Bucknell University - L Agenda Yearbook (Lewisburg, PA)

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David Porter Leas. « « THE I ' niversity has ever been fortunate in having had associated with its management men of sound business judgment and of keen financial foresight. The office of treasurer on the board of trustees has always been filled by men with wide business experience. The name of David Porter Leas has been closely associated with the financial manage- ment of the University for nearly two decades. In all that time he has been a tower of strength on the board of trustees, and he has ever stood ready upon all occasions, not only in giving his services as a labor of love, to his Alma Mater, but lie has also assisted substantially, in all movements looking toward the progress and development of the institution, especially those movements which had for their object the placing of the University upon a firmer financial basis. Mr. Leas has been liberal in all things per- taining to the welfare of the University. A sketch of his life does not read like a romance, nor is there anything sensational about it. In a plain, quiet way, he lives a quiet gentleman of business, j-et in the church, among the Baptists, on the board of trustees of the University, and in the business realm, his wisdom and judgment are eagerly sought and followed. Mr. Leas was born September ii, 1842, in Shirleysburg, Huntingdon County, Pa. He is the son of Hon. William B. and Mary Leas, both well known in that section of the state. His father was a prominent business man, judge and banker. The father like the son, was also interested in higher education, as scholarship No. 13, belonging to the Pennsylvania Baptist Education Society, valued at $1500, and named in honor of William B. Leas, will attest. The subject of this sketch was educated at an academy in his native town, in which inslitution he remained until eighteen years of age, when in 1S60, he entered the Sophomore class of the University at Lewisburg (now Bucknell), and graduated in 1863, being the salutatorian of his class. In the fall of 1S63 he entered the Theological Seminary, at Rochester, N. Y.,

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V DAVID PORTER LEAS, A.M.

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and graduated in 1866. He was called, in 1S67, to the pastorate of the Baptist church at Horseheads, N. Y. During this pastorate he also organized a churcli at Breesport, N. Y. After serving the former church two years, he was forced to resign on account of ill health. In 1869, an opportunity presented itself to Mr. Leas to go into business in Philadelphia, and he accordingly formed a co-partnership with Mr. T. Edward McVitty, and they engaged in the sale of leather product, manu- factured by their respective fathers in Huntingdon County. The business gradually grew. Their success being very largely due to close application to work and the introduction of business methods into their dealings. The leather firm of the Messrs. Leas and Mc ' itty has a world-wide reputation. In addition to their own tannages, they handle the celebrated Saltillo and North American brands of leather, made by Messrs. Calvin Greene Son. The products handled by the Leas firm are known for their durability and excellent wearing qualities. The partnership effected thirty years ago, continues to-day in a growing, prosperous con- dition. The sons of Messrs. Leas and McVitty are being trained to succeed their fathers and continue the business. In 1882, Mr. Leas was elected a member of the board of trustees of Bucknell University, and at the same time he was made treasurer of the corporation, which office he still holds. Mr. Leas is also interested in college athletics and whenever the boys appear in any intercollegiate con- tfst in Philadelphia or vicinity, he endeavors to be there and encourage them by his presence. In 1888, Mr. Leas was elected President of the Farmer ' s Fire Insurance Company of Pennsylvania, to which position he has been elected succes- sively ever since. Thus in brief is a sketch of the life of Treasurer Leas. It has no vain- glorious periods. He never sought office, political or otherwise. His busi- ness requires all his attention, and he gives his time unreservedly to his firm, and in consequence, today he enjoys the distinction of having made a success of a mercantile career, and what more in life can any man ask than success in his chosen vocation.