James W. and Lena Leeth Family pg. 218

by Clinton Leeth

James W. better known as Bill Leeth, was born at Olin on January 7, 1884, to J. J. and Ella Leeth. He was the third child in a family of fifteen brothers and sisters. On December 26, 1902, he married Lena Baker at Hamilton. Lena was the daughter of Hampton and Mamie Cavett Baker. Hampton M. Baker was a native of Dyersburg, Tennessee, and Mamie Cavett was a native of Missouri.

Bill Leeth farmed and ran a blacksmith shop in the Fairy Community and operated an early day grain thresher until 1921. At this time, he bacame a partner with his father in a cotton gin in Hico, which they operated until about 1950. By this time, the cotton industry had deteriorated to the extent that ginning was no longer profitable, and also by this time, the combine had eliminated the old style threshing machine.

The following children were born to this union: Charley H. Leeth (Deceased)- married Lois Morgan; J. B. Leeth - never married ; Clinton Leeth-married Hattie Mae Gray; Irene Leeth married- Jack Chapman; Ray Leeth- married Viola Bru; Helen Leeth (Deceased)-married Clayton Barbee; Doris Leeth-married Aubrey Johnson (Deceased); Raymond Leeth (Deceased)-married Margaret Martinez.

At the time of this writing, there are fourteen grandchildren and probably a number of great grandchildren. There is a number of college degrees, especially in the educational field. Two are: Dr. James C. Leeth, Ph.D., Texas A&M University, Professor in Industrial Education at Tarleton State University, Dr. Bennie M. Leeth, Ph.D from Texas A&M University in Industrial Education and Career Counseling. They are both sons of the late Charley and Mrs. Lois Morgan Leeth of Hico.

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James Wilie "Bill" Leeth was a retired cotton gin operator. Born in Hamilton County, he moved to Hico in 1921. His wife preceded him in death. Survived by two daughters - Mrs. Doris Johnson, Mrs. Irene Chapman; four sons - C.H., Clinton, J.B., and Roy W. Leeth; five sisters - Mrs. A.A. Brown, Mrs. Oscar Sorley, Mrs. Udie Reesing, Mrs. Mamie Appleby, Mrs. Leila McAnelly; two brothers - N.A. and V.R. Leeth; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren.

Hico News Review

March 8, 1968