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
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 Mrs. Gradle Letter, January 23, 1930
Mary Comfort Leonard, Psi I-Lewis School expresses her enjoyment for the January ANCHORA. She also inquires about a message she had asked to be passed along instead of an article for the ANCHORA.
Anna Boyd, Mary Comfort, and Eva Webb Cased Daguerreotype
Founders Anna Boyd, Psi I-Lewis School, Mary Comfort, Psi I-Lewis School, and Eva Webb Psi, I-Lewis School, sit for a formal portrait.
The Delta Gamma Fraternity: Material for the Preparation of Fraternity Examinations Booklet, c. 1935
This booklet provides information reprinted from the Pledge Manual of Delta Gamma for the preparation of examinations. It includes handwritten study notes.
Mary Comfort Leonard Tablet Unveiling Invitation, April 20, 1941
Delta Gamma Fraternity invites the recipient to the unveiling of a tablet honoring Mary Comfort Leonard at Kosciusko Cemetery.
Delta Gamma Club Formed
Anna Boyd, Mary Comfort and Eva Webb found the Delta Gamma Club at the Lewis School in Oxford, Mississippi, and chose the letter "H" as their emblem.
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.
