William Leonard

Who was William Leonard?

William stated in his pension records that he was born in Prince George County, VA on 2 June 1760. He was the son of John and Mary Leonard. 

Shortly after moving with his family to Franklin County, William joined the local militia, 14 May 1776. He marched to Wilmington N.C. where he heard the Declaration of Independence read for the first time. Later in Feb of 1781 he was drafted for another three-month term. His unit marched to Warrenton, then to Harrisburg in Granville County, and then to Guilford Old Court House, the headquarters of General Nathaniel Greene. At the time of the battle there, he was sick and sent off with the baggage to the iron works. Later, at Ramsey’s Mill he was attached to a company under Captain Evans. He marched with the main army down to Camden, S.C. and was in the engagement of the British there. This information was taken from his testimony in court.

Sometime around 1779 William married Catherine Murphy, the daughter of Arthur and Charity Murphey. Arthur’s will confirm this relationship. At the time of Catherine’s brother James’s death in 1794, Caty Leonard was mentioned in his will. 

The couple had the following children:

• ·         John
• ·         William Jr
• ·         Van (Vandeo Van)
• ·         Cherry
• ·         Sarah

Catherine had passed away before her father’s will and after her brother’s death. Catherine passed away between 1794 and 1803. Arthur Murphy mentioned his grandson, Vandeo Van Leonard who was the son of William and Catherine in his will. John Leonard was a witness to the will. At Arthur’s estate sale both John Leonard Jr. and Van Leonard are mentioned.

Looking at census records for William:

In 1790 there are 4 males under 16 and a total of 3 females. That should be 6 children.

In 1800 – males under 10 = 2, males 10 – 15 = 1 and 16 – 25 = 1 with 2 females under 10. This again is 6 children.

In 1810 – males 10 – 15 = 2, 16 – 25 = 1, females under 10 = 1 and females 10 – 15 = 2. There are still 6 children but now there are 3 of each. 

Only 3 males are his legitimate children in his will, this would indicate that one died in childhood. There are 2 females children mentioned in his will so this would indicate a female child died during childhood.

Catherine passed away before the 1810 Census.

In the Deed Book 1 William Stuart of Franklin County to John Leonard of same for 301 pounds current money a tract of 100 acres beginning at the black gum on the Miry Prong and adjoining William Leonard and Ephraim Gilliam.

In the minutes for the Court of Pleas and Quarters

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                 In March 1786, A deed from Marcus Gilliam to James Murphy was                            proved by the oath of William Leonard

A deed from Marcus Gilliam to William Leonard was proved by James Murphy In December of 1786, A deed from William Leonard to James Wood was proved by the oath of Ephraim Gilliam.

In March of 1789, William is ordered to appear for jury in the next session

In December of 1794, William acknowledged a deed to Frederick Leonard.

In September 1797, William was part of group of men that were appointed to lay off, if they think necessary, a road from the county line near great Shoco Creek to the Nash County line near Portis and report to the next court

         

In March of 1799, A deed from William Leonard to John Leonard was proved in court by the oath of William Murphy

In June of 1814, William Leonard, administrator of John Leonard dec’d, returned inventory and account of sales of the estate (his son)

In September of 1815, William was called to be a juror

In September of 1816, The Last Will and Testament of Scota Leonard was proved in court by the oath of Drury Gilliam and Isaac Gupton. At the same time William Leonard qualified as executor. Ordered that the executor of Scota Leonard sell the perishable estate at nine-month audit

 Frederick and William Leonard serve on jury

 In December of 1816, ordered that William Williams, ? Jones, and Frederick Leonard be appointed commissioners to examine and audit the accounts of William Leonard, administrator and report

 In March of 1817, William Leonard, administrator of John Leonard returned his accounts, audited by the commissioners, on oath and ordered that he be allowed 5% commission upon his receipts and disbursements.

 In March of 1817, The Last Will and Testament of John Leonard deceased, was exhibited in open court and the execution thereof duly proved by the oath of Benjamin Stewert and John Leonard, two witnesses thereto and on M.O.R. – and at the same time William Leonard and Frederick Leonard qualified as executors according to law

 In September 1817, Ordered that administration of the estate of Marcus Gilliam deceased, be granted to Drury Gilliam, who entered into Bond in the sum of $1000 with Parker Murphy, William Leonard and Isaac Gupton his securities

William fathered two sons that records indicate were illegitimate, Eaton and Henry Courlen “Curlin” Collins. Eaton was born about 1810 and Curlin was born about 1814. In the probate records it clearly states that these two males were his illegitimate children.

In 1830 William requests in court to have Eaton and Curlin’s last names be changed to Leonard.

In 1830 William is also made guardian of Parker Leonard. Parker was the son of John Leonard and William’s grandson. Parker was 17 when William was made his guardian.

In 1813 William lost his son, John L. Leonard. John left a wife and six young children. In 1815 he lost his father. Then in 1816 he lost his daughter-in-law, Scota Gilliam Leonard, widow of John L Leonard. William was executor for all three estates, working with his brother, Frederick, on their father’s estate.

William doesn't pass away until 1852. There is more to his story to come.

Thanks for stopping by!

Pattie