{Probably Ellis Ancestors}
Hopestill Leland and Elgin Hatherly are commonly thought to be the parents of Lydia, the second wife of Alexander Lovell, who is our ancestor. That connection has not been completely proven, but we have included them here as probable ancestors.
Few facts about Hopestill Leland are established. He is said to have been from Yorkshire, England1 and to have married Elgin Hatherly, who is thought to have died in England before Hopestill emigrated with their children. Elgin has been confused with Eglin Hatherly Hanford, the daughter of Robert Hatherly and Elinor Tanner.2
Abner Morse, who wrote a history of Sherborn, Massachusetts, says that Hopestill Layland settled at Weymouth, possibly as early as 1624. [Another online source says he came with Robert Gorges, but that is unlikely.] "When the Rev. Mr. Newman and the majority of the planters of Weymouth removed to Rehoboth in 1644, he seems to have removed with the family of John Holbrook, to that part of Dorchester which became Milton. Here his son Henry … formed the acquaintance of Nicholas Wood and Tho. Holbrook, both residents of the same part of Dorchester, and in company with them began the first settlement cf Sherborn, 1652-4.
"Hopestill Leland is believed to have had daughters married to some of the first planters in Medfield and Bogistow, many of whom were from Weymouth, Braintree and Dorchester, viz., one married to Lovell, from whom descended Hopestill and Nathaniel Lovell of Medfield., another, Experience, the first wife of Thomas Holbrook, of Sherborn. When upwards of 70 years old he seems to have removed to Bogistow [land in South Sherborn which was then called Boggestow] to reside with his children. Here the patriarch slept with bis fathers in 1655, "aged 75." The manner in which his death is recorded indicates distinction."1 We have not yet found this record of his death.
James Savage also says "He [Hopestill Leland] d. at Medfield, 1655, aged 75."3 Carol Germane Brunner says he died at the house of his daughter Lydia and son-in-law Alexander Lovell. No documentation is given.2
The Find A Grave memorial for Hopestill Leland says he is buried in the Old South Cemetery, Sherborn, Middlesex, Massachusetts. "Hopestill was the first person buried in this cemetery. The other Hopestill buried here is his grandson (whose father was Henry). No marker exists for the older Hopestill.4
Genealogical Register of the Inhabitants and History of the Towns of Sherborn and Holliston by Abner Morse p 160
Ancestry.com message board – posting on "Elgin Hatherly Leland and Eglin Hatherly Hanford" – by carolgermainbruner
A Genealogical Dictionary of The First Settlers of New England, Before 1692, Volume #3, Leland - Lewiston By James Savage
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/96691355/hopestill-leland