Thomas Leggett

     Thomas was born on Tuesday, 3 June 1721 in West Farms, Westchester County, New York. He was the son of Gabriel Leggett and Bridget Williams. Thomas married Mary Embree, daughter of Samuel Embree and Abigail Rowland, on 4 March 1743 in West Farms, Westchester County, New York. Westchester County was a hotbed during the Revolutionary War. Soon after the start of the war, Washington was forced to retreat out the city of New York and established his line at White Plains, north of the Leggett estate. Meanwhile, the English moved into the city and also were encamped on the western end of Long Island. This left most of Westchester County, including the Leggett estate, lying between the two encampments, a virtual no man’s land. It became a lawless strip with Indians, Tories, English and American outlaws raiding the farms. One night in 1776, English troops under the command of Col. DeLancy surrounded the Leggett mansion and took possession of the farm and property. The family was forced to leave, and fled to a farm in Stillwater, Saratoga County. It is quite probable that the family had purchased the property before the war had begun. Unfortunately, this property became part of the Hessian Redoubt before the battle of Saratoga. With General Burgoyne approaching and a battle eminent, the family attempted to escape danger by crossing the river, however three of their sons were captured. They were eventually freed or escaped. When Thomas escaped, he made his way back to West Farms where he found their home burned to the ground with only the foundation remaining. After the war, most of the family remained in Stillwater. It is not known when Thomas and Mary died or where they were buried. Thomas was still living when his father mentioned him in his will dated on 25 June 1781.