James Leeper
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James Leeper (1695 - 1763)

James Leeper
Born in Belfast, County Down, Irelandmap
Son of [father unknown] and [mother unknown]
[sibling(s) unknown]
Husband of — married 22 Dec 1718 in Irelandmap
Descendants descendants
Father of , , , , , , , , , and
Died at about age 68 in Augusta, Hampshire, Virginiamap
Problems/Questions Profile manager: Demetrius Burnett private message [send private message]
Profile last modified | Created 30 Nov 2012
This page has been accessed 3,028 times.

Contents

Biography

Ireland Native
James Leeper was born in Ireland.
U.S. Southern Colonies Project logo
James Leeper was a Virginia colonist.

Father of Nicholas bpt.. 12 Nov 1720 & Sarah bpt. 5 Jan 1723 & Jane bpt. 7 Mar 1725 & Andrew bpt. 30 Jul 1727 in Ireland

James Leeper was one of the earliest settlers in Augusta Co., Va. " In 1739, James Lepper made oath that he imported himself Margaret, Nicholas, Sarah, Jane, Andrew, James, Guine, Isbell, & Mary Lepper at his own charge from Ireland to Philadelphia & from thence unto this Colony and that this is the first time of proving his and their Rights in order to obtain Land."[1][2] He must have been an early member of the Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church as he had two children baptized their in 1741 and 1744. He had lands surveyed (deed # 31) May 13, 1758. . He died in 1763 as his wife, Margaret Leeper, qualified as administratrix of his estate, June 21, 1763. October 23, 1763, Margaret Leeper recorded settlement of the estate.[Milton.FTW]

James Leeper, wife Margaret, and children Importation Oath 1739 at Beverly Manor, Augusta, Colonial Virginia

William Beverley acknowledged his Deeds of Lease and Release to James Leeper, and admitted to record.[3]

SAR Ancestor: "James was a blacksmith. James Leeper with his wife Margaret came from Ireland to Pennsylvania and later moved to Virginia around 1738. The record includes his descendants, ca. 1720-1779, and they lived in Virginia and North Carolina. Related families are Seawright and Henderson. James died on 21 Jun 1763 in Augusta, Virginia, United States"[4][5]

It is known James leaves Ireland and arrives at the ship port in PA in 1738.

8 Feb 1739 James enters into the typical Land Indenture with William Beverly at Beverly Manor, Orange (Augusta), Colonial Virginia, 526 Acres on the "Shanandore", see below:

James Leeper property at the Beverly Manor Patent, 1739

23 Nov 1743 John Seawright (1717-1784) sells land to James Leeper (1695-1763) Blacksmith, 400 Acres, Orange County called Augusta, a branch of the North River of Shanando called Naked Branch. It covers four pages, it may be one or two lots all told.[6]

20 July 1747 Vestry met; all present xxx-xxx directed to meet to purchase land for a Glebe convenient to the lands of Col. Patton near Leeper's Old Plantation, which is adjudged the most convenient place to build a Church. (Augusta Parish Vestry Book, Page 3)[7][8][9]

Aug 1751 James Leeper, blacksmith, to Nicholas Leeper, farmer, 227 Acres in Beverly Manor; corner James Moody. Source page 472.[10]


29 Aug 1751 James Leeper to Nicholas Leeper. Margaret, wife of James. Source page 186. [11]

16 Jun 1752 James Leeper, blacksmith, and Margaret, to Andrew Leeper, planter, 299 Acres in Beverley Manor, part of 525 Acres from Beverley to James; corner Nicholas Leeper (Page 520)[12]

15 Feb 1755 Andrew Leeper and Jane to Gawin Leeper, paid 120, 299 Acres in Beverly Manor, part of 526 Acres sold by Beverley to James Leeper and by James to Andrew; corner Nicholas Leeper Source page 544[13]

16 May 1759 James Leeper to his son, James Leeper, paid 5, on Naked Creek of North River patented to James, Sr., one patent 12 Jul 1746, part of patent 25 Apr 1746, containing 230 Acres. Source Page 115[14]

