Van Leer Family facts for kids
The Van Leer family is an important American family that came to the Province of Pennsylvania in the 1600s. They traveled from a place called Hesse near Isenberg, Germany. This family became very wealthy in the United States by working in the ironworks business, which means they made things out of iron.
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Who Are Some Famous Van Leers?
The Van Leer family has had many notable members who made a difference in history. Here are a few:
Early Settlers and Revolutionary Heroes
- Bernardhus Van Leer (1687-1790) was a doctor and one of the first people from the family to settle in Pennsylvania.
- Samuel Van Leer (1747–1825) was a brave captain during the American Revolutionary War. He fought for America's freedom.
Iron Business Leaders
- Isaac Van Leer (1772-1821) owned ironworks businesses.
- Anthony Wayne Van Leer (1783-1864) also owned ironworks, helping the family's wealth grow.
Military and Government Figures
- John P. Van Leer (1825-1862) was a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
- Carlos Clark Van Leer (1865-1953) was an officer in the United States Army. He also worked as a chief at the United States Department of the Treasury.
- George Howard Earle III (1890-1974) became the Governor of Pennsylvania. He also worked as a diplomat, representing the United States in other countries.
- VanLeer Polk (1858-1907) served as a state senator in Tennessee.
- Blake Ragsdale Van Leer (1893-1956) was the president of the Georgia Institute of Technology, a famous university.
- Blake Wayne Van Leer (1926-1997) was an officer in the U.S. Navy.
Artists and Scholars
- Antoinette Van Leer Polk (1847-1919) became a Baroness, a title of nobility.
- Florence Van Leer Earle Coates (1850–1927) was a well-known poet.
- Maryly Van Leer Peck (1930-2011) was a college administrator and academician, meaning she worked in education and studied a lot.
- David Van Leer (1949-2013) was also an academician and researcher.
Where Did the Van Leers Live?
The Van Leer family owned several important historical properties. These places show where they lived and worked throughout history.
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Van Leer Family Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.