I will start off this query by stating up front that this family were miners, and that 2 of the sons left Pennsylvania and struck it rich in the Black Hills and in Idaho. They became miner owners in Idaho and at their deaths were listed as millionares, the old American success story. William R. LEONARD, b. May 1852 prob. Luzerne county, d. 25 Oct 1918, Denver, Colorado and his brother, James B. LEONARD, b. 1857 prob. Luzerne, d. 29 Jul 1910, Spokane, Washington were the sons of Barney LEONARD, b. 1825 Ireland, a miner, and his wife, Margaret RYAN Leonard, b. 1831 Pennsylvania, daughter of an Irish locktender, William RYAN and his wife, Margaret. Barney LEONARD had 7 children found on census and the youngest son, Frank LEONARD, b. Oct 1871, is listed as a miner in one of the mines owned by his brother in 1900 Idaho. The other children were: Michael, b. 1847, d. early, Ellen, b. 1850, Mary b. 1860, and Michael, b. 1865, d. early. This family lived in Hazel twp. in the 1860 and 1870 census. Does anyone have information regarding the other children? Or info on when/where Barney and his wife died? Another bit of interest. Margaret Ryan Leonard was the great grandaunt of Edward Patrick RYAN, b. 28 Feb 1883, Mauch Chunk, Carbon, Pennsylvania, d. 30 Aug 1965 Spokane, Washington. Ed RYAN went to New York University, graduated in law and became involved in mining law. He moved to Spokane, Washington in 1914 and became a Regent of the University of Washington in 1933-1934 and in 1942; he was President of that board, 1934-1935. He served n the board of directors of Metaline Mining and Leasing Co., and as a member of the board of directors of the Old National Bank in Spokane. Apparently he was a popular speaker on America from the clippings. Ed's parents? Michael J. Ryan, b. Nov 1847 Pennsylvania, d. 1903, Pennsylvania, and Julianne McElroy, b. Aug 1857 Ireland, d. 1938 Pennsylvania. Michael J. was a fireman for the railroad. Michael and Julianne had 12 chidlren, but only 3 lived to adulthood. My interest? Why would these millionaires be good friends with my grandfather in Spokane their entire lives? My grandfather, William J. Boyle, b. 15 May 1892 Hazleton, Luzerne, Pennsylvania, d. 30 Apr 1978, American Lake, Tacoma, Pierce, Washington. His father, also a William J. Boyle, was a day laborer in the mines. Both of my grandfather's parents were dead by the time he was 13, and he and his sister were shunted from family to family. My grandfather was a paper salesman, making a regular living for his family, but definitely not wealthy. So why are these folks such friends for so long when there is such an economic difference between them? Tantalizing...maybe they were family?