My Genealogy Hound

HERMON LEONARD, one of the old and honored citizens of the town of Ovid, Seneca County, was born on the place where he now resides, March 7, 1832, his parents being Benjamin and Elizabeth (Wilson) Leonard, natives of New Jersey. His grandfather, also born in that state, came to this county and settled on No. 9, town of Ovid, but this tract he afterward sold. Later he removed to No. 4, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres; but, having some difficulty about the clearness and correctness of the title, he was able to retain only one-half of this purchase. In the early history of the county his name is well known among those of the pioneers. He died in this town, highly respected by all.

Benjamin Leonard, the father of our subject, was born September 7, 1793, and the mother May 3, 1797. The father was still a child when his parents came to this county. He was an earnest and active farmer, a man of affairs, and became the owner of a half-section of land. Anxious and willing to assist his children to a start in life, he not only gave them good advice, but also substantial assistance. In politics he was first a Whig, but later on allied himself with the Republican party. Although a home-keeping and home-loving man, he was called by his friends and neighbors to fill some important local offices. In the community he stood well, and his judgment upon questions of general or especial interest was considered valuable. The good opinion of those who knew him best was strengthened and reinforced by his loyal and consistent support of the Ovid Presbyterian Church.

Ten children were included in the parental family. The first of these, Amanda, was born August 13, 1817, and died in Northville, Mich., February 22, 1889; she was the wife of Alexander S. Brooks. John W., the second son, who was born April 15, 1819, is now a farmer living near Pontiac, Mich. Charles T., who was a farmer by occupation, was born March 7, 1821, and died February 22, 1889. William, who was born July 7, 1823, and died December 20, 1888, was well known among the farmers of the town of Ovid. Another son, Byron, who was born September 16, 1825, is a farmer in the town of Fayette. Sarah, who was born December 5, 1827, lived only until December 22 of the following year. Cecelia, born October 29, 1830, lived to the age of twenty-four years, dying February 22, 1854. Lyman, born August 19, 1834, was early called away, dying March 21, 1839. Sarah, the second daughter bearing that name, born April 5, 1837, is still living, and is the wife of Edward Van Vleet, of Seneca County.

Hermon, our subject, was born and reared on the farm which the industry, economy and perseverance of the parents had secured. In the district school he laid the foundations of that intellectual life and sturdy character which raised him above the ordinary level and made him a strong figure in the community. The teaching of the district school was broadened and deepened by the better work of the academy at Ovid. He continued at home until 1865, when he went to Venango County, Pa,, where he made extensive investments in oil, which resulted very satisfactorily.

In 1873 Mr. Leonard returned from Pennsylvania to this state, and made his home for four years in the city of Syracuse. He then went to Bradford, Pa., but in 1883 came back to the old homestead, where he has since remained. He is still interested in oil, having been a producer for the last twenty years, and has owned in that time several valuable plants, and has put down a number of wells. At the present time he has nine wells under his control. His ample resources have enabled him to make the farm on which he is passing his last days a delight to the eye. It is often said that his house and grounds are among the finest in the county. In the house he has hot and cold water, gas, and all the modern comforts and conveniences that contribute to the enjoyment of the passing days, and around it are one hundred and thirty-eight acres of fertile and highly cultivated farm land. This mansion of ease is presided over by his wife, formerly Susan Petty, whom he married in Pennsylvania in 1869, and who has been to him a faithful and loving wife. They have one son, George H., who is now a law student.

In politics Mr. Leonard has been a Republican, but at the present time he has little interest in the movements of the party leaders beyond the duty of voting. He has taken much interest, however, in the development of the order of Patrons of Husbandry, and in social and industrial ways is enlisted for the good of the community.