Nahum Leonard

Nahum Leonard III (December 11, 1876 - September 11, 1927) was an American educator and one of the founders of the college fraternity Kappa Delta Phi.

Early life

Leonard was born in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. His father was Lahum Kingman Leonard, a representative in the Massachusetts legislature, high school principal, and superintendent of the State Farm.

He attended Bridgewater State College in 1899, graduating in 1902. While in college, he was a member of the Normal Club. He was also at one time the president of the athletic association. On April 14, 1900, fourteen male students met and established Kappa Delta Phi.Clemence, Robert E. (1950)
''The Golden Year of Kappa Delta Phi''
Libson, N.H.: The Ammonoosuc Press, p. 14. via ''Selections from Archives and Special Collections'', Bridgewater State University. That day Leonard wrote in his diary, "Fourteen specimens of the genus homo, banded together by the sacred ties of fraternal brotherhood, met in hedining hall at 7:00 p.m. sharp…a number of peecheswere made all expatiating on the desirability of perpetuating this secret band of brothers. Suffice it to be said, that an organization was effected icwhich we hope may be as lasting as the university itself.” Leonard was elected as the fraternity's secretary and later served as treasurer and vice president.

Career

After graduating from college, Leonard became the principal of Sanderson Academy in Ashfield, Massachusetts, from the fall of 1907 to June 1910. When he left Sanderson, he took to college studies at Harvard University.

He was then associated with the Keene Normal School in Keene, New Hampshire. In May 1921, he was hired as the Superintendent of Schools in North Andover, Massachusetts. He held that position until he resigned in 1927 due to poor health.

Personal life

Leonard was married and had a son. He remained active in the Kappa Delta Phi fraternity and attended its annual conventions, which began at his suggestion. He also helped established the ''Gamma chapter''. On June 21, 1902, he was chosen "Father of the Fraternity". In June 1904, he served on the committee of four members that explored whether or not Kappa Delta Phi should become a national fraternity.

Leonard had a summer home in Plymouth, Massachusetts. He died on September 11, 1927, in Plymouth from angina pectoris immediate cardio sclerosis. He was buried in the Mt. Prospect Cemetery in Bridgewater.

Honors

At its 1929 convention, Kappa Delta Phi changed the name of its scholarship fund to the Nathum Leonard Loan Fund in his honor.Clemence, Robert E. (1950).
The Golden Year of Kappa Delta Phi
'' Libson, N.H.: The Ammonoosuc Press, p. 28 and 48. via ''Selections from Archives and Special Collections'', Bridgewater State University.

References

External links

Nahum Leonard, Find a Grave

{{DEFAULTSORT:Leonard, Nahum
1876 births
1927 deaths
People from Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Bridgewater State University alumni
Harvard University alumni
20th-century American educators
School superintendents in Massachusetts
Kappa Delta Phi
Keene State College faculty