Leander J. Critchfield
Leander J. Critchfield graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University in the class of 1849. He studied law with Judge Finch and was admitted to the Bar soon after, and then became the law partner of Mr. Finch and for several years their names are attached to numerous pleadings in the Clerk's office, and Mr. Critchfield's name is attached to many other papers recorded in the records of the county. He was a successful practitioner at the Delaware County Bar. until he was appointed reporter of the Supreme Court of Ohio. His first volume of the reports entitled, "The Ohio State Reports," being the fifth volume of the new series, was published in the year 1858, beginning with the decisions of that court in the term of December, 1855. He remained official reporter of the court until the year 1872, when he published his last volume of the new series. His duties as reporter were ably and faithfully performed, and these reports remain as an honorable monument to his professional abilities and industry. Soon after he began the publication of the reports he removed to Columbus, where he continued his practice in Franklin and surrounding Counties. For many years he resided on a farm near Flint, just over the Delaware County line in the edge of Franklin County, and went to his office in Columbus, Ohio, by train. He died about ten years ago, having accumulated an abundance for his family.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908