Absolem Leggett was a planter in Bertie County. In 1777 when Leggett became concerned that the State of North Carolina might make people worship a new religion, he became a member of the Gourd Patch Conspiracy, probably induced by his son Daniel Leggett, who was authorized to recruit people into the plot. He appeared to be well-informed about the plot, and disclosed details about the conspiracy's aims, the extent of its membership, the contents of its constitution, and its secret signs to new members. Once the plot was discovered, he was arrested and appeared on a list of prisoners being held at the Edenton District Court of Oyer and Terminer for misprision of treason. The charges were eventually dropped or he was pardoned.