Jane Tuers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jannetje Van Reypen Tuers
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|---|---|
| Born | before April 16, 1745 |
| Died | March 26, 1834 |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse(s) |
Nicholas Arentsen Tuers
(m. 1766; died 1815) |
| Children |
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Jannetje Van Reypen Tuers was a brave American woman who played a key role during the American Revolutionary War. She helped uncover a secret plan by a famous American general, Benedict Arnold, to betray the West Point fort to the British. Her actions helped protect an important American military base.
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A Patriot's Story
Jannetje Van Reypen Tuers was born before April 16, 1745. She lived in Bergen Township, New Jersey, which is now known as Jersey City. She was married to Nicholas Tuers, and they worked as farmers.
Uncovering a Secret Plan
During the American Revolutionary War, Jannetje often sold farm goods in Manhattan. At that time, Manhattan was controlled by the British army. One day, she visited Samuel Fraunces, who owned a popular place called the Fraunces Tavern.
While at the tavern, Samuel Fraunces told Jannetje something very important. He had overheard British soldiers celebrating and toasting General Benedict Arnold. The soldiers were saying that Arnold was going to hand over the vital West Point fort to the British. West Point was a very important military post for the American army.
Sharing the News
Jannetje knew this information was extremely serious. She quickly told her brother, Daniel Van Reypen, about the secret plan. Daniel then rode to Hackensack to share the news with General Anthony Wayne.
General Wayne understood the danger. He sent Daniel Van Reypen to tell General George Washington himself. This new information helped confirm what American leaders already suspected about Benedict Arnold. Just a few days later, a British spy named John André was captured, and his arrest fully confirmed Arnold's betrayal.
Her Lasting Legacy
Jannetje Tuers passed away in 1834. She was buried in the Old Bergen Church Cemetery.
The house where she lived was located on Bergen Avenue. It stood until 1894 when it was taken down to build the old Fourth Regiment Armory. Today, if you visit Bergen Square in Jersey City, you will find streets named after both the Tuers and Van Reypen families. These street names remind people of the early settlers and their important roles in American history.
Images for kids
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The Tuers House
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Street names near Bergen Square recall the early settlers
