Benjamin Van Cleve facts for kids
Benjamin Van Cleve (born February 24, 1773 – died November 29, 1821) was an important early settler in Dayton, Ohio, in the United States. He held many different jobs and roles in the town as it was first being built.
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Early Life and Family
Benjamin Van Cleve was the oldest child of John and Catherine Benham Van Cleve. He was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey. He had three younger brothers and sisters who were also born in New Jersey during the 1770s. Later, his family moved to Washington County, Pennsylvania, where two more siblings were born in the 1780s.
In 1790, when Benjamin was 16, his family moved even further west. They arrived in Cincinnati (which was then part of the Northwest Territory) on January 3. The Northwest Territory was a large area of land that later became states like Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Life in Cincinnati
In Cincinnati, Benjamin's father, John Van Cleve, worked as a blacksmith and a farmer. However, in 1791, he was killed by Native Americans outside of Cincinnati. After this, Benjamin's mother married again. She had two more children before the family eventually moved to Dayton.
Between 1791 and 1794, Benjamin Van Cleve worked for his uncle, Captain Robert Benham. This was during a time known as the Northwest Indian War, when there were conflicts between American settlers and Native American tribes. Benjamin's job included guiding horses that carried supplies for General Arthur St. Clair's army. He even saw St. Clair's army suffer a big defeat in battle.
Settling Dayton, Ohio
Benjamin Van Cleve was one of the very first people to settle in Dayton, Ohio. He was there on April 1, 1796, when Colonel Ludlow was surveying the land to plan out the new town. Surveying means carefully measuring land to create maps and mark boundaries.
That same year, Benjamin helped Colonel Ludlow and William G. Schenck survey another area called the United States Military District in east-central Ohio.
Firsts in Dayton
Benjamin Van Cleve played a big part in the early days of Dayton:
- He was married to Mary Whitten on August 28, 1800. This was the very first marriage to happen in the new settlement of Dayton.
- He became Dayton's first postmaster, which means he was in charge of the mail.
- He was also the first school teacher in Dayton, helping to educate the children of the early settlers.
- He served as the first clerk of the court, a job that involves keeping official records for legal cases. He held this important position until he passed away in 1821.
Benjamin was also involved in other community efforts. In 1805, he helped start the Dayton Library. In 1809, the Ohio Legislature chose him to be one of the first people on the board of trustees for Miami University. Trustees help guide and manage a university.
Family Life and Legacy
Benjamin Van Cleve and his first wife, Mary Whitten, had five children between 1801 and 1809. Sadly, Mary died on December 28, 1810. Benjamin then married Mary Tamplin on March 10, 1812. He was a member of the Presbyterian church.
Benjamin's son, John W. Van Cleve, later became the mayor of Dayton in the 1830s, continuing his family's involvement in the town's leadership. Benjamin's mother, Catherine Benham Van Cleve, was likely the sister of Captain Robert Benham, the politician Benjamin worked for.
