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Writer's pictureRush Historical Society

Dr. James H. Leary (1873-1935)

Obituary from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, October 22, 1935

Dr, James H. Leary who guarded the Towns of Rush and Henrietta for upwards of 40 years, died yesterday in General Hospital. He was 62.


Doctor Leary was a family physician of the type famous in fiction and movies. He was in attendance at the birth of most of the inhabitants of the area, doctored them through their illnesses and personally sympathized with the families when the elders passed on.


In the early years, his horse and buggy was a familiar sight.



Unknown buggy driver in Mendon in the early 1900's. (It kind of looks like Dr. Leary)

Born in Henrietta, he was graduated from Henrietta schools and the Geneseo State Normal School. He taught school two years before he entered the University of Rochester Medical School from which he graduated in 1897.


He went to Rush where he practiced up until the time of his death. For many years he was a health officer of Rush and Henrietta and a member of the Rush School Board.

Dr. Leary abandoned his horse for a horseless carriage around 1910

He was a member of the Monroe County Medical Society, New York State Health Officers, Knights of Columbus and Chamber of Commerce.


Dr. Leary receipt for services - 1904

Surviving are the widow, Monica; two sons, James H. Leary Jr. and Byrne Leary, and a sister, Mrs. Mary L. Kavanaugh, all of Rush. Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock at St. Joseph's Church, Rush. Burial will be at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.

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