Simon Gates was born in New England.  He followed
the leading edge of the movement of people west
until his death in Union County, Ohio, in late 1828 or 
early 1829.  This will gives some idea of what a 
"common" person owned in the early 1800's and how
he managed to make a living.  To sell his corn crop
when not near a market, he made corn whiskey.  In 
Friendship,  Allegany County, New York Simon had
opened the first public house.  When he died he had
10 gallons of whiskey.