Maurice MacKenzie Leach papers
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Maurice MacKenzie Leach papers
- Date
- 1896-1989 (inclusive)
- Bulk, 1896-1945 (bulk)
- Creator
- Leach, Maurice MacKenzie, 1865-1922
- Extent
- 1.27 Cubic feet
- Subjects
- Catalogs.
- Correspondence.
- Horse breeders--Kentucky.
- Horse industry--Kentucky
- Horse racing--Kentucky--Lexington.
- Horse shows.
- Programs.
- Thoroughbred horse--Breeding--Kentucky
- Thoroughbred horse--Pedigrees
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged by form.
- Preferred Citation
- 2009ms073: [identification of item], Maurice MacKenzie Leach papers , 1896-1989, bulk 1896-1945, University of Kentucky Special Collections.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- Maurice MacKenzie Leach was born September 15, 1865, at East Winch Hall in East Winch, Norfolk, England. The youngest son of Reverend John Henry Leach and Mary Henrietta Derby, Leach had two siblings: a brother, Kenneth Henry Leach, and sister, Edith Mary Leach. He attended Downton College in Salisbury, England, and continued on to the Ontario Veterinary College. On October 5, 1892, Leach married Letitia Caroline Craig Cowan; they had four children: John Maurice, Mary Moore, Maurice Derby, James Robinson, and George Brown "Brownie". The family settled in Danville, Kentucky, where Leach began racing horses and later became known as an eminent bloodstock advisor for imported horses. Leach also served as an agent for horse buying and selling, a job which required him to travel to South America, Australia, Europe, and England. Additionally, he wrote a book titled The Idle Hour Stud Book under the nom de plume "Exile". He died in New York City on July 22, 1922, after a trip to purchase thoroughbred horses in England.
- Scope and Content
- The Maurice MacKenzie Leach papers (dated 1896-1989, bulk 1896-1945; 1.27 cubic feet; 4 boxes) contains catalogs, programs, correspondence, ledgers, lists, notes, pedigrees, a photograph, and printed materials pertaining to his career in the horse industry, particularly to his work with imported horses. The catalogs and programs provide detailed information on different horse auctions and races. Prominent names in the catalogs and programs include Keeneland, Tattersalls, Elmendorf Farm, Calumet Farm, Coldstream Stud, and Mereworth Farm. Correspondence includes letters to Leach from H. L. Casey, William B. Miller, Samuel Ross, Walter J. Salmon, and Joseph Widener, regarding horses and thoroughbred horse breeding. The ledgers contain lists and information about thoroughbred horses, imported horses, and brood mares. The collection also includes lists, notes, and pedigrees pertaining mostly to breeding thoroughbred horses. Horse names include Nirvanah; Dream of Allah; Captious; North Star; Rock View; and Man o War. Additionally, there is a reproduced photograph of Leach taken shortly before he died, a book of the The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and a newspaper clipping about thoroughbred horse literature.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
- Use Restrictions
- Property rights reside with the University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky holds the copyright for materials created in the course of business by University of Kentucky employees. Copyright for all other materials has not been assigned to the University of Kentucky. For information about permission to reproduce or publish, please contact Special Collections.
Contents of the Collection
Catalogs and programs, 1938-1945
Scope and Contents note
The Catalogs and programs series contains materials about horse races, auctions, and shows. Events were held at either Tattersalls or Keeneland, in Lexington, KY. Sponsors and sellers include: The Breeders’ Sales Company, Elmendorf Farm, Calumet Farm, Military Stock Farm, Forest Retreat Farm, Coldstream Stud, Cave Spring Farm, and Mereworth Farm.
The Blue Grass Stakes official program., 1938 April 28
- Box 1, Folder 1
Scope and Contents note
Keeneland’s The Blue Grass Stakes official race program. Program provides instructions for betting, how to read the indicator board, names of officials, and names of horses and their statistics for each race.
Fall Meeting official program, 1942 October 24
- Box 1, Folder 2
Scope and Contents note
Contents include four copies of Keeneland’s Fall Meeting of The Breeders Futurity official race program. Program provides instructions for betting, how to read the indicator board, names of officials, future races, and names of horses and their statistics for each race. Hand written notes are on some pages.
Tattersalls Annual May Sale of Saddle Horses, 1944 May 8-9
- Box 1, Folder 3
Scope and Contents note
A program of sale for Tattersalls' annual May sale of saddle horses in Lexington, Kentucky. The program contains a list of 111 horses, showing their pedigrees and other information. A few notes are written in the margins of the pages.
