LeRoy, James A. (James Alfred), 1875-1909

James A. LeRoy was born December 9, 1875 in Pontiac, Michigan. He was educated at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1896. He returned to Pontiac as a public school principal but soon thereafter accepted a position with the Detroit Free Press as a sports writer. He moved on to the Detroit News as a political writer, then to the Baltimore Herald . In 1901, while working in Baltimore, LeRoy came to the attention of Dean C. Worcester, who selected him to serve as private secretary to the Philippine Commission. He easily mastered Spanish and became a student of Spanish and Philippine history. While in the Philippines, LeRoy's work gained the approval of Governor General William Howard Taft who entrusted him with other, increasing responsibilities. Skilled as a writer, LeRoy was uniquely qualified to communicate his impressions of the Philippines in the few years after the 1898 war. In the coming years, he would write extensively, notably his monograph, Philippine life in town and country . Unfortunately poor health forced LeRoy to resign before completing his two-year assignment. He returned to Pontiac and then accepted appointment as consul to Durango, Mexico from August 1903 to March 1907. His service in Mexico was briefly interrupted when selected to accompany now Secretary of War Taft as part of a congressional delegation to the Philippines in 1905. LeRoy died in Fort Bayard, New Mexico on February 26, 1909.

From the guide to the James A. LeRoy Papers, 1893-1944, 1898-1909, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)

Travelogue of James A. LeRoy, secretary to William Howard Taft on his investigatory trips to the Philippines, 1901 and 1905.

From the description of Travelogue accounts of Philippine travels [microform] 1901-1905. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 230953369

Papers, of James A. LeRoy and Mabel LeRoy, secretary to William Howard Taft on his investigatory trips to the Philippines, 1901 and 1905.

From the description of James Alfred LeRoy papers, 1893-1944. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 154302133