16 May 1759 Same to son, Gawen Leeper, paid 5, on Naked Creek paid 5, part of two patents dated 5 June 1747, and 26 Apr 1742 352 Acres. (Page 118)[15]

17 Aug 1762 James Leeper, Jr., to his father James Leeper, Sr., paid 100, on Naked Creek of North River Shanandore, patented to James Leeper, Sr., 12 July 1746, part of a patent, 26 Apr 1742, 230 Acres. (Page 436) [16]

21 Jun 1763 Margaret Leeper qualified administratix of her deceased husband, James Leeper. William Beard, greatest creditor, qualifies administrator of John Sheldon. Page 109. [17]

21 Jun 1763 Margaret Leeper, Samuel Henderson, and John Seawright bound for 5,000 pounds to the Justices of Peace, Margaret Leeper Administrator of the goods, chattels, & Credits of James Leeper deceased to make and Inventory.[18][19]

12 Sep 1763 Inventory of James Leeper's Estate, Appraisement of James Leeper's Estate recorded in Court, 20 Mar 1764 [20]

23 May 1765 John Seewright and Saml. Henderson ask counter security from Margaret Leeper, administratix--husband, James Leeper (Source Page 359)[21]

22 Aug 1765 Nicholas Leeper, of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, to John Leeper, of Augusta, paid 20, 200 Acres on Naked Creek whereon James Leeper, deceased, formerly lived. Deivered: John Leeper Jun 1777 (Page 193)[22]

5 Oct 1765 Nicholas Leeper to Margaret Leeper, paid 105, 227 acres acres in Beverly Manor; corner James Moody, said James Leeper's line. Teste: Andrew, Gawin, and John Leeper. Delivered: Margaret Leeper, May 1767.[23]

22 October 1765: Margaret Leeper’s settlement, recorded of estate of James Leeper. Paid to the heirs, viz.: To Isiah Curry, Andrew Leeper, Wm. McMullen, Geo. Leeper, Jno. Seawright, Nicholas Leeper, Jno. Leeper, Margaret Leeper Jr., Saml. Henderson, Jas. Leeper Jr., in his life time [24]

20 Mar 1767 Margaret Leeper, widow of James Leeper--dower assigned (Page 493)[25][26]

4 May 1767, Dower assigned to Margaret Leeper in land of James Leeper, allowing Hugh Donotho the benefit of the timber on Bigg Spring. Source page 7. [27][28]

19 May 1767 At court held for Augusta County May 19th 1867, This Repart of the Commissioners appointed to lay of Margaret Leepers Dower being returned into Court is Ordered and Recorded. Test.[29]

23 Nov 1767 Witnesses: Samuel Henderson, John Seewright, Gawin Leeper, Michael Dickey, Margaret Leeper Source Page 450[30]

26 Aug 1771 Nicholas Leeper, Eldest son and heir-at-law of James Leeper, deceased, of Tyron County, North Carolina, by his son and attorney, James Leeper, to Hugh Donaghe. Patents to James Leeper, Sr., 12 July 1746, and 26 Apr 1742. Teste: Matthew and William Robertson. Delivered (Page 81)[31]

19 Jan 1779 Nicholas Leeper by George Seawright, his attorney, to John Oliver. Gawin Leeper, late of Augusta, sold to John Oliver 66 Acres patented to James Leeper, father of said Gawin, 5 Jun 1747. James died intestate and land became vested in Nicholas Leeper as heir. Source page 430 [32]

Children with wife Margaret, listed in deportation, baptisms, and probate, order based on deposition order, which matches the fact that Nicholas is called James's oldest son

