Fourth Generation

161. Capt. Eliphalet LEONARD²⁵⁶ was born in 1702 in Easton, Bristol Co., MA. He died on 4 February 1786 at the age of 84 in Easton, Bristol Co., MA. He was buried in Old Burying Ground, Main Street, Easton, MA. ECL says that he was the first to manufacture steel in the United States. This is based on the recollections of his grandson, Jonathan. NEHGS also published an article wherein he was called a bloomer (NEHGS Register, 1851, p. 484).

From the ECL-GML manuscript and Chapin's History of Eaton: "The third industry, to be positively known, in Easton was the Leonard Forge at the foot of Stones Pond, so called, known to have been in operation in October 1723. The discovery of bog iron in the northwest part of the Town induced Capt. James Leonard, grandson of the original James Leonard, to start the iron business there. In December 1716 James purchased of Nathaniel Manley 35 acres on both sides of "Trought Hole Brook," so called, where Stone's Pond now lies, and set his son Eliphalet to living there. In 1720 he made of further purchase of 8 1/2 acres at the same place, and in 1726 he purchased the homestead of Isaac Leonard, son of Solomon Leonard. The exact date when the forge was erected is not ascertained but probably before 1723. It was in full operation in October 1725. Capt. James Leonard's son, Eliphalet, just reached 21 years in 1720, was manager of the business from the start. It was the first forge built within the limits of the Town of Easton. It was christened the Brummagen Forge. The word Brummagen is a corruption of the name Birmingham, the famous ironworking place in England. But the forge was really known as Eliphalet Leonard's forge. Excellent iron was made from the bog ore brought from near Lincoln Spring, which James also bought, and elsewhere. In August 1742 Capt. James Leonard gave full ownership to Eliphalet, and Epiphalet carried on the business until 1782, when he deeded it to his son Jacob. It does not appear to have been very prosperous at any time. The property passed to Isaac Leonard, son of Jacob, in 1800. In 1802 the forge, the grist mill, and the coal house were sold. In April 1804 Isaac Leonard sold his homestead, which is now part of the Ames estate."

For more, see Eliphalet Leonard, Jr. in next generation.

His epitaph reads: "He was so just that his friends put trust in him for years to come; we hope the Lord will him name, for He hath called him home."

Capt. Eliphalet LEONARD and Ruth FENNO were married on 10 October 1728 in Stoughton, Norfolk Co., MA. Ruth FENNO, daughter of John FENNO and Rachel NEWCOMB, was born on 30 May 1705 in Dorchester, Suffolk Co., MA. She died on 11 April 1786 at the age of 80 in Canton, Norfolk Co., MA.

Capt. Eliphalet LEONARD and Ruth FENNO had the following children: