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BIOGRAPHICAL AND PORTRAIT CYCLOPEDIA

Superintendent W. J. Cramer, deceased. He was twice elected to succeed himself and filled the office until June, 1896, when, having declined to be a candidate for re-election, he retired from the office, which he had filled for eight years and four months, leaving a record for energy and efficiency of which any man might well be proud. Mr. Leech is a firm believer in the maxim, "As is the teacher so is the school," and sought by every means in his power to raise the standard of teaching in Cambria county. This he did by gradually making his examinations for teachers' certificates more severe from year to year, by obtaining the best talent that could be procured for instructors at the county institutes, by arousing public sentiment to demand good teachers and better pay for those who were found competent. As a result, the schools have been revolutionized. The average scholarship of teachers is much higher, the number of professionally trained teachers has been greatly increased, the school term has been lengthened in many districts and a uniform course of study adopted. While Mr. Leech, in his annual reports, gives the credit of this great progress, which all admit has taken place, to the directors and teachers, the directors and teachers unite in ascribing a large share to the. enthusiasm and tireless energy of the superintendent.     In 1883 Mr. Leech began the study of law with the Hon. W. Horace Rose, of Johnstown, and continued with him until the sickness and death of his father made it necessary for him to resume his work of teaching. He afterwards entered the office of Alvin Evans, Esq., with whom he continued his law studies, and, in 1896, was admitted to practice law in Cambria county, and is now the junior member of the law firm of Evans & Leech. In

religion Mr. Leech is a Presbyterian, as were his ancestors. In politics he is a republican, and his wide acquaintance throughout the county, with his whole-souled energy, makes him an important factor in any campaign in which he takes part. Mr. Leech is a member of Cambria Lodge, No. 278, F. and A. M. On November 13, 1886, he was united in marriage to Miss Gussie Davis, daughter of Robert Davis, of Ebensburg. His home life is a happy one, and is blessed by the presence of two bright boys-James Russel, aged eight, and Robert Wilson, aged five, who are the idols of their parents' hearts. PHILIP J. DIETRICK, of Carrolltown, son of Matthias and Annie M., (Eberhard) Dietrick, was born in Chest township, Cambria county, June 12, 1859.     Grandfather Dietrick was a native of AlsaceLorraine, and, on coming to America, located in Chest township. He was a farmer in his native country and followed the same calling in his new home. He was a member of the Catholic church, and died in Chest township. He was married in Alsace-Lorraine, and all his children, four sons and five daughters, were born in the old country.     Matthias, the father of the subject of this sketch, died in Chest township. He was one of the most successful farmers in the northern part of the county, owning a farm of over one hundred acres. In religion he adhered to the Catholic faith. He married Miss Annie M. Eberhard, by whom he had five sons and five daughters, namely: Martin, a farmer living in Chest township ; John, deceased ; Peter, died in Libby prison during the Civil War; Joseph, an architect at Omaha, Nebraska; Philip J., subject above named; Katie, deceased, married to Michael Kronour; Lizzie, wife of John

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