Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 36684, for Michael Leatherman, Maryland
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Md.
Tenn.

Leatherman, Michael

NUMBER
S. 36684

CONTENTS
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20174
Kentucky
Michael Leatherman
of Jefferson Co in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Nice of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Stewart in the Pennsylvania line, for the term of twenty months from May 1776 to 1778

Inscribed on the roll of Kentucky at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 28th day of June 1830

Certificate of Pension issued the 29 of June 1830 and sent to Col. S. N. Kalfus, Jefferson Ton, Jefferson Co. Ken.

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1830 $17.86
Semi-anu'l all'ce ending 
$17.86

Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820.

Rec: Book D.
Vol: 9 fol: 47
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This indenture made the tenth day of May one thousand eight hundred and fifteen between Michael Leatherman of Jefferson County state of Kentucky and Margaretha his wife of the one part and Jacob Leatherman of the county and state aforesaid of the other part, witnesseth, that the said Michael Leatherman and Margaretha his wife for & in consideration of the natural love and affection which they have and bear unto their son Jacob Leatherman and for divers other good causes & conciderations them the said Michael & Margaretha hereunto moving, as also as also for the concideration of one Dollar to them in hand well & truly laid the receipt is hereby acknowledged they the said Michael Leatherman and Margaretha his wife have granted bargained & sold and by these presents do grant bargain & sell unto the said Jacob Leatherman his heirs & assigns all the following tract of land situate lying & being in Jefferson County state of Kentucky on the waters off Floyd Ford being part of a survey of 1322 acres made for Thomas Quirk and bounded as follows to wit. Beginning at a white oak & poplar standing on the South side of the road leading from Jefferson Town to Shelbyville and corner to Phillip Pence in William Gooses line thence with said Gooses line S24 E92 poles to an ash and stone corner to Moses Tyler thence with his line S68 W148 poles to two hickorys and a double elm in Peter Henowines line thence N24W92 poles to three white oaks in said Pences line thence with his line N68E148 poles to the Biginning. Containing eighty five acres and sixteen poles of land together with all the hereditaryments and appertinances whatsoever to the said tract of land belonging or in anywin appertaining and the reversions, remainders, rents issues and profits of the said premises and every part & parcel thereof and all the estate right title interest claim and
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and demand whatsoever of them the the said Michael and Margaretha Leatherman in and to the said described tract of land & premises and every part thereof to have and to hold the said tract of land and all and singular other the premises abovementioned and every part & parcel thereof with the appertinances unto the said Jacob Leatherman his heirs and assigns to tho only proper use and behoof of the said Jacob Leatherman his heirs and assigns forever and the said Michael Leatherman and Margaretha his wife for themselves & their heir the said tract of land of 85 acres & 16 poles and every part thereof against them and their heirs and against all and every person or persons lawfully claiming or to claim by from or under them or any or either of them shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents 

In witness whereof the said Michael Leatherman and his wife have hereunto set their hands and seals the day & year first within written
Michael Leatherman X his mark
Margaretha Leatherman X her mark

Signed & delivered in the presence of 

I the clerk of the county court of Jefferson county in the state of Kentucky do certify that on this day the above named Michael Leatherman and Margaretha his wife the grantors came personally before me and acknowledged and delivered the above & foregoing Indenture of bargain and sale to Jacob Leatherman as and for their
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act and deed and the said Margaretha being examined by me as the law depicts she declared she freely and willingly relinquished all her right of Power to the land by the said Indenture conveyed whereupon I have recorded the same in my office witness my hand this third day of June 1815
Worden Pope

