Description
This collection contains the papers of American watchmaker and water-works builder
Caleb Leach (1755-1837). The majority of the collection deals with Leach’s invention, the screw auger, and his various business
ventures. There is also some material
related to Leach’s family into the beginning of the 20th century. This small collection includes business records, correspondence,
and other miscellaneous material.
Background
Watchmaker, water-works builder, and businessman Caleb Leach (1755-1837) was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1755. As
a young man, Leach
was apprenticed to a watch maker. In July 1775, Caleb served for eight months in Captain James Keith’s
company in the 28th regiment, commanded by Colonel Paul D. Sargent. He was
discharged from the Army in 1780 having served in various different regiments during the Revolutionary War.
Leach returned to Halifax, Massachusetts, as a clock/watch maker. In 1782, Caleb
married Abigail Tinkham (died 1818); they had eight children: Ebenezer (1782-1796), Abigail
(1785-1795), Caleb, Jr. (1786-), Ephraim (1788-1855), Samuel (1792-1838), Ebenezer (1797-1861), and Abigail (1802-1803).
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to
quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such
activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is
one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.