My Genealogy Hound

W. T. LECKIE, an enterprising business man and popular resident of Dowagiac, Cass County, Mich., is profitably engaged in the jewelry trade, handling in his store a full line of goods suited to the demands of his locality. Mr. Leckie is a native, of the city of Detroit and was born October 4, 1867. He was the only child of his parents, John F. and Margaret (Nevin) Leckie. The father was a native of Scotland, but the paternal grandparents, early realizing the broader opportunities offered to their children in the land of promise beyond the sea, determined to emigrate to America, and came with their sons and daughters to this country when John Leckie was only a child. The Leckies at first located in Ontario, Canada, but later removed to Detroit, settling in that part of the United States in about the year 1859. By profession the father of our subject was a mechanical engineer. He had enjoyed an excellent practical education and was also thoroughly versed in all the requirements of his profession. The mother’s family, the Nevins, were long-time residents of the Empire State, and were among the leading and most highly respected citizens of New York. Our subject was but a little lad of five years of age when he made his home in Jackson, Mich., living with an uncle, and, as soon as old enough, attending the excellent public schools of the city. He received a good practical education and was yet in early youth when he learned the jeweler’s trade with G. G. Case, a leading merchant of Jackson. Mr. Leckie subsequently worked at his trade in Greenville, Michigan City and Jackson. In May, 1892, he settled permanently in Dowagiac, and opened the business which he now successfully conducts. During the comparatively brief time of his residence in his present locality, Mr. Leckie has identified himself with the social and business interests of the city, and is already numbered among the public-spirited citizens of the county. Politically, he is a sturdy Democrat, and, well posted in local and national affairs, is thoroughly devoted to the interests of the party. A young man of earnest purpose, fully alive to the needs of the hour, he realizes the importance of local progress and improvement, and is ever ready to assist in all matters of mutual welfare.

Mr. Leckie is fraternally associated with various societies, being a member of Masonic Lodge No. 214, at Dowagiac, and the National Union, of Dowagiac. He is also a valued member of Jackson Lodge, K. P., and is also connected with the Uniformed Rank of that order in Jackson. Our subject is likewise a member of Camp No. 1167, M. W. A., at Dowagiac, and affiliates with the Knights of the Maccabees at Dowagiac. Well and favorably known in these orders, and a young man of excellent business attainment and high social position, Mr. Leckie, already occupying with ability a position of usefulness and influence, has a bright future before him, and, true to his past record, cannot fail to win the battle of life.