Isaac Van Leer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaac Van Leer
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| Born | January 7, 1772 Easttown Township, Province of Pennsylvania
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| Died | August 10, 1821 (aged 49) |
| Occupation | Ironmaster |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Culbertson |
| Children | Wayne, Linford, Margaret, Hannah |
| Parent(s) | Samuel Van Leer Hannah Wayne |
| Relatives | Anthony Wayne (uncle) Anthony Wayne Van Leer (brother) Bernardhus Van Leer (grandfather) Isaac Wayne (grandfather) |
Isaac Van Leer (born January 7, 1772 – died August 10, 1821) was an important person in the iron industry in Pennsylvania. He owned several large iron businesses, including the Hibernia Furnace and Springton Forge. He also lived in the historic Hibernia House in West Caln Township, Pennsylvania. Isaac was part of the well-known Van Leer family, and his father, Samuel Van Leer, was a captain in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Biography
Early Life and Family
Isaac Van Leer was born in 1772 in Easttown Township, which was then part of the Province of Pennsylvania. His parents were Samuel and Hannah (Wayne) Van Leer. His father, Samuel, was a brave captain who fought for American independence during the American Revolutionary War.
On April 17, 1800, Isaac married Elizabeth Culbertson. They had four children together: Wayne, Linford, Margaret, and Hannah. Sadly, Linford died as a child after a fall. Isaac was a Presbyterian, which was different from the rest of his family.
Iron Business Ventures
In 1814, Isaac Van Leer bought land and the Hibernia Iron Works in West Caln Township, Pennsylvania. An "ironmaster" like Isaac was someone who owned and managed iron production businesses. These businesses made iron products that were very important for daily life and industry back then.
He also owned another iron business called the Springton Forge, located in West Nantmeal Township, Pennsylvania. In 1815, he bought the Hibernia House and made it his home.
Challenges and Legacy
Running iron businesses could be tough. In 1816, Isaac faced financial difficulties. To help settle his debts, he gave the Springton Forge property to his wife's family. The next year, in 1817, he sold the Hibernia location. He lost money on this sale because the property had been damaged by flooding.
Even though Isaac faced challenges, his family continued to be involved in the iron industry. All of his surviving children, Wayne, Margaret, and Hannah, either owned or worked in the iron business. His son, Wayne, later moved to Texas in the 1800s. Interestingly, Wayne joined the Union Army during the American Civil War when he was only 15 years old.
