Richard Leake (1733-1802) was born in Cork, Ireland. He was a surgeon in both the East and West Indies. He came to America and settled in New Jersey, moving first to North Carolina and then to Georgia in 1774. A Loyalist, Leake left Georgia during the Revolutionary War, but returned after the war and resumed his life as a planter. In 1784 he bought Jekyll Island, selling the island soon after its purchase. In 1785 he bought a plantation on the Little Ogeechee River in Chatham County; he sold the plantation in 1791. In 1792 he moved to Bellville plantation in McIntosh County. He first rented this plantation before purchasing it. He also had plantations at Sapelo on Main, McIntosh County, on St. Simons Island, and on the Turtle River, both in Glynn County. His daughter, Sarah, married Thomas Spalding of Sapelo Island. In addition to planting, Leake operated a store in which he sold cotton, cotton seed, staples, articles of clothing, piece goods, wines and liquors, and meats.
From the description of Richard Leake plantation journal and business records, 1785-1802. (Georgia Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 86108105