  • Nicolas Leeper baptized 12 Nov 1720 Ballynahinch, County Down, Northern Ireland, fought in the revolutionary war and moved to North Carolina, where his estate was proved in 1786
  • Sarah Leeper baptized 5 Jan 1723 Ballynahinch, County Down, Northern Ireland, married John Seawright
  • Jane Leeper baptized 7 Mar 1725 Ballynahinch, County Down, Northern Ireland, married Samuel Henderson
  • Andrew Leeper baptized 20 Jul 1728 Ballynahinch, County Down, Northern Ireland, married Jane Thompson
  • James Leeper jr b 1731, moved to North Carolina where he died 18 July 1765, leaving a widow and five children
  • Gwain Leeper b c1733, died about 1779 in Augusta county.
  • Isabelle Leeper b c1735, was likely married to Isaiah Curry, who was listed as an heir in her father's estate.
  • Mary Leeper b c1738, married William McMillian
  • Margaret Leeper bap 19 Apr 1741 in Augusta VA, she was unmarried at the time her father died.
  • John Leeper bap 22 Jan 1744 in Augusta VA, married Susanna Henderson and moved to Nicholas KY
  • George Leeper mentioned in his father's probate, but nowhere else, NOTE: It is possible that George is a mist-transcription Gawin as Gawin is not mentioned in the probate, but is a known son and was alive as late as 1778, when his brother sold him land.
James Leeper and Margaret Curry and first four children's baptisms
Parish Map James Leeper and Margaret Curry and Baptisms
Margaret and John, James Leeper's US side born Children, Baptisms, Margaret 19 Apr 1741 and Robert 22 Jan 1843 at Tinkling Springs Congregation in Augusta, Colonial Virginia

Research Note

This profile Contained the following note "Note: James Leeper, Sr. born Abt. 1695 in County Down? Donegal ., N. Ireland; died Abt. 1763 in Augusta Co., VA. He was the son of Thomas Leeper Leiper and Helen Hamilton. He married Margaret Thompson Abt. 1720 in Ireland. From greater dreams." However, so far no evidence of the names of James Leeper's parents has come to light.

James may have had a nephew or even brother, Robert Leeper, whose name appears on a 1742 militia list in VA, and who then lived Mecklenburg County, N.C, where two of James's sons also moved. Robert also sold land to James's son Nicholas. This relationship is not proven.

James was also likely related to a family of Pennsylvania Leepers. James Leeper "of Naked Creek" and his son Andrew were mentioned in the will of Joseph Mickle duff, son of Jane (Leeper) Mickleduff. Jane's brother Gawen Leeper also mentioned his "cousin" (possibly meaning Nephew) James Leeper and his son Gawin in his 1741 will. There's also a will by Margaret McMullens mentioning her sons, John, Andrew, and James Leeper (Andrew and John's daughter are also mentioned in Gawin's will). The Joseph Mickleduff will is clearly refering to James Leeper of Augsuta, but the other two may or may not be since they do nto specify his residence.

Y-DNA Leeper's: Brothers and Cousins

Y-DNA: Leeper's Brothers and Cousins
If you are a male Leeper and interested in testing for the Leeper Y-DNA Project, please contact Doug Leeper Jr.

Sources

  1. ↑ Virginia. County Court (Orange County) (Main Author), County Court general index to orders and minutes; order and minute books , 1734-1867, Orders, v. 1-2, 1734-1741, Book 2, film frame 353, Book page 109, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4F-NSQK-2?i=352&cat=402491
  2. ↑ Virginia. County Court (Orange County) (Main Author), Collection reference: https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/402491?availability=Family%20History%20Library
  3. ↑ Release to James Leeper bottom right side, second from bottom, Virginia. County Court (Orange County) (Main Author), County Court general index to orders and minutes; order and minute books , 1734-1867, Orders, v. 1-2, 1734-1741, Book 2, film frame 355, Book page 113, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4F-NSQG-G?i=354&cat=402491
  4. ↑ Source: #S-1278217097 Page: Volume: 156; SAR Membership Number: 31021 APID: 1,2204::368809
  5. ↑ Source: #S-1278217097 Page: Volume: 156; SAR Membership Number: 31021 APID: 1,2204::368820
  6. ↑ "Orange, Virginia, United States Records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9BK-B9VS-Q : May 2, 2023), image 697 of 832; Orange County (Virginia). County Clerk."
  7. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Vol 2, Page 432 https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/viewer/209246/?offset=0#page=435&viewer=picture&o=search&n=0&q=Leeper
  8. ↑ https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/209246/435
  9. ↑ Source Book entry in the Original Records, Augusta Vestry Records 1746–1780, Page 3 after the book was found again (notes in book on earlier pages) "Augusta, Virginia, United States Records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4X-KS5C-F : May 30, 2023), image 11 of 286; Augusta Parish (Augusta County, Virginia : Episcopal).
  10. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Vol 1, page 298. Source: Augusta County Deed Book No. 3, Page 472 www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/204429/298
  11. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Vol 1, page 47. Source: Augusta County Court Records Order Book No. III (3), Page 186 https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/202922/47
  12. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Vol 3, page 307. Source: Augusta County Deed Book No. 4, Page 520 https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/viewer/204429/?offset=0#page=307&viewer=picture&o=search&n=0&q=Leeper https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/204429/307
  13. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Vol.3 Chalkeys page 333, Augusta County Deed Book No. 6, Page 544: https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/204429/333
  14. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Vol.3 Chalkeys page 355, Augusta County Deed Book No. 7, Page 115: https//www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/204429/355
  15. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Vol.3 Chalkeys page 355, Augusta County Deed Book No. 7, Page 118: https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/viewer/204429/?offset=0#page=355&viewer=picture&o=search&n=0&q=Leeper
  16. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Vol.3 Chalkeys page 386, Augusta County Deed Book No. 10, Page 436: https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/viewer/204429/?offset=0#page=386&viewer=picture&o=search&n=0&q=Leeper https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/204429/386
  17. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Chalkeys page 107, Augusta County Court Records Order Book Vol VIII(8), Page 109: https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/202922/107
  18. ↑ "Augusta, Virginia, United States Records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9P7-S9SV-K ), image 163 of 578; Virginia. County Court (Augusta County).
  19. ↑ https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/viewer/202922/?offset=0#page=107&viewer=picture&o=search&n=0&q=Leeper
  20. ↑ "Augusta, Virginia, United States Records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9P7-S9SJ-4 : May 10, 2023), image 188 of 578; Virginia. County Court (Augusta County).
  21. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Vol 1, Chalkey Page 121, Augusta County Court records Order Book No. IX(Nine), Source page 359 https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/202922/121
  22. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Vol 3, Chalkey Page 430, Augusta County Deed Book No. 12, Source page 193 https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/viewer/204429/?offset=0#page=430&viewer=picture&o=search&n=0&q=Leeper https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/204429/430
  23. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Vol 3, Chalkey Page 432, Augusta County Deed Book No. 12, Source page 236https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/viewer/204429/?offset=0#page=432&viewer=picture&o=search&n=0&q=Leeper
  24. ↑ https://www.familysearch.org/records/images/image-details?page=1&place=393619&lifeEventRecordTypes=124456,124457&rmsId=TH-1971-47852-29131-96&imageIndex=253&singleView=true
  25. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Vol 1, Chalkey Page 133, Augusta County Court records Order Book X(Ten), Source page 493 https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/viewer/202922/?offset=0#page=133&viewer=picture&o=search&n=0&q=Leeper
  26. ↑ www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/202922/133
  27. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Chalkeys Vol. 3, page 93, Augusta County Will Book No. 4, Page 7 https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/204429/98
  28. ↑ "Will Book No.4, Page 7, Frame 304, Augusta, Virginia, United States Records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9P7-S9SX-W : May 24, 2023), image 304 of 578; Virginia. County Court (Augusta County).
  29. ↑ "Will Book No.4, Page 7, Frame 304, Augusta, Virginia, United States Records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9P7-S9SX-W : May 24, 2023), image 304 of 578; Virginia. County Court (Augusta County).
  30. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Chalkeys Vol. 1, page 144, Augusta County Court Records Order Book Vol XI(11), Page 450: https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/202922/144
  31. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Chalkeys Vol. 3, page 526, Augusta County Deed Book No. 10, Page 81 https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/viewer/204429/?offset=0#page=526&viewer=picture&o=search&n=0&q=Leeper https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/204429/525
  32. ↑ Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish settlement in Virginia : extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Author: Chalkley, Lyman, Chalkeys Vol. 3, page 556, Augusta County Deed Book No. 22, Page 81 https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idviewer/204429/556

