George Leeman

George Leeman (August 1809 – 25 February 1882) was a lawyer, railwayman and a Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for the City of York in the nineteenth century.

Work

Legal practice Leeman was articled to Robert Henry Anderson's legal practice, and established a legal practice in York in 1835 when he qualified as a solicitor.

Railwayman

In 1849 he became chairman of the York, Newcastle and Berwick Railway, succeeding his rival the 'Railway King' George Hudson after Leeman's investigations helped uncover Hudson's illegal share dealing. Leeman resigned as chairman of the NER in 1880 after the failure of his mining company reduced his wealth and harmed his health. He remained a member of the board until his death two years later. He was elected Lord Mayor of York three times in 1853, 1860, 1870, When Anthony Trollope campaigned in Beverley as a Liberal candidate, Leeman warned him against it; Trollope came last due to corruption and vote-buying.

Personal life Leeman was born in York, the son of George Leeman, a greengrocer. His second son, Joseph Johnson Leeman (1842 – 2 November 1883), became a partner in Leeman and Wilkinson and succeeded George as MP for York. Another son, Francis Lawley Leeman (born 19 July 1854, died 1883), attended Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge. George also had at least three daughters, including Priscilla.

He was a member of the Reform Club He died in Scarborough in 1882. Station Road was renamed Leeman Road at the same time.