On 16 December 1771, Leonard Burnett witnessed a deed from Thomas Allen and Henry Allen to Thomas Dix. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 30, pages 509–510.]

In July 1772, orator and oratrice Leonard Burnett and Amy his wife complained that “some considerable time ago your orator made his addresses by way of courtship to your oratrix and in order to induce your oratrix to intermarry with your orator his Father Joseph Burnett did expressly promise to give unto your orator among other things a Tract of Land…” which he received. In 1771 Joseph died intestate, and no deed had been issued for the land. Richard Burnett, Joseph’s eldest son, now claims the land. Filed July 1772. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 27, item 27-L-3.] Richard answered this complaint on 19 August 1783 by stating that the land had never been his father’s property to begin with. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 27, item 27-L-4.] On 27 April 1786, Thomas Lankford of King and Queen County gave a deposition in the case. That in 1767 or 1768, Joseph Burnett had told him that his son Leonard had married Ame Gatewood and that he had promised him six or seven Negroes. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 27, item 27-L-12.] On 12 May 1786, John Gatewood gave a deposition in this case. That as a marriage contract, Joseph Burnett had promised land to Leonard Burnett and as many negroes as Amey Gatewood had. About a year after their marriage Joseph had not given them any land, saying he had several pieces but all were too poor. He then bought 400 acres of Richard Hodges, whereon Leonard had been for 10 or 11 years. Taken at the home of Mrs Penelope Gatewood. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 27, item 27-L-16.] On 12 May 1786, Reuben Gatewood, aged about 49 years, gave a deposition taken at the home of Mrs Penelope Gatewood in Caroline County in this case. That Joseph Burnett had bought land of Hodges to give to Leonard and Amy. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 27, item 27-L-17.] On 12 May 1786, Penelope Gatewood gave a deposition in the case. That Leonard Burnett had been courting her daughter, now his present wife. That Leonard’s father, Joseph Burnett, had agreed to give land and slaves to Leonard. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 27, item 27-L-17.] On 12 May 1786, John Bowcock, aged 52 years, gave a deposition in this case. His deposition mentions that Amy Burnett was the daughter of James Gatewood. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 27, item 27-L-15.]

The division of the estate of Leonard Burnett was made on 11 December 1823 by Tandy Dix, John Jones, and Peter B. Davis. Reuben Burnett “eldest son (now living)” receives 1/5 part. Other fifths go to Joseph Burnett’s representatives, James Burnett’s representatives, Leonard Burnett’s representatives, Amey Burnett lately Amey Jones. Clara Burnett, who married Joseph Goodwin of Lewningburg County already received seven negroes. In second list of division, Amey is listed as Amey Beazley. Recorded 16 February 1824. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 24–25.]

On 28 May 1829, a receipt was issued. Recd. of James Semple agent for Nathaniel Herbert who is the administrator of Leonard Burnett decd. the sum of twenty nine dollars & 26 cents, which is one fifth part of a balance found due the Estate of the sd. Leonard Burnett, decd, upon a settlement of the sd. Herberts administration, which amount I received as administrator of Amy Beazley decd. who was one of the legatees of the sd. Leonard Burnett decd. Signed Robert Lumpkin. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, page 101.]

On 28 May 1829, a receipt was issued. Recd. of James Semple agent for Nathaniel Herbert who is the administrator of Leonard Burnett decd. the sum of twenty nine dollars & 26 cents, which is one fifth part of a balance found due the Estate of the sd. Leonard Burnett, decd, upon a settlement of the sd. Herberts administration. Signed Leonard Burnett. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 101–102.]

On 28 May 1829, a receipt was issued. Recd. of James Semple agent for Nathaniel Herbert who is the administrator of Leonard Burnett decd. the sum of twenty nine dollars & 26 cents, which is one fifth part of a balance found due the Estate of the sd. Leonard Burnett, decd, upon a settlement of the sd. Herberts administration. Signed Thos. Hoskins admor of James Burnett. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, page 102.]