyweds David H. Leche (age 25) and Harriet are living in Baltimore County in their own household. David is listed as a farmer. At this point there are no children; however, the 1850 "Slave Inhabitants in the 2nd District of Baltimore County" shows that he owned 8 slaves.
The 1850's were not kind to the Leche family of Baltimore. In 1850 David's youngest brother died at age 20. Then 1853 claimed his father David Leche Sr. and brother Thomas. In 1855 Mother Jane (Weakley) Leche passed away. Not long after this, probably in 1856, David and Harriet either sold or freed the slaves and moved to Pennsylvania.
The 1860 Census shows David H. Leeche (sic) and wife Harriett Leeche living in Gordonville, Leacock Township, Lancaster County, Pa. At this point they are the parents of Jane W. (age 9- born in Md.), David (7- Born in Md), Margaret M. (6- born in Md.), Nathaniel S. (4- born in Pa), Harriett (2- born in Pa), and Philip P. (0- born in Pa). There is also Solomon Leeche (7) living with them, who is listed after the children & was born in Delaware. This Solomon Leeche is almost certainly the orphaned son of David's brother Solomon Leche who died in 1857 and his wife Josephine (Leffingwell) Leche who passed in 1858.
Gordonville, Pa., the Leche's new home, lies the the heart of the Pequea (Peck-way) Valley in eastern Lancaster County. Only 10 miles from the town of Christiana, where in 1851 a group of runaway slaves had been protected from "Slave Hunters" in the famous "Christiana Riots". The area was a major hub in the underground railroad, and a stronghold of the Abolitonist movement. As a split of the Union over slavery and states rights became more likely in the late 1850's, Abolitionist speakers held huge rallies in this area to garner support and funding.
When the Civil War began in 1861, a Cavalry Company of 98 men and officers were raised from this area in less than a week. This Company, "The Pequea Dragoons" were then attached to the 2nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry (P.V.C.).
David H. Leche volunteered to lead these men, and was mustered in as 1st Lieutenant on October 17, 1861. On April 23, 1862 the Lancaster Examiner & Herald reported: "Promoted - Captain Brinton of the Pequea Dragoons attached to the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry has been promoted to the Majority of his Regiment, and Captain D.H. Leche succeeds him in command of the Company." It seems the official promotion never came through.
In December 1862, the 2nd P.V.C. were stationed on the southern end of the Union line guarding Washington D.C. The 17th P.V.C. had been reporting Rebel scouts in the area. On Dec. 27, a wagon train of supplies and it's escort from the 17th P.V.C. were captured. The 17th P.V.C. had only been in service for about 2 months; therefore, a detachment of the battle tested 2nd P.V.C. was sent to lead a reconnaissance.
On Dec 28, 1862, Co.D 2nd P.V.C. (the Pequea Dragoons) commanded by Capt. Charles Chauncey left camp.
Lieutenants Leche, Eckert, and Co.D took the lead position, ahead of 3 Companies of the 17th P.V.C.
The party of about 250 Union Cavalry crossed Bacon's Creek near Occoquan, Virginia. Where they were ambushed by the combined forces of General Hampton's South Carolina Cavalry and J.E.B. Stuart's Virginia Cavaliers (about 1,800 men). Lieutenant David H. Leche was killed while rallying his men.
Captain Charles Chauncey of the 2nd P.V.C. wrote in his report to headquarters - "I cannot refrain from mention of Lieutenant Leche. He fell at first fire, sword in hand, and even his enemies were impressed by his noble conduct. General Stuart inquired who he was, and praised him highly. He has died a soldiers death, and the comrades who mourn his loss recognize in him, one of the brightest examples of true courage."
Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Post #524 Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pa. was founded July 1, 1884, named "Lt. David Leche Post" in his honor. Sadly, most GAR records list Post #524 as the Lt. David Leech{sic) Post.
Glenn Benner - 2015,2017,2022, & 2023 all rights reserved
Research on Lt. David Leche, Co. D 2nd PvC, and the skirmish at Occoquan continues. If you have interest in any of these topics, please contact me!
Thank You - Glenn
David H. Leche was born June 2, 1825 in Baltimore, Md. He was Christened "David Harmanus Leche" on Sept. 2, 1825 at the Associated Reformed Church in Baltimore. His parents are listed as D. Leche and J. Weakley in church records.
The father; David Leche, is found in the 1850 Census living in Baltimore. His occupation is listed as "Dry Goods Store". Based on the value of property, he was quite successful.
On May 29, 1850 David H. Leche was married to Harriet Ann Sample of Paradise, Lancaster County, Pa. by Rev. P. J. (Philip Jay) Timlow. In the 1850 Census, newlyweds David H. Leche (age 25) and Harriet are living in Baltimore County in their own household. David is listed as a farmer. At this point there are no children; however, the 1850 "Slave Inhabitants in the 2nd District of Baltimore County" shows that he owned 8 slaves.
The 1850's were not kind to the Leche family of Baltimore. In 1850 David's youngest brother died at age 20. Then 1853 claimed his father David Leche Sr. and brother Thomas. In 1855 Mother Jane (Weakley) Leche passed away. Not long after this, probably in 1856, David and Harriet either sold or freed the slaves and moved to Pennsylvania.
The 1860 Census shows David H. Leeche (sic) and wife Harriett Leeche living in Gordonville, Leacock Township, Lancaster County, Pa. At this point they are the parents of Jane W. (age 9- born in Md.), David (7- Born in Md), Margaret M. (6- born in Md.), Nathaniel S. (4- born in Pa), Harriett (2- born in Pa), and Philip P. (0- born in Pa). There is also Solomon Leeche (7) living with them, who is listed after the children & was born in Delaware. This Solomon Leeche is almost certainly the orphaned son of David's brother Solomon Leche who died in 1857 and his wife Josephine (Leffingwell) Leche who passed in 1858.
Gordonville, Pa., the Leche's new home, lies the the heart of the Pequea (Peck-way) Valley in eastern Lancaster County. Only 10 miles from the town of Christiana, where in 1851 a group of runaway slaves had been protected from "Slave Hunters" in the famous "Christiana Riots". The area was a major hub in the underground railroad, and a stronghold of the Abolitonist movement. As a split of the Union over slavery and states rights became more likely in the late 1850's, Abolitionist speakers held huge rallies in this area to garner support and funding.
When the Civil War began in 1861, a Cavalry Company of 98 men and officers were raised from this area in less than a week. This Company, "The Pequea Dragoons" were then attached to the 2nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry (P.V.C.).
David H. Leche volunteered to lead these men, and was mustered in as 1st Lieutenant on October 17, 1861. On April 23, 1862 the Lancaster Examiner & Herald reported: "Promoted - Captain Brinton of the Pequea Dragoons attached to the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry has been promoted to the Majority of his Regiment, and Captain D.H. Leche succeeds him in command of the Company." It seems the official promotion never came through.
In December 1862, the 2nd P.V.C. were stationed on the southern end of the Union line guarding Washington D.C. The 17th P.V.C. had been reporting Rebel scouts in the area. On Dec. 27, a wagon train of supplies and it's escort from the 17th P.V.C. were captured. The 17th P.V.C. had only been in service for about 2 months; therefore, a detachment of the battle tested 2nd P.V.C. was sent to lead a reconnaissance.
On Dec 28, 1862, Co.D 2nd P.V.C. (the Pequea Dragoons) commanded by Capt. Charles Chauncey left camp.
Lieutenants Leche, Eckert, and Co.D took the lead position, ahead of 3 Companies of the 17th P.V.C.
The party of about 250 Union Cavalry crossed Bacon's Creek near Occoquan, Virginia. Where they were ambushed by the combined forces of General Hampton's South Carolina Cavalry and J.E.B. Stuart's Virginia Cavaliers (about 1,800 men). Lieutenant David H. Leche was killed while rallying his men.
Captain Charles Chauncey of the 2nd P.V.C. wrote in his report to headquarters - "I cannot refrain from mention of Lieutenant Leche. He fell at first fire, sword in hand, and even his enemies were impressed by his noble conduct. General Stuart inquired who he was, and praised him highly. He has died a soldiers death, and the comrades who mourn his loss recognize in him, one of the brightest examples of true courage."
Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Post #524 Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pa. was founded July 1, 1884, named "Lt. David Leche Post" in his honor. Sadly, most GAR records list Post #524 as the Lt. David Leech{sic) Post.
Glenn Benner - 2015,2017,2022, & 2023 all rights reserved
Research on Lt. David Leche, Co. D 2nd PvC, and the skirmish at Occoquan continues. If you have interest in any of these topics, please contact me!
Thank You - Glenn
Inscription
In Memory Of
Lieut. DAVID H. LECHE
Co.D 2nd Reg. Pennsylvania Cavalry
born in Baltimore, Md. June 2, 1825. He fell in the service of his country at Bacon's Creek near Accoquan. Dec 28, 1862 in the 38th year of his life.
He was a devoted husband and a dedicated father. A good man.
I have fought the good fight. I have stayed the course. I have kept the faith. Hence forth there is laid up for me a path of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all that love His appearance. (2nd Timothy chapter 4: verse 7-8)
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