WILLIAM LEONARD was born December 9, 1824, in Greene county, Penn., and his father, Lot Leonard, was also a native of the same county. His grandfather, Lot Leonard, was born in New Jersey, and in early life came to Greene county, Penn., where he was married to a Miss Hoge, who bore him children as follows: William, John, Lot, Isaac, George, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah and Leah. Mr. Leonard was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and a Federalist in politics. He preached Presbyterianism, Methodism and Quakerism, but finally became a Freethinker, and preached his own new doctrine until he died, at the age of ninety-two years. Lot Leonard (2) was born in Greene county, Penn., in the year 1796, and remained on the home farm during his lifetime. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of John Mosher, a resident of Washington county, and they had seven children, namely: Merritt, Jonathan, Melinda (Mrs. John S. Bayard), William, Levi, Lot and Aaron. Mr. Leonard was a successful farmer, and in political life was formerly a Whig, but, after the organization of the party, became a Republican. He was a warm friend of progressive education, and was school director of his district many years. He died in Greene county, Penn., in the year 1865, having been preceded to the grave by his wife in 1850. William Leonard was born and educated in Greene county, Penn., the schools of the neighborhood then affording but meager advantages. In early youth he was cast on his own resources, and began life for himself. On September 28, 1848, he married Miss Cynthia Dickerson, daughter of William Dickerson, a prominent resident of Washington county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Leonard settled on a farm in Greene county, where they remained five years, removing thence to their present home, upon which they have made many improvements, having erected a large brick residence, and a comfortable and commodious stock and grain barn. The following children have been born to this estimable couple: Elizabeth M. (deceased), William C., Wilson (deceased), Martha M. and Cynthia C. Mr. Leonard was originally a Whig, and, since the organization of the party, has been a Republican. He has always been interested in all matters of importance to the township, and has been school director for many years.

Text taken from page 970 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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