Further Research

Map James Leeper were he got the letter from Rev. Charles Seaton at Annahilt Presbyterian Church in County Down, Northern Ireland for introduction to Ballynahinch Presbyterian Church
James Leeper and Margaret Curry and location of first four children's Baptisms, Magherdrool Parish and Ballynahinch Town

I know there is a registered Coat of Arms. But I have no clue as to how to find out what it actually would look like.

The general armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales; comprising armoral bearings from the earliest to the present time. by. Burke, Bernard, Sir 1814-1892

Leeper or Leper (co. Donegal, originally of Scotland' Reg. Ulster's Offices; John Leeper, Burgess of Edinburgh, appended his seal to a deed dated 1 Sept 1189; Andrew Leper of Stranorlar, co. Donegal, made his will 23 Dec., 1669, and left two sons, William Leper and Andrew Leper.

Az. a chev. betw. three Leopards' faces or. Crest- A leopard's face per pale or and sa. Motto- Regi Patriaeque.

Miss Jane A. Leeper, of Dublin, Ireland, daughter of Rev. Alexander L. Leeper, who for many years was Canon of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland sent this to a US Leeper long ago:

Original record is kept in Dublin.

The painting measures 6.5" by 8.5" Described: Shield--AZ--a chevron between three Leopard's faces, or crest, a Leopard's face, per pale, or and sa. Motto- Regi Patriaeque--AZ--signifies azure, or gold or gilt; --sa-sable or black.

The motto translated is "For King and Country."

History shows that this heraldry was granted to one John Leeper for valiant service to his country in the years 1189 A.D.

Leeper Coat of Arms

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Images: 10
James Leeper property at the Beverly Manor Patent, 1739
James Leeper property at the Beverly Manor Patent, 1739
James Leeper's US side born Children, Baptisms, Margaret 19 Apr 1741 and John 22 Jan 1843 at Tinkling Springs Congregation in Augusta, Colonial Virginia
James Leeper's US side born Children, Baptisms, Margaret 19 Apr 1741 and John 22 Jan 1843 at Tinkling Springs Congregation in Augusta, Colonial Virginia
James Leeper, wife Margaret, and children Importation Oath 1739 at Beverly Manor, Augusta, Colonial Virginia
James Leeper, wife Margaret, and children Importation Oath 1739 at Beverly Manor, Augusta, Colonial Virginia
James Leeper's land purchase in 1760 at Beverly Manor, Augusta, Colonial Virginia
James Leeper's land purchase in 1760 at Beverly Manor, Augusta, Colonial Virginia
James Leeper and Margaret Curry and first four children's baptisms
James Leeper and Margaret Curry and first four children's baptisms
view all


Comments: 5

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Liane Smith
I’m having problems reconciling various facts here. If James the immigrant ancestor of this family was born in say 1703 his son Nicholas is shown born in 1719 and parents we’d in 1759. Am I missing something?
posted by Liane Smith
Leeper-995 Doug Leeper Jr.
Liane- See updates, including Nicholas' Baptism found.
posted by Doug Leeper Jr.
Leeper-995 Doug Leeper Jr.
Liane- See updates, including Nicholas' Baptism found.
posted by Doug Leeper Jr.
Leeper-995 Doug Leeper Jr.
Liane- See updates, including Nicholas' Baptism found.
posted by Doug Leeper Jr.
Platts-193 Gillian (Platts) Causier
Leeper-386 and Leeper-205 appear to represent the same person because: clear duplicate with approximate birth date
posted by Gillian (Platts) Causier

Rejected matches › Kevin J. Lepore › Johannes Lodewyk Olivier (1836-1912) › James Loper (1700-1790) › Jacques Thomas Lepers (1694-)

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Categories: Augusta County, Virginia Colony | Virginia Colonists