1944 Catalogue of Thoroughbred Yearlings, 1944 July 31
- Box 1, Folder 4
Scope and Contents note
A catalog of thoroughbred yearlings to be sold in a public auction at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. Sellers include: Elmendorf Farm, Pilot Knob Stud, H.B. Scott, Lt. A.A. Baldwin, Calumet Farm, Foxland Hall, Mrs. R.H.Anderson, and Miss Mildred Woolwine. The sale was sponsored by the Breeders' Sales Company. Catalog contains a list of horses and information on the horses. The catalog lists 52 horses along with their pedigrees and other information. Pages contain hand written notes in the margins, mostly numbers indicating the price the horses were sold for.
Thoroughbred Yearlings, 1944 August 2
- Box 1, Folder 5
Scope and Contents note
Two catalogs for different auctions of thoroughbred yearlings, hosted by the Breeders' Sales Company, located at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. In the first auction, Mereworth Farm was the sole seller, and the catalog lists 63 horses along with their pedigrees and other information. The catalog for the second auction lists 56 horses with their pedigrees and other information. Sellers include: Thomas Piatt, Charles A. Asbury, Military Stock Farm, Thomas Carr Piatt, John Marsch, and Forest Retreat Farm are listed as sellers.
1944 Catalogue of Thoroughbred Yearlings, 1944 August 3
- Box 1, Folder 6
Scope and Contents note
A catalog of thoroughbred yearlings to be sold in a public auction, hosted by the Breeders' Sales Company at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. Sellers include: Coldstream Stud, Hal Price Headley, E.K. Thomas, Cave Spring Farm, and Miss Mary DeWitt Snyder. The catalog lists 52 horses with their pedigrees and other information. Notes are written in the margins; mostly numbers indicating the price the horses were sold for.
Complete Catalogue for the 1944 Fall Sale of Thoroughbreds of All Ages, 1944 November 13-15
- Box 1, Folder 7
Scope and Contents note
A catalog for the Breeders' Sales Company sale for thoroughbreds of all all ages at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. The catalog lists 325 horses with their pedigrees and other information. Most pages contain hand written notes in the margins, and the last pages contain sketches and drawings.
Tattersalls Annual March Sale of Saddle Horses, 1945 March 26-29
- Box 1, Folder 8
Scope and Contents note
A program of sale for Tattersalls' annual March sale of saddle horses in Lexington, Kentucky. The program contains a list of 214 horses with their pedigrees and other information. Many pages have hand written notes in the margins.
Lexington Junior League Horse Show, 1945 July 4-31
- Box 1, Folder 9
Scope and Contents note
The program contains information about the shows events, committee, judges, veterinarians, advisory committee, stake sponsors, donors, box holders, and rules. Advertisements can be found throughout the program as well.
Tattersalls Sixth Annual Junior League Horse Show Sale, 1945 July 4-7
- Box 1, Folder 10
Scope and Contents note
A program of sale for a horse show sale for saddle and walking horses, sponsored by Tattersalls in Lexington, Kentucky. 162 horses are listed with some information and an owner's statement. Hand written notes are throughout the program.
1945 Yearling Sales at Keeneland Race Course, 1945 July 30
- Box 1, Folder 11
Scope and Contents note
A program for the Breeders' Sales Company sale of selected yearlings at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. Contents include a railroad schedule, hotel and restaurant facilities, sales schedule, and index.
1945 Catalogue of the Clairborne Stud and Ellerslie Stud Thoroughbred Yearlings, 1945 July 31
- Box 1, Folder 12
Scope and Contents note
A catalog for the Breeders' Sales Company public auction of Claiborne Stud and Ellerslie Stud thoroughbred yearlings at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. The catalog contains a map, conditions of sale, index, and a list of 53 horses with their pedigrees and other information. Hand written notes are located at the top of most pages.
Thoroughbred Yearlings, 1945 August 1-2
- Box 1, Folder 13
Scope and Contents note
Two catalogs for different Breeders' Sales Company auctions of thoroughbred yearlings located at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. In the first auction, Mereworth Farm was the sole seller, and the catalog lists 63 horses along with their pedigrees and other information. The catalog for the second auction lists 56 horses with their pedigrees and other information. Sellers include: Thomas Piatt, Charles A. Asbury, Military Stock Farm, Thomas Carr Piatt, John Marsch, and Forest Retreat Farm are listed as sellers. Hand written notes are located at the top of most pages.
Thoroughbred Yearlings to be Sold at Public Auction, 1945 August 2
- Box 1, Folder 14
Scope and Contents note
A catalog for the Breeders' Sales Company public auction of thoroughbred yearlings at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. Sellers include: Stoner Creed Stud, Woodvale Farm, W.L. Nutter and Son, L.A. Moseley, Mary DeWitt Snyder, Keneland Stud, and Ira Drymon. The catalog contains a map, conditions of sale, index, and a list of 49 horses with their pedigrees and other information. Hand written notes are located at the top of most pages.
