Leake and Watts Children's Home, Inc..

The Leake and Watts Orphan House/Leake and Watts Children's Home

The Leake and Watts Orphan House was founded in 1831 by John Watts, Jr., according to the will and bequest of John George Leake. Motivated by a sense of social responsibility, Leake (1752-1827), a prominent New York lawyer, and Watts (1749-1836), three term Speaker of the N.Y. Assembly and two term Congressman, envisioned a private non-sectarian charitable organization for children in need. The Rector of Trinity Church was president of the Board of Trustees. Board members included ministers of the Dutch Collegiate and First Presbyterian Churches, and the Mayor of New York City.

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