Who were Leake and Watts?

Leake and Watts Services, Inc. was founded as the Leake and Watts Orphan House in 1831 by John Watts, Jr. in honor of the desire and bequest of his friend, John George Leake (1752-1827).  John George Leake was a wealthy New York lawyer who passed away without any heirs. John Watts, Jr. (1749-1836) was speaker of the New York assembly for three terms, a member of Congress for two terms, and Judge of Westchester County at the end of his career.  The Leake and Watts Orphan House was founded in response to the rise in urban poverty and reduction of public welfare aid for children in the 1820’s and 30’s.

Our organization is pleased to honor our rich history with the name Leake & Watts. Our founders, John George Leake and John Watts, Jr.,  would be proud to know that their legacy and desire to serve those in need lives on 180 years later.