Elijah Leonard
Source: Library and Archives Canada
Elijah Leonard(September 10, 1814 – May 14, 1891) was an Ontario businessman and political figure. He was aLiberalmember of theSenate of Canadafrom 1867 to 1891.
He was born on a farm nearSyracuse, New Yorkin 1814, the son ofElijah Leonard.In 1830, he moved with his family toNormandaleinUpper Canada,where his father was working at afoundryowned byJoseph Van Norman.In 1834, with his father and a partner, he established a foundry atSt. Thomas.The partner was bought out and his father retired, leaving him in charge of the business.
In 1840, Leonard set up a machine shop and foundry atLondon, Ontario,on York street where he began to manufacture agricultural equipment and then cars, tracks and other equipment for railways. The company now known as E. Leonard and Sons, went on to manufacture steam boilers and steam-powered equipment. In 1847, he married Emeline, the daughter ofElijah Cocker Woodman.He was elected to theLondon municipal councilin 1854 and becamemayorin 1857. In 1862, he was elected to theLegislative Council of the Province of Canadafor Malahide division; Leonard was named to the Senate afterConfederation.Besides his manufacturing interests, he also helped found the London and Lake Huron Railway, the London Savings Bank and the Huron and Erie Savings and Loan Society.
Leonard died in London, Ontario in 1891.
After his death, his two sons continued to operate the company, which remained family-run until 1945.
References
[edit]- "Elijah Leonard".Dictionary of Canadian Biography(online ed.).University of Toronto Press.1979–2016.
- Elijah Leonard – Parliament of Canada biography
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