The Dr. Leech House

— Herbert Hoover National Historic Site —

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015

1. The Dr. Leech House Marker

Inscription.
Dr. L.J. Leech opened a medical practice in West Branch in 1882 and practiced here for the next 55 years. For many years he lived in the house one door to the north. In 1920 he moved to this home and lived here until his death in 1937. At his funeral, a message from former President Hoover praised Dr. Leech’s long and useful life and his loyalty to his neighbors.

This home has been preserved because it is in harmony with and contributes to the historic scene.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #31 Herbert Hoover series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 41° 40.244′ N, 91° 20.791′ W. Marker was in West Branch, Iowa, in Cedar County. It was on Downey Street south of Wetherell Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: West Branch IA 52358, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker was in Eastern Iowa. It was also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Leech House (here, next to this marker); Varney House (here, next to this marker); Laban Miles House (a few steps from this marker); C.E. Smith House (a few steps from this marker); Garvin House (within shouting distance of this marker); A President's Rural Roots (within shouting distance of this marker); Explore Historic Downtown (within shouting distance of this marker); A World of Opportunity (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Branch.

Other markers no longer nearby. The Laban Miles House (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Hannah Varney House (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015

2. The Dr. Leech House Marker

another marker now near it); a different marker also named The C.E. Smith House (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Amanda Garvin Cottage (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. Marker has been removed and replaced with a different one. (#162610)

Also see . . . Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. (Submitted on August 26, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

The Dr. Leech House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2015

3. The Dr. Leech House

Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 579 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on December 15, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 26, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.