An American Family History

"[L]iberty must at all hazards be supported.
We have a right to it, derived from our Maker.
But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us,
at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood."

Leonard Kenoyer was born on June 8, 1759 in York County, Pennsylvania. His parents were Leonard and Barbara Kenoyer.

He was baptized on June 22, 1759 in York County, Pennsylvania. by the Reverend Schlegel at Daniel Votring's meeting room. His sponsors were Melchior Schmidt, Adam Hoff, Christopher Haller, and Peter Pinckele.

In 1776 he served in the Pennsylvania state militia during the American Revolution in Captain George Hoover's Company.

He married Margaretha Shultz.

He owned a plantation called Gum Run, which consisted of 60 acres in Hopewell (or North Hopewell) Township, York County. He bought it on December 10, 1789 from William Miller.

In 1790 they (Leonard Noyor) were living in York Township, York County, Pennsylvania. The household consisted of a man over 16 and a female.

They were sponsors at the baptism of her brother, Michael's daughter, Margaretha Shultz.

In March, 1792 there was a criminal case against Daniel and Andrew Gelwix for assaulting Leonard Kenoyer. (Clerk of Courts Quarter Session Dockets, Book 15, p. 138) They were convicted and fined 10£ each. On March 18, 1793 the fine was remitted.

On March 21, 1794 Leonard sold Gum Run to Peter Schanberger Jr. On January 25, 1797 and August 30, 1797 he purchased two properties in Baltimore County, Maryland which is just south of York County, Pennsylvania. 95 acres was called Iron Intention and 30 acres was called Dacres Plague.

At his death, 102½ acres were still in his possession. He had sold 22½ acres to Mr. Stump.

Leonard Knoyer signed his will on September 26,1800. He ordered everything to be sold except his wife's bed and bedstead and one comb.

He died before December 21, 1808 in Baltimore County, Maryland

The total estate sale came to: $923.52. Half was given to his wife and half invested with trustee, Edward Brown. The interest went to the widow if she did not remarry. When she died the 2nd half of the estate was to be divided between the children of his oldest sister and the children of her older brother.

Margaret married Edward Brown, the trustee of her husband's estate, by July 15, 1812.

Margaret died before February 19, 1814.