Van Leer was born in 1772 in
Easttown Township in the
Province of Pennsylvania to Samuel and Hannah (Wayne) Van Leer. His father Samuel Van Leer, served as a captain during the
American Revolutionary War. In 1814, Van Leer purchased land and the Hibernia Iron Works in West Caln Township, Pennsylvania. He also owned the Springton Forge in
West Nantmeal Township, Pennsylvania. In 1815 he purchased the
Hibernia House and lived there. In 1816, he declared bankruptcy and gave the Springton Forge property to his wife's family in order to settle his debts. In 1817, he sold the Hibernia location at a financial loss due to flooding damage. and enlisted with the Union Army during the American Civil War at age 15. ==References==