Colonel David Kilgore
 David Kilgore acquired land in what became Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County, some time after the land rush of 1769 when that territory was purchased from the Indians and opened to settlement. He was surprised some time later to find that he had bought part of "Sewickley Manor" a portion of land set aside for the benefit of the Penns from each new purchase from the Indians.  Maps of the area show that the surveyors carefully cut out a piece of land for the Penns which took in Sewickley Creek, including the headwaters and all the branches.  When they finished, the map of the Manor looked as if it had been cut by kindergarten scissors. It is no mystery then, that there were disputes over which was a tract upon commonwealth territory and which might be the personal property of the Poprietaries. David Kilgore's family, in a history written some time later, lamented the fact that David Kilgore had to pay twice for his land.  It is recorded that he rode to Philadelphia with gold to pay off the claims of the Proprietaries.  His deed was dated 1773, which included transfers to and quit claims from the Proprietaries.  We would like to know when David Kilgore actually settled upon his land in Westmoreland County.
 
There is another story about David Kilgore and his land.  It is said that after the Company of 58 men which he recruited was attached to the Continental Line, during the Revolution,  David Kilgore sold a part of his land which contained a mill in order to get money to outfit his suffering men who were wintering at Valley Forge.  (There is a possibility he sold the land at some other time for the same purpose.)   On the map, there is a tract with a mill that adjoins David's property on the Manor, it is noted as "Trauger's"  land.  No deed has been found, however, which might support David's story that he sold a piece of land which included a mill.  There seems to be no record of how Trauger obtained his mill.   We are looking for someone who might have information as what happened back there in Westmoreland County some time between August of 1776 and the winter of 1778 with regard to the mill.

Rita Davis