Fourth Generation

123. Major Elkanah LEONARD¹⁴⁹ was born on 15 December 1703 in Middleborough, Plymouth Co, MA.¹⁵⁰ He died on 24 July 1781 at the age of 77 in Middleborough, Plymouth Co, MA.¹⁵¹ He was buried in Lakeville Cemetery (Thompson's Hill), Lakeville, MA.⁶⁰ He was a lawyer at MIddleborough. He was "one of the most distinguished geniuses of his name and day." (NEHGS Register, 1851, p. 412). He practiced law at Middleborough, where he was the first attorney and the only one until 1738. "His assistance in the defence in criminal prosecutions was much sought after, and his abilities were never more conspicuous than in those defenses." He was many times elected a selectman, moderator, and representative to the General Court. During the latter part of his life, his mind was obscured. ECL says he lost his mind at about the age of 43. On 8 January 1749, Judge of Probate appointed his wife Elizabeth and his son Elkanah his guardians, as he was declared "non compos mentis." (Per copy of original court document with the Old Colony Historical Society)

Major Elkanah LEONARD and Elizabeth TISDALE were married on 21 October 1725 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Elizabeth TISDALE⁶⁸, daughter of Joseph TISDALE and Mary LEONARD, was born in 1694. She was born in 1704 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. She was born in 1704 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Elizabeth died on 23 April 1780 at the age of 76 in Middleborough, Plymouth Co, MA. She died on 23 April 1780 at the age of 76 in Middleborough, Plymouth Co, MA. She was buried in Lakeville Cemetery (Thompson's Hill), Lakeville, MA.⁶⁰ She was Elkanah's first cousin. Tisdale Genealogy says she was born in 1694.

Major Elkanah LEONARD and Elizabeth TISDALE had the following children: