Fifth Generation

542. Samuel LEONARD⁶⁷² was born on 6 December 1750 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA.⁶⁷³ He died on 15 August 1807 at the age of 56 in Raynham, Bristol Co., MA.⁶⁷⁴ Samuel resided at the "Leonard House" at Hopewell, a local landmark. He graduated from Yale 1773. The New Bedford Mercury of September 4, 1807, said "It may be properly observed that the death of this gentleman is a public loss. Although he possessed a slender constitution throughout his life, such was the energy of him mind that he brought into existence extensive operations, many kinds of manufactures, that gave employment to many classes of citizens. He was favored with a clear mind and conducted his business to the general satisfaction. As a husband and parent and friend, gentleman, and Christian, he did honor to human nature. He left an amiable widow and five children with an extensive acquaintance to mourn his memory." He was a merchant. It is also said he set up the first iron manufacture in Taunton."

Samuel Emery notes in History of Taunton that he was an extensive iron master at Whittenton.

I note that only three children of those listed were alive in 1807: George, Mary, and Ezekiel. Were there two more children, or are the death dates wrong for two?

"Non compos mentis" division of his property in 1802 mentions children: George, Mary, John, Ezekiel, Isaac, and wife Desire.

Samuel LEONARD and Mary BURROUGHS were married on 17 August 1777 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Mary BURROUGHS, daughter of James BURROUGHS and Martha HALE, was born on 25 September 1756 in Newport, Newport Co., RI. She died on 23 December 1789 at the age of 33 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA.⁶⁷⁵

Samuel LEONARD and Mary BURROUGHS had the following children:

1131	i.	Samuel Milton LEONARD⁶⁷⁶ was born on 28 May 1778 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA.⁶⁷⁷ He died on 14 February 1784 at the age of 5 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA.
1132	ii.	John LEONARD⁶⁷⁸ was born on 11 November 1779. He died on 3 November 1789 at the age of 9.
1133	iii.	Joseph LEONARD was born on 15 April 1781. He died on 21 April 1794 at the age of 13. Providence Gazette of May 3, 1794, notes death of "Joseph, eldest son of Joseph, Esq., at Taunton." Same Joseph?
+1134	iv.	Dr. George LEONARD.
+1135	v.	Mary Burroughs LEONARD.
1136	vi.	Samuel LEONARD⁶⁷⁹ was born on 8 June 1785. He died on 4 February 1788 at the age of 2.
+1137	vii.	Ezekiel Burroughs LEONARD.

Samuel LEONARD and Desire HOPKINS were married on 23 July 1791 in RI. Desire HOPKINS, daughter of Esek HOPKINS and Desire BURROUGHS, was born on 17 May 1764 in Providence, RI. She died on 20 May 1843 at the age of 79.

Samuel LEONARD and Desire HOPKINS had the following children:

1138	i.	Doctor Ezekiel Samuel Hopkins LEONARD⁶⁸⁰ was born in 1795 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. He died on 25 February 1835 at the age of 40 in India Key, FL. He probably died unmarried, according to ECL.
+1139	ii.	John Burroughs Hopkins LEONARD.