I Worden Pope Clerk of the County Court of Jefferson County in the state of Kentucky do certify that the foregoing is truly copied from the Records of my office. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and the seal of the County aforesaid, of which I am the keeper this nineteenth day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty and in the thirty ninth year of the Commonwealth
Worden Pope
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State of Kentucky 
At a County Court held for the County of Jefferson at the court house in the city of Louisville on the third day of May one thousand eight hundred & thirty being a court of record Michael Leatherman a resident of the county of Jefferson in the state aforesaid aged seventy seven years, personally appeared in the said court then open who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th of March 1818, and the act of May 1820: That he the said Michael was born and raised in the present state of Maryland: That in the month of May 1776 he was enlisted for one year & eight months as a soldier in the army of the United States in the Revolutionary War in Maryland aforesaid. That John Geiger, brother of Colo. Frederick Geiger was also raised in the said state of Maryland and in a day or two also enlisted in the same army and for the same period and term of service. That the said Michael and John were enlisted by Captain Lewis Farmer, a recruiting officer, who lived in and came from the City of Philadelphia. That the said Michael and John were marched from Maryland to Philadelphia and there incorporated with the regiment commanded by Colo. Miles. That
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That after the said Michael and John had removed in the service in Pennsylvania about a month as the said Michael supposes, they were marched to the north and joined the army commanded by Gen Washington and were in the action and defeat on Long Island. That in that action, the said Miles was taken prisoner, the said Captain Farmer was wounded; and the company except a few, killed and scattered: That the said Farmer was afterwards promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; and the remnant of his company left after the action on Long Island was transferred into other companies and the said Michael was placed in the company of Captain Nice, in the regiment of Colo. Stewart: That the said Michael was in the Battles at Brandywine and German Town; and was in the skirmish at the White Plains, after the defeat on Long Island: That he faithfully served out the period of his said enlistment and was duly and honorably discharged: And that not considering his discharge to be of any value to him he did not preserve it, and it is lost or destroyed; and that he knows of no person now living by whom he can prove the same

That after his discharge aforesaid he again entered the service as a volunteer soldier in the militia of the state of Maryland and was marched to Anapolis in Myland and remained in service about four or five weeks' and upon learning
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learning that Cornwallis was captured was discharged.

That said Michael resided in Maryland in the neighbourhood of the said John Geiger and Frederick Geiger until about the year 1791 when he moved to the county of Jefferson in the present state of Kentucky and settled about twelve miles from Louisville, at first about ten miles where he has resided ever since. That previous to said 1791 the said Frederick Geiger moved from Maryland to Kentucky and settled in the same neighbourhood and has resided in the said county of Jefferson ever since: That the said John Geiger is dead and that he knows of no person living by whom he can prove his services aforesaid except the said Frederick Geiger.

That about three years after he the said Michael came to Kentucky he purchased 160 acres of land of the most inferior quality of third rate land (at five shillings per acre in hand) lying on Chenowiths run in the said county of Jefferson and settled thereon: That the said Michael had six children, four sons, two daughters: That two of his said sons are dead: That as his children came of age they married and left him: That his son Jacob while a minor and before the year 1818 agreed to live with and take care of his father and mother for one half of said land until the said Jacob was of age and not go to a trade, as two of his brothers had done: That said Jacob
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Jacob lived with his father and mother about three years after he attained full age and assisted said Michael to cultivate his farm and thereby said Jacob obtained one half of said 160 acres of land: That the said Michaels wife has been dead about six years: That said Michaels half of said land or rather the cleared part is greatly out of order the fences down and roads running through it and very poor and worn out: That said Michael cannot rent out said cleared land for more than twenty five dollars per year: That said Michael is unable to repair it: That he has no horses, farming utensils or money or stock or household or kitchen furniture to repair and cultivate said land and that he lives with his son in law Jacob Blankenbecker who has a large family and it is as much as he can well do to maintain them decently: And that the said half of said land will not sell for more than about $60, the houses being much worn out, and old and the timber and wood much gone.

That the said Michael hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present, that his name is not on the pension list or roll of any state and that the following are the reasons for not making an earlier application for a pension, 1st That until lately he was able to labor for a scanty and limited support. 2d That he lived six years with
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the said Blankenbecker and until his family has grown up and is large. 3d - That he drew some little 
assistance from the rent of his land aforesaid which 
has now nearly failed him 4th That he did not wish to be a burthen [burden] to his liberal County While 
he was able to support himself but not being so 
now he needs the bounty of his Government 

And that in pursuance of the act of Congress of the first of May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 
18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since 
that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed 
of any property or any part thereof with intent thereby 
so to diminish it as to bring myself within the 
provisions of an act of Congress entitled "An act 
to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary 
War" passed on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not nor any person in trust 
for me any property or securities contracts or debts 
due to me nor have I any income other than the aforesaid eighty acres of land as described in this declaration now subscribed by me 
Michael Leatherman his X Mark 

Col Frederick Geiger personally appeared in the  Court aforesd [aforesaid] and declared upon oath that he 
has been personally and well acquainted with the
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the aforesaid Michael Leatherman since they were 
ten or twelve years old. that he the said Geiger will be seventy six years of age on the 8th day of June next that he had a brother named, John 
Geiger who is dead. That said Frederick Knows 
that said Michael and John in May 1776 both 
enlisted, in the army of the the United States, in the Revolutionary war under Captain Lewis Farmer for 
one year and eight months, in the State of Maryland 
that the said Michael and John were marched 
off and joined the army at Philadelphia; that he does verily believe that the said Michael and 
John served out the periods of their enlistment and were discharged that as well as he can now 
remember that said John got a furlough to come 
home for a while in the year 1777 and said Frederick 
served in his place part of the time of that absence: 
that he saw the said Michael and John Geiger 
In the Service at White Marsh Hill in the year 1778 - that the 
said Michael and John returned home from 
the service about the same time, and were not 
called upon or molested for their absence from 
the army - that said Michael has lived in the said County of Jefferson, as stated in his foregoing 
Declaration as well as the said Frederick recollects 
that the land aforesaid of said Michael is poor but
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but he has not seen it since about two years as 
well as he remembers and then it looked ragged  
and much out of order, that said Frederick 
from his own knowledge believes that the said 
Michael needs the assistance of his government 
and that the said Michael has always been 
an industrious moral and honest man and is 
entitled to credit on oath, and that on the 28th 
day of April 1830 the said Frederick Geiger saw 
the place aforesd [aforesaid] of the said Michael Leatherman that 
it was greatly out of order the fences down 
and rotten and the cabins much out of repair Frederick Geiger 

Simeon N Kalfus states on oath that he has known the 
aforesaid Michael Leatherman and his farm 
and land before mentioned for upwards of 
twenty years - that if he wished to purchase 
the said land and farm, he would not give 
more than two dollars per acre for the same. 
that the land is very poor, the Cabins are out of 
repair; the fences rotten and down in many places that he does not believe that there is sufficient good timber on the tract to repair 
the farm - that part of said farm is rented for 
$20 the present year as well as said Kalfus recollects and the balance
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\8
balance in common with roads running through 
it that he believes that this is the last year that 
any part of it will rent without repairs, that 
the said Michael is unable to make said repairs 
that said Kalfus does not know that said Michael has any other property than said 
land - that said Kalfus does not believe that 
said Farm could be put in order by a tenant 
short of keeping the same five years free of rent  
and that the said Michael is of good character 
and entitled credit on his oath 
S N Kalfus

All which is ordered to be certified and also that the said Frederick Geiger is of unquestionable 
character and veracity and entiled to 
full credit on his oath. In Witness whereof 
I Worden Pope Clerk of the said Court and Keeper of the seal of said County 
have hereto set my hand and the 
said seal on the day and year first 
written and in the thirty-eighth year 
of the Commonwealth 
Worden Pope
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November 1, 1838. 
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 
BA-J/ady 
Michael Leatherman 
S. 36684 

Mrs. Donald Sroat 
4451 Kahala Avenue 
Honolulu, T. H. 

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter relative to 
Michael Leatherman, a soldier of the Revolutionary 
War . 

The record of the only Michael Leatherman that 
is found on the Revolutionary War records of this 
office is furnished you herein as found in the papers on file in the claim for pension, 
S. 36684, based 
upon his military service in that war. 

Michael Leatherman was born and reared in Maryland, place, and the names of his parents are not shown, nor is the date of his birth given. 

Michael Leatherman enlisted in Maryland, place not 
stated, in May 1776, and marched to Philadelphia, served 
one year and eight months as private in Captain Lewis Farmer's 
Company, Colonel Miles' Pennsylvania Regiment 
and in Captain Nice's Company, Colonel Stewart's 
Pennsylvania Regiment; was in the battles of Long Island, 
White Plains, Brandywine, and Germantown. He enlisted 
and served four or five weeks as private in the Maryland 
troops and was discharged after the surrender of Cornwallis, the names of his officers are not given. 

About 1791 he moved from Maryland, place not stated, to Jefferson County, Kentucky. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed 
May 3, 1830, at which time he was aged seventy-seven 
years, and residing in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with 
his son-in-law, Jacob Blankenbecker, who then had a large family, the names of his wife and children are not shown. 

Soldier's wife, Margaretha, her maiden name not
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stated, was living in 1815. Soldier's wife, died about 1824. No other wife's name is shown than 
Margaretha.

Soldier had six children, two daughters, and four sons, two of his sons were dead in 1830. Soldier's son, Jacob, was living in 1830, his age is not given, but he was a minor in 1815. No other names of soldier's children are shown and there are no further family data. 

The soldier, Michael Leatherman, died July 6. 1831, place not stated.

Very truly yours 

A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator

[Handwritten note:]  On AB
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Veterans Administration 
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sirs: - 
Will you please forward to me, if 
you have it, record of a pension or 
land bounty claim on file for one,
Michael Leatherman, who served in 
the American Revolution as a soldier from 
the Washington County Militia of Maryland.
Vol 18, pg 406 of Maryland Archives 
lists this man as serving in the 
Continental Army in year 1781 from 
Washington Co., Maryland, the place of 
his residence. Your assistance will 
be of great value to me.
Yours truly, 
Mrs. Donald Sroat
4451 Kahala Ave 
Honolulu, T. H.

Sept. 13, 1938.

[Stamp:] Received Sep 26 1938. 14 [Remainder illegible]
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36.684 
Revy INVALID. 

File No. 36684
Michael Leatherman 
Priv Rev War 

Act: 18 March 18 

Index:--Vol. 2, Page 403 
[Arrangement of 1870.] 

1838 Nov. [illegible] 
Mrs. Donald Sroat.  A. D. Y.
Page 18

J. L. Edwards
Pension Office

May 18. 1830
Page 19

Washington
17th May 1830.
Dr Sir
Inclosed are the papers on the case of Mr. Leatherman.  Look at them & if possible put him upon the list.
I know Geiger, no doubt of his statement.  He is a man of high character
Yours
C. A. Wickliffe
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Free
Hon. Charles A. Wickliffe
Member of Congress
Washington City
Mr leatherman's business
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Louisville May 6th 1830
Dear Sir
By request of Mr Michael Leatherman now present, in my office, I enclose to you his Declaration, in order to obtain a pension- you know that there is not a sounder patriot or one of more truth and honesty than Colo Geiger, who proves the services of Mr Leatherman and to those who know him, his evidence will out weigh that of many strangers- I presume that the law calls for two witnesses to prevent fraud and imposition upon the Government; and if that be the object it would seem that a witness of such high character as Colo. Geiger, who details so many convincing facts, should be regarded, as equivalent to the testimony of two obscure strangers
I will add that I have known Mr Leatherman more than thirty years, and can declare that he is a man of unblemished character and needs the assistance of our grateful and liberal country.  He cannot live long to feel this benefit, for services attended with the greatest sufferings and dangers, in a cause, the success of which has made us the freest, and happiest and I hope will make us the greatest people on this Globe
Your Friend
Worden Pope

Hon. Chs A Wickliffe
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J. L. Edwards Esquire
Pension Office
War Department
Washington City

pen:  to com:  at $8 per mo. from 28 June 1830
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Louisville June 19th 1830
Sir
The papers of Michael Leatherman, an applicant for a pension, are herewith returned to the War Department, at his request; and it is hoped that your directions in your letter to Mr Wickliffe of the 21st ult. are fully complied with.

There are two Courts for this (Jefferson) County, one styled "the County Court" and the other "the Circuit Court" and both are Courts of law and of record.  The first declaration was made in the County Court, in order that it should reach Mr Wickliffe, and receive his attention to it before the last Congress adjourned. The papers were returned whilst the Circuit Court was in session, and the second Declaration has been made in that Court containing the additions directed by you.  The County Court will not sit until next month; and it was thought best to have the business done in the Circuit Court
Both declarations are forwarded to the Department, that you may compare them and see, that all is fair, with the additional evidence of Jacob Leatherman, as required.  A copy of the Deed, from Michael to Jacob Leatherman
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Leatherman is forwarded, altho' it was believed to be unnecessary being made on the 10th of May 1815 long before the passage of the act of Congress granting the pension now applied for.  I am sincerely glad of the expected success of this old, and needy Revolutionary soldier, because I know, and have long known him to be, a moral, sober, honest and worthy man.
If he shall obtain a pension he requests me to ask the favor of you to let him know ["who" crossed out] it , as soon as convenient by writing to his friend and neighbour Colo Simeon N Kalfus, Jefferson Town Jefferson County, Kentucky and order his pension to be paid, at the U States Bank in this City.
I am Sir very respectfully
Your obedient servant
Worden Pope

J. L. Edwards Esqr
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Jefferson Town Ky
July 11
Free 
Chief Clerk of the pension office
Washington City
Ca D
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Jefferson Town Ky
July 7 - 1831
Sir  this will inform you that Michael Leatherman late a pensioner departed this life on this morning.
Having been instrumental in getting his pension I feel it a duty to state his death to the pension office.
Yours respectfully
S. N. Kalfus P. [?]
Jefferson Town Ky
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Original claim.  No. 21.287
The question in this case is simply respecting proof of service, the other points being reserved for the present.
Michael Leatherman of Jefferson County Kentucky applies for a pension; and states that he enlisted in May 1776, for 18 months, in Capt Farmers company, Col Miles Regiment, Pennsylvania line.  That in the action on Long Island the troops were defeated and his Capt wounded.  That the remnant of the company was placed under Capt Nice in the Regiment of Col Stewart; same line.  He remained in service until the expiration of his enlistment.  File A 
page 1.

His name is not found on the rolls; but all his officers are found thereon.  There is no person living (that he knows of) by whom he can prove his service except Col Frederick Geiger.

Frederick Geiger deposes, that he knows that the claimant and a brother of his, named John Geiger enlisted in the Army of the U. States in May 1776, under Captain Farmer, and were marched to
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Philadelphia; and he does verily believe that they served their time out.  For this belief he gives the following reasons, viz:  that he saw them in service in 1778- that they returned home from service about the same time, and were not called upon or molested on account of their absence from the Army
File A page 5.

It is seen that this witness swears positively to the time of the claimants entering the service, and the period of his enlistment; but circumstantially as to the duration of service and manner of leaving it.

1st Question.  Are the circumstances sufficiently strong?
It is also seen, that only one witness is offered to prove service, when the rule requires two.

On this point it is urged by the agent for the claimant (Worden Pope) that if the rule which requires 2 witnesses be intended to prevent imposition, one witness, of such high character as the present, and detailing so many facts, should be deemed
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"equivalent to the testimony of two obscure strangers"
(paper B.)

Hon C. A. Wickliffe states that he knows Col Geiger.  "He is a man of high character.  No doubt of his statement."
(paper C)

2d Question.  Will one witness be received in this case?
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Michael Leatherman
Kentucky Brief
See letter to Hon C A Wickliffe
21 May 1830
Recd. 18 May 1830 from Hon C. A. Wickliffe 
H. R.
Requiring two witnesses to prove a service is merely a regulation of the Department.  The statement of one, so well reputed as Col Geiger, & by gentleman so well known as Mr Wickliff & Mr Pope is sufficient to take it out of the reason of the regulation
It is admitted
J. A. Eaton
20. May. 1830
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State of Kentucky
At a circuit court continued and held for the Jefferson circuit (being a superior court of Law) at the court house in the city of Louisville on the 19th day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty
Michael Leatherman a resident of the county of Jefferson in the state aforesaid aged seventy seven years personally appeared in the said court then open who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the acts of congress of the 18 of March 1818 and the first of may 1820 that he the said Michael was born and raised in the present state of Maryland; that in the month of May 1776 he was enlisted for one year & eight months as a soldier in the army of the united states in the revolutionary war in Maryland aforesaid 
That John Geiger brother of Col Frederick Geiger was also raised in the said state of Maryland and in a day or two also enlisted in the same army and for the same period and term of service.  that the said Michael and John were enlisted by Capt Lewis Farmer a recruiting officer who lived in and came from the city of Philadelphia that the said Michael and John were marched from Maryland to Philagelphia and there incorporated with the Regiment commanded by Col Miles that after the said Michael and John had remained in the service in Pennsylvania about a month as the said Michael supposes they were marched to the north and joined the
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2
army commanded by Genl Washington and were in the action and defeat on Long Island that in that action the said Miles was taken prisoner the said Capt Farmer was wounded and the company except a few killed and scattered.  That the said Farmer was afterwards promoted to the rank of Lieut Col and the remnant of his company left after the action on Long Island was transfered [transferred] unto other companies and the said Michael was placed in the company of Capt Nice, in the Regiment of Col Stewart.  That the said Michael was in the battles at Brandywine and German Town, and was in the skirmish at the white plains after the defeat at long Island that he faithfully served out the period of his said enlistment and was duly and honorably discharged.  And that considering his discharge to be of any value he did not preserve it and it is lost or destroyed and that he knows of no person now living by whoom [whom] he can prove the same.

That after his discharge aforesaid he again entered the service as a volunteer soldier in the Millitia [Militia] of the state of Maryland, and was marched to Anapolis [Annapolis] in Maryland and remained in service about four or five weeks and upon Learning that Cornwallis was captured was discharged.

That said Michael resided in Maryland in the neighborhood of the said John Geiger and Frederick Geiger untill [until] about the year 1791 when he moved to the county of Jefferson in the present state of Kentucky and settled about 12 miles from Louisville at first about 10 miles where he has resided ever since.  That previous
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3
to said 1791 the said Frederick Geiger moved from Maryland to Kentucky and settled in the same neighborhood and has resided in the said County of Jefferson eversince [ever since]:  That the said John Geiger is dead and that he knows of no person living by whoom [whom] he can prove his servises [services] aforesaid except the said Frederick Geiger--

That about three years after he the said Michael came to Kentucky he purchased 160 acres of land of the most inferior quality of third rate land at five shillings per acre in trade lying on the waters of Chenoweths run in the said County of Jefferson and settled thereon.  That the said Michael had six children four sons and two daughters.  that two of his said sons are dead that as his children came of age they married and left him.  that his son Jacob while a minor and before the year 1818 agreed to live with and take care of his father & mother for Eighty five acres of said land untill [until] the said Jacob was of age and not go to a trade as two of his brothers had done.  That said Jacob lived with his father & Mother about three years after he attained full age and assisted said Michael to cultivate his farm and thereby said Jacob obtained one half of said 160 acres of land.  that the said Michaels wife has been dead about six years

That said Michaels half of said land or rather the cleared part is greatly out of order the fences down and roads running through it and very poor and worn out
that said Michael cannot rent out said cleared land for more than Twenty five Dollars per year.  That said Michael is unable to repair it that he has no horses Farming utensils or money or stock or household or
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4
Kitchen furniture to repair and cultivate said Land and that he lives with his soninlaw [sic] Jacob Blankenbeker who has a large family and it is as much as he can well do to maintain them decently and that the said half of said land will not sell for more than about $160 the houses being much worn out and old and the timber and wood much gone
That the said Michael hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present; that his name is not on the pension list or roll of any State and that the following are the reasons for not making an earlier application for a pension  First that untill [until] lately he was able to labor for a scanty & limited support  2d that he lived six years with the said Blankenbeker and until his family has grown up and is large
3d That he drew some little assistance from the rent of his land aforesaid which has now nearly failed him  4th that he did not wish to be a burthen [burden] to his liberal country while he was able to support himself but not being so now he needs the bounty of his government

And that in pursuance of the act of Congress of the 1 of May 1820 I do solemly [solemnly] swear that I was a resident citizen of the united states on the 18 day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of any property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and naval service of the united states in the revolutionary war passed on the 18 day
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5 
of March 1818 and that I have not nor any 
person in trust for me any property or securities 
contracts or debts due to me nor have I any 
income other than the aforesaid 75 acres of land 
as described in this declaration now subscribed 
by me Michael Leatherman his X mark

Col Frederick Geiger personally appeared in the 
Court aforesaid and declared upon oath that 
he has been personally and well acquainted 
with the aforesaid Michael Leatherman since 
they were ten or twelve years old that he the 
said Geiger will be seventy six years of age 
on the 8 day of June next, that he had a brother named John Geiger who is dead that said 
Frederick Knows that said Michael & John in 
May 1776 both enlisted in the army of the then 
United States in the revolutionary war under 
Capt Lewis Farmer for one year and eight 
months 
in the state of Maryland that the said Michael 
and John were marched off and joined 
the army at Philadelphia that he does verily 
believe that the said Michael and John Served 
out the periods of their enlistments and were 
discharged. That as well as he can now remember 
that said John got a furlow to come home for 
a while in the year 1777 and said Frederick 
served in his place part of the time of that 
absence. That he saw the said Michael and John Geiger in the service at White marsh hill 
in the year 1778. That the said Michael and John returned home from the service about the same time and were not called upon or molested 
for their absence from the army that said 
Michael has lived in the said County of Jefferson as stated in his foregoing declaration, as well as
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6
the said Frederick recollects. That the land aforesaid of said Michael is poor but he has 
not seen it since about two years as well 
as he remembers and then it looked ragged 
and much out of order. That said Frederick 
from his own knowledge believes that the said Michael needs the assistance of his government 
and that the said Michael has always been 
an industrious moral and honest man and is 
entitled to credit on his oath, and that on the 
28 day of April 1830 the said Frederick Geiger saw the place aforesaid of the said Michael Leatherman 
that it was greatly out of order the fences 
down and rotten and the cabbins [cabins] much out of repair.
Frederick Geiger 

Simeon N Kalfus states on oath that he 
he [sic] has known the aforesaid Michael Leatherman 
and his farm for upwards of twenty years that 
if he wished to purchase the said land and 
farm he would not give more than two Dollars per acre for the same, that the land is very 
poor the cabins are out of repair the fences 
rotten and down in many places that he 
does not believe that there is sufficient good timber on the tract to repair the farm, that 
part of said farm is rented for $20 the present year (as well as said Kalfus recollects) and the ballance [balance] in common with roads running 
through it. That he believes that this is the 
last year that any part of it will rent 
without repairs that the said Michael is 
unable to make said repairs, that said 
Kalfus does not believe that said farm 
could be put in order by a tenant short 
of keeping the same five years free of rent
Page 37

7 
and that the said Michael is of good character 
and entitled to credit on his oath. 
S. N. Kalfus

Jacob Leatherman states on oath that he 
is a son of Michael Leatherman the declarant 
that said Michael conveyed 85 acres of land to 
said Jacob by deed dated the 10 day of May 
1815 that the whole tract contained only 160 acres leaving Seventy five acres for the said Michael that said Jacob did not pay any money or property for said 85 acres. and that the only conditions[?] 
for said 85 acres was the services rendered by said 
Jacob, and his labor on the farm to support his 
father & mother, and keeping & taking care of them. 
Jacob Leatherman his X mark 

I the said Michael Leatherman do declare on oath 
that I have no other property or estate than the seventy-five 
acres of land aforesaid and that I have not 
disposed of any property since the 18th day of March 1818 
Michael Leatherman his X mark 

All which is ordered to be certified. Also that it appears 
to the satisfaction of this Court that the said Michael Leatherman 
did serve in the Revolutionary war as 
stated by him, in his preceding Declaration against 
the common enemy for the term of one year and eight months under one engagement in the 
continental establishment. Also that the seventy-five 
acres of land stated in the aforesaid Schedule of the said Michael Leatherman is not worth more
Page 38

more than the sum of One hundred and fifty dollars in the opinion of this Court.  Also that, in the opinion of this Court, the eighty-five acres of land conveyed by the said Michael Leatherman to the said Jacob Leatherman (his son) by deed dated the 10th day of May 1815 was then worth the sum only of one hundred and seventy dollars in the opinion of this Court.  And also that the said Frederick Geiger is of unimpeachable character and veracity and entitled to full credit on oath.  In witness whereof and that the foregoing contained in eight pages, this included, is recorded in the said Court I Worden Pope Clerk thereof have hereto set my hand and the seal of the said Court, this nineteenth day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty and in the thirty-ninth year of the Commonwealth
Worden Pope