(41)
         
Pruett Book



An older grant in the same locality was made to Frederick Hambright
dated April 23, 1762 joined the west side of the river. It was near
the Leeper land and was later sold to him (150 acres). James Leeper
also bought 200 acres of land from John McElnary for which he obtained
a patent in 1762.
South Point Township was one time known as Leeper land.

Nicholas Leeper, nephew of Robert Leeper and older brother of James
Leeper came to the point several years later than his Uncle Robert
Leeper. He obtained a grant of land (190 acres) on the Catawba River
April 23, 1762. The date is the same as the date Frederick Hambright
was granted land that he sold afterwards to James Leeper. This would
make the two Leepers close neighbors. Nicholas Leeper is said by Mrs.
Pruett,to be the ancestor of many of the Leepers now living in Belmont

Matthew Leeper born May 27, 1755 was the son of James Leeper, the
pioneer and owner of several large tracts of land on the Catawba river
Matthew was a Revolutionary soldier. His home was near the Leeper
Gold Mine. He had two sons Matthew and James. The elder,Matthew Leeper
died October 12, 1849 at the age of 95.  Son Matthew Leeper being
the eldest inherited the lands on the death of his father.  He later
deeded 300 acres of land to his brother James Leeper. Location of
this land was two miles south east of Belmont, tho the plantation
extended farther down the river.  The old home place of Matthew Leeper
is still standing near what for years was known as the Leeper Gold
Mine. (This information written 1939) A. veteran of the Battle of
Kings Mt. he is buried in the Old Smith Graveyard near Belmont.

Matthew Armstrong married Margaret Shipley Sloan of Mecklenburg County
He was born in 1762 and died June 21, 1838. Matthew,a Revolutionary
soldier was the son of John Armstrong. He obtained a grant of land
350 acres on the Belmont side of the Catawba River, South Fork,
August 30,1753, It was located at Armstrong's Ford, now Armstrong
Bridge. The home on the right hand side of the road toward South Fork
was built of massive logs that are still preserved in the barn on
the farm of the late Jasper Armstrong. Matthew also fought in the
Battle of Cowpens.