Thomas Leiper: Entrepreneur, Soldier, Inventor, Statesman

All Bones Considered: Laurel Hill Stories #068, Part 2, Section 3

 

Thomas Leiper was a Scottish immigrant who built the first permanent railroad in the United States and made his fortune in snuff.  As a founding member of First City Troop, he served as personal bodyguard for General George Washington, and led his troops to rescue Congressman James Wilson during the so-called "Crisis at Fort Wilson".  Thomas Jefferson rented a room from Leiper while he was serving as Secretary of State, and the two men exchanged letters for the rest of their lives.