WILLIAM VAN LEER

GENERATION 8.4 – FOURTH CHILD OF BERHARDHUS VAN LEER
William Van Leer died in 1764, still single.  His will, dated December 6, 1763, was written in Northern Liberties in the County of Philadelphia.  It was proven in court February 27, 1764.  Abstract of will:

“To brother, Benjamin, a horse, saddle and suit of clothes.  To brother, Samuel, a gun, part of wearing apparel, etc.  The residue of estate, including what is coming to me from my grandfather, William Branson, to three brothers, George, Benjamin and Samuel.  Brother George, Executor.”

A William Van Lear  was an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati, and he has been incorrectly identified by the society as being the son of Bernardhus Van Leer and brother of Samuel Van Leer, who married Hannah Wayne.

In addition to William Van Leer’s will, there are legal documents in 1770 where Bernardhus Van Leer legally transfers all of the Branson estate to his four surviving sons with Mary Branson.