From the most accurate information available, Henry
Leland, the Proginator of all who bear the name in this country, ( with
two exceptions, one who adopted the name, the origin of the other not known,
) was born in England about the year 1625.
It is supposed that he emigrated to America, in
1652, as the Ecclesiastical Records of Dorchester, show that he united
with the church in that Town, in 1653. After a short residence in
Dorchester, Mr. Leland settled on a tract of land, included in what was
afterwards the Town of Sherburne, where he resided until the time of his
death, in 1680.
It is believed on evidence derived from some ancient
records, confirmed by tradition, that Mr. L. married previous to his removal
to this country. It is much to be regretted that there are no sources
of information, for determining the circumstances connected with his leaving
the land of his nativity, to venture upon a life of hardship in the wilds
of America.
All, however, who are conversant with the history
of that period will readily understand the cause of this deficiency.
In those "troublous times," in the midst of their labors and trials, our
Fathers did not provide for transmitting their history to unborn generations.
There is good reason, however, for beleiving that
Henry Leland was a man in character like his comrades in those days, distinguished
for firmness, courage, patient endurance and invincible moral and religious
integrity.
The whole number of lineal descendants from Henry
Leland, the first family ancestor of the name in America, cannot be definitely
ascertained, but from the statistics collected, it cannot be less than
fifteen thousand. May they and their posterity through all the coming
ages emulate his virtues, and prove themselves worthy descendants of their
justly honored ancestor.
It is thought that the will of Henry Leland, a copy
of which has been obtained from the Probate Records, may be of sufficient
interest to justify insertion in connexion with this brief sketch.
HENRY LELAND'S WILL.
IN THE NAME
OF GOD, AMEN----
The twenty-seventh day March, in the year
of our Lord, 1680.
I, HENRY LAYLAND, of Sherburne, being sick
and weake in body, but of sound and perfect memorie, praised be God for
the same; and knowing the uncertainty of this life, on earth, and being
desirous to settle things in order, do make this, my last will and testament,
in manner and form following: that is to say,
First and principally, I commend my soul to Almighty
God, my Creator, assuredly believing that I shall receive full pardon,
and remission of all my sins, and be saved, by the precious death and merits
of my blessed Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and my body to the earth,
from whence it was taken, to be buryed in such decent and christian manner
as, to my executors hereafter named, shall be thought meete and convenient.
Next Page