Seeking descendants of Thomas LEONARD & Jane VA-MD-NY 1855+ census
Thomas and Jane Leonard, were African Americans from Maryland and fled to Syracuse (Onondaga Co.), NY.To hide their origin, they gave different places as their birthplace in the 1855-1860-1865 census schedules (1855 New York, 1860 Virginia, 1865 Maryland). Thomas was a waiter, cartman, boatman, and laborer. Jane was a cook at a hotel. They came to Onondaga Co., about 1830 (just after the end of slavery in NY State). Barring a few years in the 1850s, they worked and lived in Syracuse until they died. They were both members of the Freedom Trail network, helping others escape. This Thomas died in 1877 with an obituary appearing in the Syracuse newspaper.
This is not the Thomas who was my Benoni LEONARD's brother nor the son of Samuel [aka Black Sam ~1750-1824 NY>MA] which my Cousin Arlene wrote above.
Hope he is your family,
J.