Isaac Van Leer


Isaac Van Leer was a well known Pennsylvania Ironmaster and owner of Van Leer Pleasant Hill Plantation, an historic stone farmhouse. On outset of the American Revolutionary War, his family's furnace supplied cannon and cannon balls for the Revolutionary Army.

Biography

Isaac Van Leer was born in 1772 at Marple Township. After his mothers death, he was raised by his father Captain Samuel Van Leer a notable person, known for starting his military career with his neighbor General Anthony Wayne during American Revolutionary War. His family's furnace supplied cannon and cannon balls for the Revolutionary Army.. His grandfather Bernardhus Van Leer was also notable, known for traveling on horseback until the age of 102 and being one of the first medical doctors in New York. Bernardhus would later be studied at several medical universities. On April 17, 1800, he married Elizabeth Culbertson whose family also fought in the Battle of the Boyne. In 1815 he purchased the Hibernia House and built a furnace of his own. Van Leer's family and history is also part of historical tour for the Van Leer Cabin and Isaac's family home Van Leer Pleasant Hill Plantation. His family was considered one of the more well known families in Pennsylvania at the time and noted in the anti-slavery cause.   Another Van Leer Cabin was used as a station for the Underground Railroad.
Isaac had four children with his wife Elizabeth. All children would own or be involved with the iron industry, except Lindford who died from a fall.
Descendants: