JAMES PORTER LEATHERS
Information from persons who knew him


One of the most prominent citizens of the Tenth Civil District of Rutherford County, Tn, was James Porter Leathers, commonly known as J P Leathers. He was the son of William Leathers, who was affectionately called "Pa Billie", and Mattie Irene Haynes. Jim Leathers was born 18 Nov 1874, in Rutherford County near the community of Midland. William Leathers was the father of three children: Jim, who is the subject of this article; John, who became a traffic officer in Nashville; and Mattie Leathers, the wife of Dr Thomas Poplin of the Versailles area.

Jim Leathers moved to Rockvale in 1903. He was a capable livestock dealer and auctioneer. He auctioned everything from farms to boxes of food at the old-fashioned box suppers held to raise money for schools. His first real sale as an auctioneer was selling a home on a farm; for this effort he was paid $2.50.

Jim Leathers's first marriage was to Edna Taylor. They became the parents of one son , Joe Leathers, who married Mary Williams of Versailles, and two daughters, Edna and Ruth. After the death of his first wife, he married Della Jernigan. She lived only a short time, after which he married a Rockvale girl, Mamie Lofton. They had one daughter, Jessie, who married Eris Elmore of Eagleville. Their only child is Billie Elmore, who now lives in Nevada. Once more Jim Leathers sustained the loss of his wife. His final marriage was to Lorene Smith of Murfreesboro, who survived him.

During 1910, when the State of Tennessee awoke to the need for consolidate schools, Mr Leathers brought the full force of his strong personality and business ability to bear upon securing a high school for Rockvale. The establishment of this school was a momentous step forward.

At an early age Jim Leathers was elected a Magistrate from the Tenth District, an office he held for eight years. In 1918 he was elected County Court Clerk of Rutherford County. This made it necessary for him to move to Murfreesboro. He served in this capacity for thirty-four years.

Although his business carried him away from the Tenth District, his loyalty remained there. For many years he was a member of Rockvale Masonic Lodge 413, and he helped support and attend the various school programs. He died 26 June 1951.