While reflecting on the patriots who laid the foundation for the country, one ancestor sticks out as witnessing the ever-changing beginnings of the United States, as the colonies struggled to gain their independence. While he was not born an American, he made the personal decision to become one and live the remainder of his life as one. Johann Conrad Leichleider, my 6th great grandfather, left his homeland of Germany in the year 1741 (the place would not actually be known by that name for another 100+ years), boarding a passenger vessel in Rotterdam called the Friendship, headed for the Americas. He landed in the port of Philadelphia and took the Oath of Allegiance in the courthouse on the 12th of October, his age given as 21 (though he was likely only 17). About 3 years later, he was married to Mary Barbara, and in 1750 they purchased 100 acres of land in the state of Pennsylvania. They raised a large family there, including a son, Johann Peter (my 5th great grandfather), who served i