Frank Leach (1846-1929): Director of San Francisco Mint & Pioneering Journalist

Frank Leach and San Francisco Mint after 1906 earthquake

14B - Leach Family Plot

Frank Aleamon Leach (August 19, 1846 – June 19, 1929) was an influential newspaperman, legislator, and government official whose career spanned journalism, politics, and public service. He is best remembered for his leadership during critical moments in California history and his tenure as Director of the United States Mint.

Leach was born in Auburn, New York, to Edwin Warren Leach and Mary A. Leach. In his youth, his family relocated to California, where his father established a bottling plant in Sacramento. By 1857, the family settled in Napa. At the age of 20, Leach began his journalism career by founding the Vallejo Evening Chronicle in 1867. He later published the Evening Standard before moving to Oakland in 1886, where he founded the Oakland Enquirer.

The Oakland Enquirer became a prominent voice in Northern California journalism under Leach’s leadership. Known for its incisive coverage of political and civic issues, the paper played a significant role in shaping public opinion during a transformative period for Oakland and the Bay Area. Leach retired from journalism in 1897 after three decades of influence.

Oakland Enquirer Banner and Frank Leach

Leach also served as a member of the California State Assembly from 1879 to 1882, representing the Republican Party. During his legislative tenure, he focused on issues relevant to his district and contributed to Republican politics in California. His time in office reflected his commitment to public service and civic engagement.

Leach transitioned to federal service in 1897 when he was appointed Superintendent of the San Francisco Mint by President William McKinley. His leadership at the Mint was tested during the catastrophic 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. Amid widespread destruction, Leach organized efforts to protect the Mint building and its reserves of gold bullion—critical to maintaining national financial stability during the crisis.

In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed Leach as Director of the United States Mint, a position he held until 1909. During this period, Leach oversaw modernization efforts at the Mint and implemented Roosevelt’s vision for artistic coin designs, including those created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. These coins are now regarded as some of the most beautiful ever produced by the U.S. Mint.

Leach returned to serve briefly as Superintendent of the San Francisco Mint from 1912 to 1913 before retiring from public service.

Leach Family Plot

Leach’s contributions spanned journalism, politics, and government service. His work at the Oakland Enquirer shaped public discourse in Northern California, while his leadership at the Mint preserved financial stability during crises like the San Francisco earthquake. His memoir, Recollections of a Newspaperman, provides valuable insights into life and events in California during his era.

Frank A. Leach passed away on June 19, 1929.

Source: San Francisco Mint; Oakland Tribune