From collection Member List
Mary Comfort was born on January 22, 1856, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, one of 13 children. After completing her education at home, she went to the Lewis School, where she was a student for three years. Mary and her friends Eva Webb and Anna Boyd founded Delta Gamma during Christmas break in 1973.
While in Oxford, Mary met Charles H. Leonard, a university student, whom she married in 1880. They taught together in both Mississippi and Florida. When Charles died in 1889, Mary returned to Kosciusko with her three small sons. She continued to teach as well as lead a Bible class at the Presbyterian Church, while also working at the Twentieth Century Club and other civic organizations.
A regular attendee at Delta Gamma conventions, she lived long enough to see her granddaughter initiated as a charter member of the reinstalled Alpha Psi Chapter at the University of Mississippi. She died on August 4, 1940.
While in Oxford, Mary met Charles H. Leonard, a university student, whom she married in 1880. They taught together in both Mississippi and Florida. When Charles died in 1889, Mary returned to Kosciusko with her three small sons. She continued to teach as well as lead a Bible class at the Presbyterian Church, while also working at the Twentieth Century Club and other civic organizations.
A regular attendee at Delta Gamma conventions, she lived long enough to see her granddaughter initiated as a charter member of the reinstalled Alpha Psi Chapter at the University of Mississippi. She died on August 4, 1940.
Related Items
Carter, Dodd, Sultan, and Leonard Photograph
Two founders sit together with two of the first Psi I initiates. Standing are Minnie Wohlleben Carter and Eva Webb Dodd. Seated are Emma Wohlleben Sultan and Mary Comfort Leonard.
Dedication of Delta Gamma Historical Marker, February 18, 1979
The site where Anna Boyd, Psi I-Lewis School, Mary Comfort, Psi I-Lewis School, and Eva Webb, Psi I-Lewis School founded Delta Gamma is commemorated with a historical marker, dedicated to the qualities of friendship, loyalty, honor, and se…
Eva Dodd and Mary Leonard Photograph
Eva Webb Dodd and Mary Comfort Leonard stand together outside.
Kosciusko, Mississippi: Birthplace of the Founders of Delta Gamma Fraternity Brochure
This brochure details the history of Eva Webb, Psi I-Lewis School, Anna Boyd, Psi I-Lewis School, and Mary Comfort, Psi I-Lewis School in Kosciusko, including their membership at the First Presbyterian Church.
Mary Comfort Leonard to Marguerite Letter, June 29, 1938
Mary Comfort Leonard, Psi I-Lewis School apologizes for the late response to Marguerite Winant, Omicron-Adelphi's letter, and asks which of her badges the Fraternity would like to have as a souvenir.
Delta Gamma Founders Draft Essay
This essay describes the Founders and provides information about their personalities and activities at the Lewis School.
Mrs. S.L. Dodd to Miss Abbott Letter, 1908
Eva Webb Dodd, Psi I-Lewis School requests a copy of the upcoming January ANCHORA that will include an article on the founders.