Tattersalls Annual Fall Sale, 1945 September 24-26
- Box 1, Folder 15
Scope and Contents note
A program for Tattersalls sale for trotting and pacing horses in Lexington, Kentucky. The program contains a list of 138 horses with their pedigrees and owner's statement.
Two Gaits Farm Yearlings, 1945 September 26
- Box 1, Folder 16
Scope and Contents note
A catalog for an auction of yearlings for Two Gaits Farm at Tattersalls in Lexington, Kentucky. The catalog contains a list of 46 horses with their pedigrees and other information.
Correspondence, 1921-1922
Scope and Contents note
The Correspondence series contains Maurice MacKenzie Leach's correspondence with H.L. Casey, William B. Miller, Walter J. Salmon, Samuel Ross, Joseph Widener, and other general correspondence. Subjects discussed pertain to thoroughbred horses and horse breeding. Letters of note include those from H.L. Casey, Walter J. Salmon, and Joseph Widenor. The letters from H.L. Casey, who worked for The Conyers Live Stock and Feed Corporation, concern the purchasing and importation/exportation of horses based around South America. The letters from Walter J. Salmon (1871-1953), real estate investor and owner of Mereworth Farm near Lexington, Kentucky, focus on horse breeding and finding suitable studs for mares owned by Salmon. Some letters include copies of letters from the British Bloodstock agency, and other sources. A letter written from Joseph Widener, art collector and part owner of Elmendorf Farm, regard a visit from Leach to view Widener's mares and young horse stock.
H.L. Casey, 1921-1922
William B. Miller, 1921-1922
Samuel Ross, 1921 October 10-17
Walter J. Salmon, 1921-1922
Joseph Widener, 1922 April 22
General correspondence, 1921
Ledgers, 1896-1921
Scope and Contents note
The Ledgers series includes nine ledgers used by Leach over the course of his career in the horse industry, containing lists and pedigrees for horses, brood mare sires, and imported horses. The ledgers often note a location, either Danville, Ky. or Lexington, Ky. Additionally, most ledgers are organized alphabetically. The ledger from 1918-1921 (Box 2, Folder 3) includes winners of the 4 Classics and Triple Crown Winners.
Ledger, 1896
"Imported Horses and Horse Performances", 1903
"Winning Brood Mare Sires", 1915
"Winning Brood Mare Sires", 1916
Ledger, 1918-1921
Ledger, 1919
"Brood Mare Sires", 1919-1921
Ledger, 1920
Ledger, undated
Lists and notes, 1911-1923
Scope and Contents note
The Lists and notes series includes lists naming horses to be considered for breeding purposes, personal handwritten notes regarding horses, and a photograph. A few horses mentioned in the lists include: Nirvanah; Dream of Allah; Captious; Lough Foyle; Colin; Mont d Or; McGee, Peter Pan; North Star; Rock View; and Man o War. Clients Edward McLean and Joseph Widener are indicated on some lists. The photograph is a reproduced image of Maurice MacKenzie Leach from his passport. It was originally taken in the Spring of 1922, just shortly before he died.
Notes, 1911-1919
Lists for horse breeding, 1922-1923
Photograph of Maurice MacKenzie Leach, 1922
- Box 3, Folder 5
Scope and Contents note
The Photograph series contains a reproduced image of Maurice MacKenzie Leach from his passport. It was originally taken in the Spring of 1922, just shortly before he died. Writing on the back of the photograph states: "Dr. Maurice MacKenzie Leach. B.: East Winch, Norfold, Enq 15 Sept 1865. D.: N.Y.C. - USA 25 July 1922. Buried: Bellevue Cemetery, Danville, KY." The embossed seal for the passport is visible over the image.
Pedigrees, 1910-1918
Scope and Contents note
The Pedigrees series contains hand written horse pedigrees and copies of horse pedigrees. Horses include, but are not limited to: Miss Fannie; Julian: Melus; Pazza: Florence Webbet; Lillian Shaw; Merida; Jeano; Zinthon; Cameo Glass; Lychorida; Umbria; Ingitana; Head Note; Wattle Bough; Green Gown; and Blaham.
Pedigree copies, 1912-1917
Horse pedigrees, 1910-1918
Printed materials, 1921-1989
Scope and Contents note
The Printed materials series contains a book on the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and a newspaper clipping about the lack of research and works on horse families and horse breeding.
Newspaper clipping, "Thoroughbred Literature", 1921 February 12
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 1989
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Table of Contents
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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
