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. That day Leonard wrote in his diary, "Fourteen specimens of the genus homo, banded together by the sacred ties of fraternal brotherhood, met in [the] dining hall at 7:00 p.m. sharp…a number of [speeches] were made all expatiating on the desirability of perpetuating this secret band of brothers. Suffice it to be said, that an organization was effected [sic] which we hope may be as lasting as the university itself.”

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. In May 1921, he was hired as the Superintendent of Schools in North Andover, Massachusetts.

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. On June 21, 1902, he was chosen "Father of the Fraternity".