Samuel Van Leer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Van Leer
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Captain in American Revolutionary War | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 7, 1747 Marple Township, Province of Pennsylvania, British America |
| Died | October 15, 1825 (aged 78) East Nantmeal, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Resting place | St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Elverson, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Spouse | Hannah Wayne |
| Children | 8 |
| Relatives | Bernardhus Van Leer (father) Isaac Van Leer (son) Isaac Wayne (father in-law) Anthony Wayne (brother in-law) Florence Van Leer Earle (granddaughter) George Earle II (grandson) |
| Occupation | Ironmaster |
| Nickname | Capt Samuel |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service |  Continental Army U.S. Army |
| Years of service | 1777–1781 |
| Rank |  Captain 1775–1781Lieutenant 1780–1781 |
| Commands | Seventh Company, Fifth Battalion, Chester County Militia Chester County Light Horse Volunteers |
| Battles/wars | |
Captain Samuel Van Leer (born January 7, 1747 – died October 15, 1825) was an important military officer from Pennsylvania. He served as a captain in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. This war was when the American colonies fought for their freedom from Great Britain.
After the war, Samuel Van Leer became a successful businessman. He owned an ironworks called Reading Furnace. His family, the Van Leers, was well-known in Pennsylvania. His father, Bernardhus Van Leer, was one of the first settlers in the Province of Pennsylvania. Samuel Van Leer also married Hannah Wayne, who was the sister of famous American Revolutionary War General Anthony Wayne. His son, Isaac Van Leer, later became a U.S. Congressman.
Early Life and Family
Samuel Van Leer was born in 1747 in Marple Township, which was part of the Province of Pennsylvania. His parents were Mary (Branson) and Bernardhus Van Leer. His grandfather, William Branson, was a pioneer in the iron industry. He owned a historic home called Warrenpoint.
In 1770, Samuel Van Leer married Hannah Wayne. Her father was Isaac Wayne. Hannah's brother was the famous General Anthony Wayne.
Service in the American Revolution
Samuel Van Leer became a captain in the Chester County Militia on May 17, 1777. He led the Seventh Company, Fifth Battalion. He fought alongside General Anthony Wayne in several important battles. These included the Battle of Paoli, the Battle of Brandywine, and the Battle of Germantown. All of Samuel's brothers also served as military officers during the war.
From 1780 to 1781, he also served as a lieutenant. He was part of the Chester County Light Horse Volunteers.
Life After the War
After the war, Captain Samuel Van Leer focused on his iron business. He took over the Reading Furnace, which his grandfather William Branson had once owned. Samuel and his wife Hannah lived in the historic mansion at the furnace site.
Samuel Van Leer inherited two plantations in East Nantmeal, Pennsylvania. These came from his brother, Dr. Branson Van Leer. Samuel passed away there in October 1825.
Family Life
The Van Leer family owned several historic properties. These included the Van Leer Cabin and the Van Leer Pleasant Hill Plantation.
Samuel and Hannah had eight children together. Sadly, Hannah passed away on July 10, 1786. She died due to complications after giving birth to twin girls. After her death, General Anthony Wayne offered to help care for Samuel's children. However, Samuel chose to keep his children at home with him. He never married again.
