William Leeke - Family

Family

In 1828, Leeke married Mary Ann Cox, daughter of John Cox, of Derby. Her sister Maria married George Gawler, a fellow officer of Leeke's from the 52nd Foot.

They had four sons – Edward Tucker, Henry, John Cox and Samuel – and four daughters.

Two of Leeke's sons entered the church. Edward Tucker became sub-dean of Lincoln Cathedral, and John Cox was made Bishop of Woolwich in 1905. Henry was a notable athlete, competing in the throwing events for Cambridge University, and English Amateur champion for the hammer throw. His son, Henry Alan Leeke, represented Great Britain in the throwing events at the 1908 Summer Olympics. Samuel was a barrister at Lincoln's Inn. He was called to the bar in 1873, and worked up until his death at 77 in 1925. He was known for his skill as a conveyancer and equity draftsman, and also worked successfully as an advocate, with a reputation for not losing cases. His obituary in The Times commended his "charming manner and old-world courtesy", and described him as "a fine old English gentlemen" who excited respect and affection from those who met him.

In 1863, Leeke's eldest daughter Sophia married Thomas Horsfall, MP for Liverpool; she was his third wife, and died in 1867. His daughter Jane married Edward Latham (d. 1883), housemaster of Repton School then vicar of Matlock Bath. Edward and Jane had ten children, including Jane Leeke Latham, an educationalist and missionary.

Leeke died in 1879. There is a stained glass memorial to him and his wife in St Michael's Church, Holbrooke. A street in Cambridge was named after Leeke, but has now been demolished.