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Adna Wright Leonard

1874 – 1943

American chaplain

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About Adna Wright Leonard

Lived 1874 – 1943 (aged 68). Adna Wright Leonard was an American priest.

Bishop Adna Wright Leonard I (November 2, 1874 – May 3, 1943) was a Methodist bishop in Buffalo, New York, and the first chairman of the Methodist Commission on Chaplains. He was killed in 1943 in a plane crash on his way to Iceland to visit Methodist chaplains and their troops.

Biography He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 2, 1874, to Adna Bradway Leonard (1837–1916) and Caroline (Kaiser) Leonard (1840–1899). He was elected bishop in 1916.

He married Mary Luella Day (1873–1956) on October 9, 1901, and had the following children: Adna Wright Leonard II (1904–1986); and Phyllis Day (Leonard) Budd (1907–2002).

He was elected to the episcopacy of the Methodist Episcopal Church at the 1916 General Conference. He served in San Francisco, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.

Death Leonard was killed on May 3, 1943, in the crash of the B-24 Liberator Hot Stuff at Fagradalsfjall in Iceland where he was traveling on his way to Iceland to visit Methodist chaplains and their troops. Thirteen other people were killed in the plane crash, including Lieutenant General Frank Maxwell Andrews and Brigadier General Charles H. Barth Jr.

Career President of the New York Anti-Saloon League Chairman The Methodist Commission on Chaplains Headed trustees of the University of Southern California

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Important facts

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Adna Wright Leonard?

American chaplain (1874-1943)

When was Adna Wright Leonard born?

Adna Wright Leonard was born on 2 November 1874 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

When did Adna Wright Leonard die?

Adna Wright Leonard died on 3 May 1943 in Iceland.

What was Adna Wright Leonard's occupation?

Adna Wright Leonard was a priest.

What nationality was Adna Wright Leonard?

Adna Wright Leonard was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Adna Wright Leonard

· Wikidata: Q4683841

· DBpedia: Adna Wright Leonard

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Adna Wright Leonard. https://biography.guide/adna-wright-leonard/

MLA: "Adna Wright Leonard." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/adna-wright-leonard/.

Chicago: "Adna Wright Leonard." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/adna-wright-leonard/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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