John P. Van Leer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John P. Van Leer
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| Birth name | John Pugh Van Leer |
| Born | February 27, 1825 Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | May 5, 1862 (aged 37) Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S. |
| Buried |
Mount Vernon Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1860-1862 |
| Rank |  Colonel Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands held | 6th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Pugh Van Leer (born February 27, 1825 – died May 5, 1862) was an American soldier. He served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led a group of soldiers called the 6th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. Sadly, he was killed during a battle called the Battle of Williamsburg. His family, the Van Leers, were among the first people to settle in the Pennsylvania Colony.
Early Life and Family History
John Van Leer was born in Camden, New Jersey. His great-grandfather, Bernardhus Van Leer, came from Germany to the Pennsylvania Colony. He was one of the first people to invest with William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania.
John's grandfather, Isaac Van Leer, fought in the American Revolutionary War. Isaac's brother, Samuel Van Leer, also fought in that war. The Van Leer family was known for their iron business. They were also active in the fight against slavery. Some historical places in Pennsylvania are connected to the Van Leer family. These include the Van Leer Cabin and the Van Leer Pleasant Hill Plantation.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, John Van Leer joined the Union Army. He joined in Gloucester City, New Jersey, with his family. In 1861, he became a Captain. Then he was promoted to Major, and later to Lieutenant Colonel. He was part of the 6th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry.
Van Leer's group of soldiers was the first fully ready brigade to arrive in Washington, D.C. This happened just before the First Battle of Bull Run. After his soldiers helped build Fort Runyon, Van Leer led ten companies during battles in Virginia. He served under generals Francis E. Patterson and Joseph Hooker.
On May 5, 1862, John Van Leer was killed during the Battle of Williamsburg. He was buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Philadelphia. Before he died, he was going to be promoted to Colonel. This promotion was officially recognized after his death.
Lasting Impact
A group called the Van Leer Post, No. 36 of the Grand Army of the Republic, was named after him. This group was in Gloucester City, New Jersey.
Van Leer also built and rented houses for free Black tradesmen. He also rented to people who supported the free Black community. This was in Lima, Pennsylvania, at a place now called Van Leer Avenue.
