London physician.

Began life as a brushmaker. Studied medicine at Edinburgh (M.D. 1746). Hoped to succeed Benjamin Alexander as physician to the London Hospital. Won the election with Quaker support, but on condition that he be licensed by the College of Physicians; his failure to satisfy this new requirement led to a lawsuit against Franklin’s friend Dr. John Fothergill, which Leeds eventually lost. Later kept an apothecary’s shop on Bishopsgate Street.

Quaker. Died at Ipswich.