JAMES LEAH 1866-1926
FILICIDE: The Murder of one's Child
On the 25th September 1926, James Leah, a farmer had quarrelled with his family, after which his wife and one of his daughter's had left the farm.
The next day, 26th September 1926, at Finlow Farm, Over Alderley in Cheshire, another daughter Louie aged 20 was making preparations to also leave, when she was confronted by her father, who demanded to know if she, too, was going. When she replied in the affirmative, Leah flew into a rage and struck her down with a hedge cutter, inflicting terrible injuries about the neck and face. Louie was able to stagger 300 yards to Dickens farm, occupied by her sister and brother-in-law, where she collapsed into her sister's arms, she was taken to hospital but died later the same day.
James Leah was found hidden in a hay-rick with a self inflicted wound to his throat, he too was taken to the infirmary, where he was later arrested for the murder of his daughter.
The next day, 26th September 1926, at Finlow Farm, Over Alderley in Cheshire, another daughter Louie aged 20 was making preparations to also leave, when she was confronted by her father, who demanded to know if she, too, was going. When she replied in the affirmative, Leah flew into a rage and struck her down with a hedge cutter, inflicting terrible injuries about the neck and face. Louie was able to stagger 300 yards to Dickens farm, occupied by her sister and brother-in-law, where she collapsed into her sister's arms, she was taken to hospital but died later the same day.
James Leah was found hidden in a hay-rick with a self inflicted wound to his throat, he too was taken to the infirmary, where he was later arrested for the murder of his daughter.
Tried at the Cheshire Assizes on the 27th October 1926, Leah's defence was that he was so worried and grieved over the fact that his family had left him that he did not really know what he was doing. Found guilty with a recommendation to mercy, Leah was sentenced to death.
Leah had been so ill he spent his time awaiting execution in the Walton Prison Hospital Wing, and was removed overnight to the condemned cell. He was executed on the 16th November 1926 at Walton Prison, Liverpool, in the County of Lancashire.
Executioner Thomas Pierrepoint, assisted by Lionel Mann. He was given a drop of 6ft 8ins.
Leah had been so ill he spent his time awaiting execution in the Walton Prison Hospital Wing, and was removed overnight to the condemned cell. He was executed on the 16th November 1926 at Walton Prison, Liverpool, in the County of Lancashire.
Executioner Thomas Pierrepoint, assisted by Lionel Mann. He was given a drop of 6ft 8ins.
James Leah was born in 1866 at Hough, Bollin Fee, Altrincham, in the County of Cheshire, the son of William a Hay-dealer and farmer of six acres, and his wife Sarah.
James, also a Hay-dealer and farmer, married Margaret Ford on the 31st August 1884 at the Parish Church, Prestbury in Cheshire. James and Margaret had 12 children:
James, also a Hay-dealer and farmer, married Margaret Ford on the 31st August 1884 at the Parish Church, Prestbury in Cheshire. James and Margaret had 12 children:
- James Leah 1885-1961, was born on the 19th March at Mottram St Andrew in the County of Cheshire, a farmer, who married Mary Ellen Morris 1884-1963, in 1911. James Leah of 2 Tyler Street, Alderley Edge, in Cheshire, died 3rd July 1961. Probate 4th October to The District Bank Limited. £2458 10s., 1d.
- Margaret Leah 1886-1939, born at Mottram St Andrew, in Cheshire, she married Jesse Leah the 18th December 1912, at Chorley in Cheshire.
- William Leah 1888- born at Mottram St Andrew, in Cheshire, a waggoner on a farm.
- Annie Leah 1893- born at Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire.
- Arthur Lean 1895-1969, born on the 25th September, at Alderley in the County of Cheshire. A farmer, who married Emily Violet Ward 1894-1969, in 1921, a son was born later that year.
- John Leah 1899-1944, born at Alderley in Cheshire, he married Elsie Peach in 1929. John Leah of Findlow Farm Alderley Edge Cheshire died 27th July 1944. Probate 7th November to Elsie Leah widow and James Leah farmer. Effects £1546 4s.
- Emma Elizabeth Leah 1900-1968 born the 27th June 1900, at Alderley in Cheshire, Emma married Reginald Burns 1903-1949 a farmer in 1927, they had two daughters.
- Elsie Leah 1902 born on the 16th March at Alderley in Cheshire, Elsie married Frank Holland in 1928.
- Gertrude Alice Leah 1903-1994, born 29th October at Alderley in Cheshire, married George C Yates in 1930.
- Louie Leah 1906-1926, Killed by her father, on the 26th September 1926, at Finlow Farm, Over Alderley in Cheshire.
James and Sarah had two more children, that died in infancy.
James Leah, parents were William Leah 1820-1895, the son of Thomas and Ann, William married Sarah Brocklehurst 1828-1897, in 1849 at St Mary's Church, Alderley in Cheshire, Sarah was baptised on the 11th May 1828 at Alderley the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Brocklehurst.
William and Sarah had nine children, James being the youngest.
William and Sarah had nine children, James being the youngest.