Sixth Generation

948. Hope Jefferson LEONARD⁷⁸ was born on 15 May 1799 in West Springfield, Hampden Co., MA.³¹ Here is the content of a letter that Theodore Leonard sent to his daughter while she was away teaching school:

Springfield, June 18th, 1820 (Springfield, Bradford County, PA)

My dear Hope,

I have only time to acknowledge the receipt of your of the 10th inst. I am exceeding happy in the expression you made that you "intend to do well". You may do well if you please. When you write, be careful to spell well for that is the greatest ornament to writing. See that you make a proper use of the capitals, it looks awkward to see a large letter in the place of a small one. You have seen so many letters from gentlemen of the best of talents that you must not only imitate them, but patiently examine every word as well as the form of their letters. If you do this you will soon acquire a knowledge of what is right.

Industry overcomes all things, gain a little information every hour, in this way you may soon ascend the hill.

We have not heard from Betsy since she commenced her school. Your grandfather remains the same. Your Mother and the children are as well as common.

When you begin the Sabbath School, see that you set a good example yourself. Example is stronger than precept. Sobriety, dignity, innocence, cheerfulness, prudence and wisdom must fill your soul. "Delightful task to rear the tender thought." I hope you will be prospered in trying to do good. Let nothing divert your mind from your duty, from virtue, and from honor, and you will be my HOPE indeed.

I would not advise you to value the freindship of any person except they are vitruous, for without that ingredient there is no friendship. When once we trespass on the law propriety, we fall into a labyrinth of Woe. Now is the time for you to advance to fame. May you escape all vice, all dishonor and all the snares of a wicked world. The purity of your character will be established by observing the truth and placing a right value on things. May God keep you in his holy keeping.

Your father,

Theodore Leonard

Hope Jefferson LEONARD and Nathan Tefft KENYON were married on 1 January 1822 in Leona, Bradford Co., PA. Nathan Tefft KENYON⁸⁰ was born about 1807 in Troy, Bradford Co., PA.

Hope Jefferson LEONARD and Nathan Tefft KENYON had the following children: