_van_etten.htm_cmp_blends100_bnr.gif)
1720 To 1786
Information gathered by Lynn Beedle on September 8, 1972:
Jan (John) Van Etten is the one with the famous will, and was the grandfather of our great grandfather, John Dick Van Eaton, who went west and settled, finally in San Jose. As for Jan before he wrote that will: Born in Knightsfield, Ulster County, New York, in 1720. Second marriage was to Maratje (Mary) Westfael in 1738, and they resided in Easton, Pennsylvania in 1750. (We don't know what happened to his first wife.) Jan was commissioned a Captain by Benjamin Franklin and was placed in charge of a Fort Hydshaw, which is (or was) in Monroe County at Bushkill, not far from Hellertown, Pennyslvania. Later he was in charge of Fort Hamilton at Stroudsburg. In 1754 he was judge of the orphan court.
Map showing position of Ulster County in New York State.
In 1757 Jan married Margaret LeFevre whose father owned Le Fevre's tavern, 5 miles from Easton. It was a popular stopping point for the soldiers coming to report to General Washington's (or was he a colonel then?) headquarters. In 1760, Jan was the Coroner of Northampton County. In 1775 he sold his 368 acres to a Fred Diehl. The next record is a state deed for land in Rowan County, North Carolina, in 1780, for 2 cents per acre.
The rich land to which the Van Ettens moved in North Carolina just prior to the Revolutionary War.
The bridge above crosses the Yadkin River; the barn and well are on propery owned by the Van Ettens.
North Carolina 
The oldest son of Jan and Margaret LeFevre appears to be Samuel (11/19/1761 to 1845) who married Ruth Neely (born 6/18/1763). Samuel and Ruth's oldest son was John (1792 to ?) who married Lydia Lowry (probably Lowery, born 9/9/1802) in 1820. Thence came John Dick Van Eaton (1826 to 1894) who went west to eventually end up in San Jose, California.
The famous will of Jan (John) Van Etten:
Page 1
Page 2
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The following information was copied from "Van Eaton & Allied Families" by
Steven Earl Coulter, 1974.
Jan "John" Van Etten, son of Jacob Van Etten & Anna Westbrook; b. at Knights-
field Patent, Wawarsing, Ulster Co., N.Y.; bpt Apr 17, 1720 at Knightsfield or
Kingston, N.Y.; d. after March 20, 1786 in Rowan Co., N.C.; m.l) Apr 13, 1738
at Machackemeck Church, Deerpark (now Port Jervis), then in Ulster Co. (now
Orange Co.), N.Y., to Maritje "Mary" Westfael, dau of Jurian Westfael & Maria
Cuddeback; b. at Minisink & bpt Jan 31, 1720; 9 children (one record says 11).
John Van Etten m.2) about 1757 in Pa., Margaret Lefevre, dau of John Lefevre &
Christina Wentz (see p. 81); 11 children.
Mary (Westfael) Van Etten was received into the Reformed Dutch Church at
Machackemeck (Deerpark), June 19, 1745; and Jan Van Etten was elected Deacon
in 1745, and appointed Prelector or Reader. About 1750 they crossed the Dela-
ware River & settled near Easton in Northampton Co., Pa. In 1754 John Van Etten
was a judge in Orphans Court. The French & Indian War began in 1754, and Capt.
John Van Etten commanded Fort Hyndshaw near the present town of Bushkill, Pa.,
and also Fort Hamilton at Stroudsburg, Pa. in 1756-57.
The following is from "A Frontier Village: Pre-Revolutionary Easton," by
A.D. Chidsey, Jr., 1940, pages 69-70:
"A chain of forts had been constructed along the Blue Mountains from the
Dela-
ware River to the Susquehanna River, and thence continuing to the Maryland
line. In the course of duty, it often became necessary for the commanders of
these forts to go to Easton (Pa.) to report and receive orders from William
Parsons, who had been appointed Major in command of the forces in the county.
Lefevre's Tavern was on the road leading from many of these forts to Easton
and at a most convenient distance for those traveling to or from the County
Seat, To be served by one of the six attractive daughters of the landlord made
the food taste better, the drink more refreshing, and their rest a pleasure
long to be remembered.
"John Van Etten, of the Minisinks, was commissioned a Captain by Benjamin
Franklin in January of 1756, and placed in charge of Fort Hyndshaw, located in
what is now Monroe County, near the present town of Bushkill. He had not made
many trips to Easton before the anticipation of again seeing Margaret Lefevre
was a pleasure, the realization of which more than offset the hazards of the
journey. This friendship soon ripened into love and eventually Margaret Lefevre
became the wife of Captain John Van Etten.
"At the time Benjamin Franklin granted the commission to John Van Etten, he
also sent him a long letter of instructions. In this letter, the Captain was
commanded to keep a diary or journal of each day's happenings. The diary which
John Van Etten wrote is still preserved. It touches the romance of the Captain
and Margaret Lefevre, provided you read between the lines. On June 3rd, 1757,
Captain John Van Etten left Fort Hyndshaw for Philadelphia. The trip presented
a fine opportunity to see his sweetheart; an opportunity which was not neglected.
In his diary, under date of June 5th, he writes: 'I 1-ay sick by the way within
five miles of Easton.' Perhaps he was ill, but what a coincidence that he, a
rugged frontiersman, should fall ill, figuratively speaking at the very door of
John Lefevre's Tavern. The next day he paid his respects to Major Parsons at
Easton. It may be that his conscience troubled him a little, and for fear that
his sudden case of indisposition might appear strange, he entered in his diary
to allay suspicion and as a matter of confirmation or proof, the following,
under date of June 7th: 'Not withstanding the 111 Surcomstance of Body I was
in I persued my Journey.' On his return trip, he reached Easton on June 14th.
His notes for that day end with the statement that he '"i.eft Easton about six
o'clock (P.M.) and went about five miles.' Due to a bashful and somewhat
guilty feeling, he never mentioned Lefevre's Tavern, which was 'about five
miles' from Easton. It has taken two centuries to diagnose his illness."
Journal kept by Captain John Van Etten from December 1, 1756 to July 21, 1757,
as it was published in the "Pennyslvania Archives, 1st series, vol 3, pages 222-235".
It was also published in "History of Northampton, Lehigh, Monroe, Carbon and
Schuykill Counties" by I. Daniel Rupp, 1845; but that 19th century editor "corrected"
the grammar and spelling of the original 18th century version.
__________________________________________________________________________
JOURNAL KEPT BY CAPTAIN JOHN VAN ETTEN, 1757
Of all proceedings and Circumstance of AfFairs, to gether with all
Busnis and Scouting Done by said Company, from the 1st Day of
December, 1756.
December ye Ist, 1756.
1. I went on Scout with the oldest Sert., to see if there ware In-
dians on the Cost, but discovrd none; we .Returned safe to the
fort.
2. After Releaving Guard Imployd the men in hallind firewood.
3. Relievd Guard and kept the men about the Garrison.
4. and 5. Paid some of the men, and for some provissions.
6. Kept the men in their posts about the Garrison.
7. 1 went on Scout with 2 men and made no Discovery; Re-
turnd Safe to the Fort at Night and found all in Good order.
8 and 9. The men Divided, one part standing on Scetery while
the other Cut and Halld firewood.
10. I went out on Scout with one man and made no Discovery, and
Returnd safe to the fort.
11. The Leut. went on his Journey to Philadelphia, in order to
get the pay for my men for 3 months; the same Day, about 11 0'c
1 wont out on Scout with 6 men and Traviled four milds out making
no Discovery, Returnd to the fort.
12. Sunday and Rainey, we all staid at the Garrison.
13. In the morning, after Guard Relvd, I went out with six men
on Scout and one Neighbour, and Traviled about eight milds out
and made no Discovery, and Returnd to the Garrison all safe.
14. After Guard Relievd I went out with four men on Scout, and
sent two men with Jacob Swortwood to Guarde him in fetching his
Grane, where it might be thrashd.
15. I went with five men on Scout, and sd Jacob Swortwood went
a gain to his place with sd Guard, it being about four milds from the
fort. At night, when I returnd, told me, that before he and sd
Guard came to the field they saw a small Stack of Rye set out in a
Large Shock of 30 Sheves on a side, and places Left in the midle to
Soot out at, and a bee hive set on the top.
10. "After the Guard Relievd, I went with six men to the place,
and orderd two men with the Wagons to come sometime after when
I had surrounded the field, then to come and take their Loads which
was Done, but no Discovery made of the Enemy. I wend then with
two men through the woods and the rest of the men Guarded the
Waggon, and we all returnd safe to the fort.
14. Kept the men to their Exercise.
16. Hall firewood for the fort.
17. The men Exercisd twice.
18 and 19. The same.
20. Sunday, Kept the Fort.
21 Went out on Scout with 4 men, but finding it
so uncomfort-able Traviling, and making no Discovery,
Returnd to the fort. 22 and 23. The men kept to'their
Exercise.
24.: After Guard Relievd halld fire wood.
25. Kept the men to their Exercise, and to the End of the
month.
March the I", 1757.
At Eight 0'c Relievd Guard and Exercisd the men twice.
4. After Guarde Relievd, orderd the old Guard to Hall firewood
for the fort.
6. Sunday, Relievd Guard at 8 Oc and then Exercisd the men.
7. After Guard Relievd went out on Scout with ten men, Travild
about Six milds, made no Discovery, and Returnd to the fort.
9. Exercisd the men twice.
10. Exercisd the men twice.
11. After Guard Relievd at 8 0'c, Halld fire wood for the fort.
12. After Guarde Relievd I went with Six men on Scout, and tra-
viled about Six milds and made no Discovery, and all Returnd safe
to the fort. " .
13. Sunday, Relievd Guard at 8 0c, and all Kept the Garrison.
14. After Guard Relievd went on Scout with 8 men, Discovering
nothing Returnd to the fort.
16. After Guard Relievd, halld fire wood for the fort.
17. Dissiplind the men twice.
18. After Guard Relievd I went on Scout with 5 men, made no
Discovery, and Returnd to the fort.
19. Relievd Guard, Dissiplind the men, and halld fire wood.
20. Relievd Guarde at 8 O'c, and all kept the fort.
21. Went on my Journey for Easton in order to attend Court,
Leaving the Charge of the Company wt the Leut., and being Detaind
by Reson of Bad weather I attended the whole term.
28. I Returnd Safe to my Company at Fort Hyndshaw, finding all
thing in good order and my men in health.
29. Relievd Guarde and Dissiplind the men twice.
30. After Guarde Relievd went on Scout with 4 men, and others
imployd in halling fire wood for the fort.
April I"1.
After Guard Relievd I went on Scout with 4 men, and went about
4 milds, making no Discovery Returnd to the fort.
2. Relievd Guard and Disciplind the men.
3. Sunday, Relievd Guard and Kept the Fort.
4. Dissiplind the men twice.
5. Relievd Guard, then imploy the men in halling fire wood.
6. Dissiplind the men.
7. Recd an Order, dated March 28th, from the Honbl Corll Wizer,
commanding me immediately to Send an Atachment of men, 16 in
number, to Relieve the Company stationd at Fort Hambleton.
8. Took possession of sd fort according to my orders, and the
Company marchd of Leaving the fort in my care.
9. A Coppy of a Letter from Majr Willm Parsons, sent to then
commander at fort Hambleton, I being there and no other.
I opened the same, and found it to be a Coppy from the
original, sent by Jacob Snyder, Insign, being then Commander
at fort Norris, with which I could not content my self, but
went of immediately to Easton to see the Majr.
10. Then spoke with the Majr at his own House, who orderd that
the Leut., with 25 men of my Company, should immediately march
to Riddin, to the Corlls, there to Recd further orders.
11. Returnd home to fort Hyndshaw, Receiving the Original of
the Majrs order by the way, and acquainted the Leut. with
the affair.
12. Got the men Ready for a march.
13. Conveyd the Leut' with sd Company as far as fort Hambleton.
14. The Lieut. marchd with said Company about Eight O'Clock
in the morning from Fort Hambleton, and 1 Returned to fort Hynd-
shaw.
I5. Dissiplind the men.
16. Went to see the Majr.
20. Return to Fort Hyndshaw, visiting Fort Hambleton on my
way, and found all things in good order at both Forts. The Night
following an Express came from fort Hambleton to me at fort Hyud-
shaw, with an accompt of a murder Committed about Sun set.
21. Went to Fort Hambleton with 7 men, and found it to be one
Contryman, a Lad of about 17 years of age, Killd and Sculpd by
the Indians, about 100 Rods from the fort Hambletou, which I took
up and Buried the same day; Returnd safe with my men to fort
Hyndshaw.
22. Dissiplind the men twice.
23. Imyloyd the men in halling firewood to the fort.
24. Sunday, all Keept the fort.
25. My Serjt Leonard Den, with 2 men of for subsistance to
Samll Depues, having got within about 2 milds of sd Depues,
sd Serjt. was shot, the 2 men Returnd and informd me of it,
where upon an allarm was beat, and the neighbours all
gatherd to the fort; my self with 7 men went of immediately
and found him Killd and Scalpd, and intirely Stripd and
shamefully cut, that his bowls was Spred on
the Ground, I immediately sent of 3 men to sd
Depues for a Wagon, which being come we carried him to
sd Depues, where we kept guarde that night.
26. Early in the morning we Buried him in a Christian manner,
& all Returnd to Fort Hyndshaw.
27. Dissiplind the men, increasing our Sentinels as far as our
week circumstance would allow.
28. Disiplind the men, giving them such Causion as I thought
needfull.
29 and 30. Guarded the neigbours in their necessary Busines,
with all that could possibly Leave the fort.
May Ist.
Sunday, all Kept the fort.
2. Dissiplind the men at 8 0'c in the morning, then imployd tho
men in halling firewood for the Garrison.
3. Dissiplind the men at 8 0'c in the morning, then I went on
Scout with 5 men, and traviled about 5 milds and Discovered noth-
ing, and all Returnd safe to the fort.
4. Dissiplind tho men at 8 0'c in the morning, then I went on
Scout with 5 men, & traviled about 6 milds, Discovering nothing;
all Returnd safe to the fort.
5. About Eight in the morning, word came to me that an Indian
was seen about 3 quarters of a mild from the fort; I went out im-
mediately in persuit of them with Eight men & one neighbour, and
found it true by seeing his track, but could not come up with him,
but my men from the fourt saw him Runing from us at a Consider-
able distance from us, as they Likewise at the same time Could see
some of my Company, as the few I left to Keep the fort affirmd to
me at my Return, but I seeing nothing of him Returnd with my
men safe to the fort.
The same day one of my men, coming from a field where I sent
a guard to Guard the neighbours at there work, saw three Indians
coming down a mountain near sd field, he gave me notice, I imme-
diately wont out with sd man and 2 others in persuit of them, not
thinking it proper to go very far, the Garison being left very weak.
I stood on guard with 2 men, while one went to allarm the Guard
that was in the field, then Returnd to the fort, Discovering nothing.
7. At Eight of the Clock Dissiplind the men, after which some of
my men, who had observd the night before as they were on Sentury,
that the Dogs Keept an unusual barkiug and running to a particular
place, went to see what the ocasion should be, and found that an In-
dian had stood behind a tree about 25 yards from the fort; being
told I went to see and found it true, his tracks being vissible enough
to be seen; in the afternoon I went on Scout with 4 men and a
neighbour, but made no Discovery, and all Returnd safe to the fort.
7. The men call to their Exercise at the usual time, after which
I went wth 4 men to a Smiths shop whare we made an Instrument
to take a Bullit out of my Horse, who was shot when Sert. Den was
Killd, and all Returnd safe to the fort. .
8. Sunday, assisted some of the neighbours with their Goods and
families to the fort.
9. Dissoplind the men, after which Guarded two of the neigh-
bours iu their necessary Bussines, which what men could be Spaird,
and continued the same to the
15. Sunday, we all Kept the fourt.
16. Tho weak handed, I went on Scout with 4 men, traviled
about 4 milds, made no Discovery, and Returnd safe to the fort.
17 Dissiplind the men at 8 0'c in the morning, then guarded
the neighbors with all I could Spair from the fort.
18. Exercisd the men twice; and all kept the fort.
19. After Exercissing the men, Guarded the neighbours, with all
that oould be Spaird from the fort.
20. The Corporal, with 3 men, went on Scout by my order tra-
iled about 3 milds, mad no Discovery, and Returnd to the fort;
21 Att 4 O'c, afternoon, Receivd a letter from Capt Busse to send
a Corpll with 5 men, to meat him at Lest on the 22 day, to Guard
him to fort Allin, which men I Dispachd in half an hour,
22. Sunday, we few which Remaind all kept the fort.
23. About 10 O'Clock in the morning I Receivd a Letter from
Majr Parson, wherein be Desird me to come to Easton to Recc my
pay, with the pay for my men; I having then but 19 men Left me
to keep the fort, I toot the Case togather with my men into consi-
ration, who all Begd of me not to leave the fort, where upon I
wrote to the Majr and Begd of him to Consider our Circumstance,
and Excuse me untill the men Returnd.
24. Dissoplind the Men at Eight in the morning, and all kept the
fort being week handed.
25. I went on Scout with 3 men, and traviled about 3 milds in
the mountains and Discoverd nothing; Returnd to the fort.
26. Disiplind the men, and all staid about the fort.
27. Dissiplind the men twice. .
28. At 2'0'c, afternoon, the men, who with Comisary Young,
from Easton to fort Allen, Returnd all in Helth.
29. Esercisd the men, and all kept the fort.
30. I went on Scout with 3 men, and traviled about 4 milds, dis-
coverd nothing and Returnd to the fort.
31. Dissiplind the men at 8 0'c in the morning, afternoon went
on Scout with 4 men, went about 3 milds from the fort, Discoverd
nothing, and Returnd to the fort.
June ye Ist,
The Corporal, with 3 men, went on Scout, and gave account of no
discovery on their Return.
2. Five men sent to Samll Depues for subsistance, in the afternoon
the fort allarmd by hearing several Guns fird, I immediately with 3
men, went to find out the Reason, & found it to be some who un-
wittingly shot at fowle in the River. Our men all Returnd safe
about Sunsett.
3. I sett of on my Journey for Philadelphia, about 4 O'Clock in
the after uoon, with 6 men as a Guarde, and came all safe to Fort
Hambleton, and found every thing in good order there.
4. At.8 O'c in the morning Dissiplind the men, and gave strict
orders to the Sergant to keep the men Exact to there duty, and
about 4 O'c afternoon I persued my Journey.
5 I lay sick by the way within five milds of Easton.
6. Came to Easton and paid my Respects to Majr Persons.
7. Not withstanding the Ill Surcomstance of Body I was in I per-
sued my Jorney.
8. About 4 in the afternoon I came to Philadelphia, and Deliverd
the Express sent to Majr Persons, just as it was sent to him to
his Honr the Governor, who Desird me to wait on him at 12 0'c the
next Day.
9. I waited on his Honour as was requested, the answer from
Mr. Potters was that my Busines should be done the next day at 9
0'c in the morning.
10,11 and 12. I waited, but it was not done according to Expec-
tation.
13. About 3 0'c in the afternoon I left the Town.
14. About two in the afternoon I came to Easton, I directly paid
my Respects to Majr Persons, who told ino that I should take a
Supply of Ammonicion, where upon I provided Sacks and took
l00lb of powder, lOOlb of Lead, and a 100 of Flints, and also
Recd a Coppy from his Honour, the Governors orders to Remove to
fort Hambleton, and left Easton about 6. 0'c and went about five
milds.
15. Came safe to fort Hambleton with the Ammonicion, about 6
0'c afternoon, and found all things in good order.
16. At Eight 0'c in the morning Displd the men and orderd them
all to shoot at a mark at Armes End, and some of them did Exceed-
ing well then; taking a Scort of men with me I went to Fort
where we all arrived safe. I immediatly calld the men to Arms, and
Ordred every one to get their Cloaths, and what ever they had, to-
gether as quick as possible, and be Redy to march to fort Hamble-
ton.
17 and 18. After Dissoplining the men as usual, we made every
thing Redy for our march.
19. About 9 0'c in the morning we all marchd from fort Hynd-
shaw, with all the Baggage, and all arrived sale at fort Hambleton,
and met with no opposition, and found all things in good order
there.
20. At Eight in the morning calld the men under Armes, and
after Exercissing the men, orderd out Six men on Samuel Dupues
Request, to Guard him in taking his wife to the Doctr at Bethle-
hem, who tarrid all night at sd Depues; the same day I went on
Scout with 4 men and one neighbour to git acquainted with the
woods, as also to See if any Discovery could be made of the Enemy,
but made no Discovery and Returnd to the fort.
21. At 8 0'c Exercisd the men, about 12 0'c the Guard, with sd
Depue & wife, came to the fort, then orderd a Guard of ten men,
who went of under the Care of a Corporal with sd Depue with or-
ders, that after they had Guarded sd Depue as far as was needful,
to Carry a Message from me to the Majr, at Easton, and to Return as
soon as Dispatch could be made.
22. Exereisd the men that Remand at the fort as Usual; nothing
Extreordinary hapned, so all kept the fort,
23. In the morning, near Eleven 0'c, the fort was allarmd by
some of the neighbours who had made their escape from the Enemy,
five of them in Company near Brawdheads house, seeking their
horses in order to go to mill, was fird upon by the Enemy, and said
that one of them, John Tidd by name, was Killd; where upon I
immediately Draughted out 9 men, myself making the tents, in as
private a manner as possible, and as privately went back into the
mountains in. order to make a Discovery, giving Strict orders to
those left to fire the wall peace to allarm us, if any attact
should be attempted on the fort in my absence there, but
Six men left at the fort, and coming in sight of sd house,
on the back side Perceivd a small smoke arise at sd House,
then traviling about a Quarter of a mild in order to surround,
them, we heard four Guns, the first of which being much Louder
than the rest, Expected the fort was attacted, where upon we
Retreeted back about a Quarter of a mild, and hering no more
Guns, my Councel was to go to the House, but my pilot, who was
well acquainted with the woods, thought it best to place
ourselves in ambush, for they would come that way, he
said; and as we ascended the mountain in order to place
our selves we saw the house in a blaze, and the pilot
thought best to Retire a little nearer between the house
and the fort, where we might have a better view, and in the
Retreet we heard 14 Guns fird as Quick after
each other as one could count, then we placd our selves
in two Companies, the better to waylay them; the party that
was nearest between the house and the fort soon saw 27
Endeavouring to git betwen them and the fort, I, with the
other party saw 5 more comeing on the other side, we found
that we were discovrd and like to be surrounded by a vast
number, wherefore we all Retreted and got between them and
the fort, then haulting they came in view. I then Calinged
them to come, and fird at them, and altho at a Consi-
derable distance, it was Generally thought one of them was
killed, by ther Sqootting and making off, then we all
Retird to the fort; Immediatly upon our Return, a Scout of
13 men from the Jarsey, who were in search of Edwd Marshals
wife, who was kill'd some time ago, came to the fort, being
brought there by seeing the smoke and hearing the Guns fird,
who all seemd forward to go after them, where I, with my nine
men, went out with them, but having got some distance out
they would go to the house to see whether the sd man was killd.
Being come, we found him Killd and Scalpd, his
Body and face Cut in an inhuman manner, Cattle also lying dead on
the Ground, where upon they all went of and left me with my small
number to take care of the Dead man; whereupon, we took him up
and Returned to the fort, in which time my men that went to Eas-
ton Returnd to the fort.
24. Att about nine in the morning, having made redy; I went
with 18 men and buried the man, then went from the grave in
search and found 15 Cattle, Horses and hogs dead, besides two that
was shot, one with 5 bulits, the other with one, and yet there are
many missing, out of which the Enemy took, as we Judg, the value
of two Beaves and almost one Swine--in the Evening sent an Ex-
press by two men to the Majrs.
25. Disciplined the men, nothing Extraordinary hapned, all Kept
the fort that night; the two men that went with the Express to
Easton Returnd in safety to the Fort.
26. Early in the morning Recd the Majrs Letter, wherein he
showd himself very unesey that the men from Fort Norris had not
Joynd me, and Desird me to send to fort Norris to know the Rea-
son; and thinking it might be ocasiond for want of Cariages to
bring their Stores, Desird me to indeavour to send a Wagon theather,
accordingly, as I was indeavouring all I could in compliance of the
Majrs Desire, about 3 0'c in the afternoon, Lieut. Hyndshaw came
to the fort with ten men from Capt. Weatherhold, and Six from
Fort Norris, showing his order from Corll Weiser, for him to Com-
mand Fort Hamilton, and for me to abide with a small number of
men at Fort Hyndshaw.
27. At Eight in the morning calld my men under Armes as
usual, and Draughted out Eleven men and sent them under the care
of a Corpll, with 3 neighbours, in search of some Cattle, which they
feard ware taken or Killd by the Euemy, at which time the Lieut.
undertook to talk with me, and proposd to me that if I would Let
him have Six out of the men I had with me, to Joyn the men he
had from Captn Weatherhold, be would go to Fort Hyndshaw and
stay there untill further orders, and Leave the Six men he brought
from fort Norris with me, which I could not Comply with, as not
being in my power, having movd to Fort Hamilton by bis Honours,
the Governors order, there to be reinforcd by a Detachment from
Fort Norris, their to stay untill further orders, at which the Lieut.
went off with a Serjt, and a waiting man he brought wt him from
fort Auguston, and left the 16 men he brought under no bodies
care; the Scout which went out all Returnd safe to the fort, finding
what they went in search of, all well.
28. After Exercissing my men as Usual, I sent out a Scout of 12
men under the care of Serjt., who traviled about Six milds out, and
all Returnd safe to the fort, making no Discovery. I being not fully
satisfied on the acct of the men Left with me, whome I could do no
less to then feed and Give them their proper allowance of Rum,
wherefore I wrote to the Majr, laying the Circumstance of the mat-
ter as plain as possible before him, Desiring his advice what to do
in the Case, the which I sent of in the Evening by the Serjt, and
one man with him.
29. After Exerclscing tho men I sent of Six men, under the Care
of the Corporal, with Six of those men which the Lieut. left, who
voluntarily went to assist and to Guard one Peter Snyder, in taking
of some Cattle whome ho had, fled of and Left some time ago, least
they should be Killd by the Enemy; in the Night the Serjt, wt the
man that went wt him Returnd safe from Easton, with a letter from the
Majr, wherein he advisd me to put the sd men on duty which was
Ieft wt me, and where as he Expected Corll Weiser to be hare in a
few days, to keep the fort untill he came, also Desird me to Endea-
vour to haston Lieut. Engles march to fort Hambleton.
30. I put the men left wt me on duty in the after noon, tho men
that Guarded Peter Snyder all Returnd safe to the fort.
July l.
In the morning Calls my men under Armes, Draughted out ten
men whom I sent under the Care of the Serjt, with nine of those
men the Lieut. Left at the fort, whome I ordred where and how far
they should travil on Scout, the which they performd and Returnd
about one, after noon. About one 0'c, after noon, the Lieut. came
past the fort, stoping at John McMackills, soon after Came to the
fort and showd an Order from Corll Weiser, that I should Resign the
Command of Fort Hamilton to him, upon which I Calld my men
under armes, and as I was sending for the Lieut', to Give up the
Command to him, the Centunal hearing musick, acquainted me with
it; I Expecting it was the Corll corning, delaid untill the Corll
came, who weighing the Circumstances of things, continued me in pos-
ession of sd Fort.
A TRUE JOURNAL Of ALL TRANSACTIONS IN CAPTAIN JOHN
VAN ETTEN'S COMPANY FROM THE SECOND DAY OF JULY.
July ye 2d, 1757.
At Eight in the morning the men called to armes, at which time
the Corll took a view of the men and their arms, aud finding all
in good order, after Giving Orders for the Regulation of the Company
about 12 o'clock, the Corll with his attendance marchd off, after
which we all kept the fort.
3. All Kept the Fort it being Sunday.
4. After Disciplining the men a party of twelve men under the
Command of a Serjt sent to Samll Depues with a Team for Necesary
Subsistance, and all Returnd safe to the fort in the evening
according to orders.
5. Very Rainy Weather unfit for Scouting or Exercise, alll keept
the fort.
6. At Eight in the Morning calld the men to their Exercise, and
Gave the men necesary Council how to behave according to the
Orders Given to me by the Corll, at which time Complaint was
made to me by some of the men that some of the Neighbours which
Resided in the fort ware Lousey, by which means the whole Garri-
son would soon be in the same condition. I then Orderd the Corpll
with 3 men to assist him to make a search, and found that one
Henry Countryman and his family, and one John Hillman and his
family ware Lousey, I ordred them out of the fort to their own
house, it being but about 8 or 9 Rods from the fort, then Imployd
tbe men to Clean the fort within Doors and without, which was
accordingly done, also sent out a scout of four men with 3 neighbours
who voluntarily went in hopes to find some Cattle they had missing
to Return the same Day, which they did in the Evening all safe to
the fort, making no Discovery of any Enemy.
7. At Eight in the morning I calld the men to their Exercise,
then Devided the men into two Guards, Each Guarde to stand their
Day, those that ware not on Guarde to be imploid in Scouting,
Guarding the Neighbours and in things necessary to be done about
the fort, and gave strict orders to those that ware on guarde that
22they should not Leave their post nor go from the fort, and that
Every Sentunal should behave well on his post, about one o'clock
after noon having ocasion to go to John McMickles, saw John Jough.
Coming out of the woods with hooppolls on his Sholder, who was
one of the Guarde, Immediately the Corpll came to sd house, I then
went home, and finding the Glass ran out I exemined the matter and
found that the Sentunal had stood his proper time out and ought to
be Reliev'd. I therefore calld the next man on the List and see to
his Relieff myself, the men that ware not on Guarde I imployd in
banking up the Earth against the Stockaders to prevent the waters
Settling aud runing into the well which I found to be the Ocasion
that the water was so bad in the well.
8. At Eight in the morning Relievd Guard, after which I imployd
the old Guard in clearing out the well.
9. After Guard Relievd, a scout of ten men with the Serjt went
wt some of the Neighbours to Mr. Broadhead's place, who went on
Nccesary Busines and met with no opposition, and all Return'd safe
to the fort.
10. Sunday, a scout of 6 men went to Samll Depues on Necesary
Busines, on their Return said they heard a person whistle, which
they supposed to be an Indian, but see nothing, all Returnd safe to
the fort.
11. After Guarde Believd, The Serjt with the old Guarde ten
men Sent out on Scout to travil South-East, and as far as to Return
by night which was performd, Meeting no Opposition nor Discover-
ing any Signs of the Enemy all returnd safe to the fort.
12. At Eight in the morning calld the men to their Exercise and
Relievd Guarde, after which upon John McMickels Impertunity
ordred ten men as a Guarde, where he was Cutting his harvest
some Distance from the fort, with whome I went my Self and placed
them to the best advantage I could ordering none to fire his Gun
Except, at an Enemy, and that 3 Guns should be an Allarm, they
meeting no opposition all returned safe to the fort.
13. After the men exercisd and Guard Relievd, it was my intent
to Guard John McMickle as the Day before but his Son in Law
Coming from a Long Jorney or'Voiago Detained him from Labour,
wherefore I then took the Old Guard consisting of ten men and
three Neighbours, with whome I went on Scout Directing my course
South about 5 miles from the fort, aud from thence west 2 miles,
thence by Judgment northerly so as to come to the fort in which
way we came by the Sepperates Meeting house, where we found the
Euemy had Lodged not long since, they Leaving a Bed of Fern even
in the pulpit, But meeting no opposition all returnd safe to the fort.
14. At Seven in the Morning calld the men to their Exercise &
Relievd Guard, I then went with John McMickle and ten of my men as
a Guard, to Guard said MacMickle and men Imployd at his harvest,
posting five men a Small Distance from the field, which I thought
best to discover the Enemy if any Should attempt to fall upon the
people at work, the other five I posted in the field, about 3 o'clock
after noon I went wt the Corporal Round to the out Sentunals as pri-
vately as we could and found them all on their guard.
15. It being very Rainey unfit to be out with arms we all kept
the Fort.
16. The Rain Continueing until near 12 o'clock I then went to
John MncMickle and askd him wheather he was Ready to go to his
harvest. But I saw no preparation or Inclination for it, wherefore I
went to the fort intending to go on scout with a part of the men
after Dinner, but before we ware redy four men came to the fort
with an order from Corll Weiser, dated June 14th, 1757, the Con-
tents ware as followeth, that he had Sent Orders to Lieut Hyndshaw
to attend the Treaty with the ten men of Capt Weatherholts Com-
pany with him who ware then at Fort Hyndshaw, and Orderd me
therefore without fail to seud ten men from fort Hamilton to replace
those Ordered away, where upon I immediately draughted out nine
men, the Corpll making the tenth whome I Sent off to the Lieut the
same day, as soon as possably they could make them Selves Redy
which was in about half an hour after Receiving the Corll Orders,
Under the Cair of the Corpll with Orders to the Lieut, to station
them as he thought fit, the which he posted at Samll Depues.
17. Sunday, seven of my small party of men left with me with
four neighbours went on scout under the Command of the Serjt, who
Traviled South-westerly about six miles, then taking a Compass
norterly all returned safe to the fort making no Discovery of any
Enemy.
I8. At eight in the morning I went with five men and guarded
John McMickle at his harvest, placing 3 Seutunals a small distance
from the field; and two in the field with the men at work, they
meeting no Opposition all returned safe to the fort.
19. Early in the morning one Garrit Bradhead applied to me for
a guard, to which I told him I would do for him what Lay in my
power with the few men I had, I then ordred five men under the
Cair of the Serjt & went my Self with one man to accompany me to
the fort, and placed the Sentunals in the best manner I could for
Safty, Leaving orders with the Serjt that fireing 3 guns should be an
allarm, and then returned to the fort, and tended guard until ye
Second Double Sentury.
20. Guarded sd Bradhead as the day before, and all returnd safe
to the fort.
21. In Compliance with the Corlls order early in the morning I
Sent to Samll Depues for the * (mare) he had in keeping in order to
send my message to the Corll at Easton, who returnd with sd Mare
safe in the Evening, also 4 men Guarded John Drake at his harvest
with orders to give an account of what hapnd, which was all was
well, but as to their behaviour after their coming to the fort,
I shall acquaint the Corll of the matter.
*wor.d "mare" missing
__________________________________________________________________
In 1759 and 1760, John Van Etten was coroner of Northampton Co., Pa.
The following application for a license to sell liquor in Forks
Township is in the Archives Room of the Courthouse at Easton, Pa.:
"To the worship full the Justices houlding Court at Easton for
the County of Northampton the 17 Day of June, 1760.
"The petition of John van Etten Humbly Sheweth, that your
petitioner is Comodiously Situated in A Convenient place for
the Entertainment of travelers in forks twounship in the Said
County aforesaid on the Road Leading from the upper part of
the County to Easton and hath been heretofore Licensed to keep a
publick hous your petitioner therefore Humbly prays that your
worships will be please to grant him Recommandation to his
honour the governor to Continue his Licence for keepping A
publick hous where he now Lefs in the Said County and
your petitioner as in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray"
(signed) John van Etten
The document is marked on the back: "Allowed".
On May 21, 1764, John Van Etten bought from his
father-in-law, John Lefevre, 260 acres on Tatamy's Creek
in Bucks Co., Pa. (formerly Northampton Co.), for 500 pounds. In 1775, John Van Etten sold this land to
Frederick Diehl. Probably at this time he moved to Rowan
Co., N.C., where he lived until his death in 1786. In
1778 he served as a Justice in Rowan Co., N.C.; this
civil service during the Revolution qualifies his
descendants for membership in the Daughters or Sons of the American Revolution. In 1780, for
50 shillings for every hundred acres, the governor
of North Carolina, Richard Caswell, granted John Van Etten 300 acres on the east side of Hunting Creek near the Yadkin
River in Rowan Co. (now Davie County). John Van Etten's
will, written March 20, 1786 & proved in Rowan County court.
May Session, 1786; recorded at Salisbury,- N.C., Book C, p. 181
_____________________________________________________________
From: http://mit.midco.net/casmith/ARTICLES/jan_1720.html
Jan Van Etten
From the book written by Eva Alice Scott
Jan VanEtten: bp. 4/17/1720 Knightsfield, Ulster
Co. NY d. before March 20, 1786 Rowan County, NC. married 1st Mar. 26,1738 to
Maritje Westfael, b. at Minisink and bp. Jan 31, 1720 daughter of Jurian and
Maria (Cuddeback) Wesfael; both living at Minisink, married by Justice Anthony
Westbrook April 13. These records were taken from a pamphlet by Rev. J.P. Ten
Eyck, printed 1877; ceremony performed by J.C. Fryenmuth unless otherwise stated
as it was in this case. Mary Westfall VanEtten was received into the church
June 19, 1745 and Jan was elected Deacon in 1745 and appointed Prelector of
Reader. They settled about 1750 near Easton, PA. The first attempt to organize
Smithfield was in 1746. The name of Jan VanEtten does not appear upon the list
of signers - upon the back of the petition is endorsed the words �Plan next
court� and at the next court his name is not upon the list, but in December,
1750 (two years later) his name does appear with the other petitioners for �A
township to be bounded by Buchskill on the south, to which creek there is a
grant of a township, by Delaware on the east, and by lands belonging to the
honorable Propreitaries on the north and west.� The petitioners represented
themselves as �the remotest livers from the honorable court.� This application
was held under advisement. This Van Etten no doubt was Jan as Smithfield was
the first township and on August 22, 1767 John VanEtten residing in Forks Twp.
PA deeded land to his brother Johannes Van Etten, three tracts, containing 68
acres, lying below the Namanock Islands in the Delaware river - this land was
in Delaware Twp., now Pike Co., PA. In this deed John�s wife was named
Margaret. PA Archives, Ser.3, Vol. 2, p 388 gives a little side light on this
land. �Land Office, March 24, 1767 John VanEtten enters a caveat against the
acceptance of a survey made for John Cartwright by virtue of his application
number 1931 date of Oct., 10, 1766 for the land in Lower Smithfield Twp,
Northampton Co., alleging the he hath a prior right, warrant granted to
Longshore the day of --- the same until they have a hearing in the said. David
Kennedy, James Tilgham, secy. to John Lukens, Esq. S.G.� and on page 642 of the
same: �June 6,1783, Samuel Decker enters a caveat against granting a patent to
John VanEtten for a tract of land in Delaware Twp, Northampton Co, surveyed by
virtue of a warrant or location to John VanEtten Senior, alleging that the said
warrant was not located in the place where the survey is made and the he, said
Decker, has an improvement on the land.� David Kennedy, Sec�y John Luken, Esq�r.
Then again in Ser. 2, Vol2 p 112 �Johanna Vanetta against the heirs of Daniel
Vanetta - on hearing the parties it appears that Daniel Vanetta has transferred
his right to the land in dispute, to Johanna Vanetta by deed dated March 10,
1770, now produced - therefore allowed patent to said Johanna Vanetta.�
The Capt. John VanEtten who was in command at Ft. Hyndshaw at Bushkill, Pike
Co. and at Ft. Hamilton, Stroudsburg was also a Judge in the orphan court in
1754. �In 1755 Capt. John VanEtten�s company was from Upper Smithfield.� Capt.
John kept a diary dated Ft. Hyndshaw and Ft. Hamilton Dec 1, 1756 to July 21,
1757. His diary ended abruptly in July 22, 1757 and many historians believed
that he had died, as in the PA Arch. Ser. 5, Vol. 1 p. 62 in �Field Officers
and Captains in Provincial Pay 1744-1765, 2nd PA., 1st Co. John VanEtten,
Resigned B� and further on �The late VanEtten�s Company� not necessarily meaning
that he was deceased.
So far the death (or divorce) of Mary Wesfael VanEtten has not been found but
the records show that Jan married the second time about 1757 to Margaret LeFevre,
daughter of John and wife Christina (Wentz), who kept �public house� near the
Bushkill in the township of Forks abt. 6 mi. from Easton at the time of the
laying out of Easton. Mr. A.D. Chidsy Jr., President of the Northampton
historical Society (1935-37) in his book �A Frontier Village - pre Revolutionary
Easton� weaves quite a tale around the romance between Capt. John VanEtten of
the Minisinks and Margaret LeFevre, the inn-keeper�s daughter, which culminated
in marriage. The records show that on June 17, 1760 John petitioned for a
license for a �Place of Entertainment for travelers� in Forks Twsp.
May 21, 1764 John LaFevre of the twp. of Worcester, Philadelphia Co, PA and
Christina, his wife, sold to John VanEtten of the Forks, Northampton Co.,
yeoman, the land which he had acquired from the proprietaries in 1745, situated
on Tatmey�s creek in the county of Bucks (since the division of the counties is
within the limits of the said Co. of Northampton0, containing 368 acres together
with appurtenances, etc. - for 500 lbs. lawful money. In 1775 John and wife
Margaret sold this same tract to Frederick Diehl. LaFevre�s will is on file at
Philadelphia, PA, probated in 1779 in which he mentions his daughter Margaret,
as wife of John VanEtten.
Several children of John and Margaret are buried in the cemetery on the farm
place near Easton (or Stockertown) and their graves are marked by stones bearing
English inscription. A Mrs. Stecker, wife of Melchoir was also buried there on
the VanEtten ground. Her tombstone bears the date 1776. The names of John
VanEtten and John LaFevre were among the first settlers in Forks. James Searle
was the first surveyor residing in the Forks twp. and occupied a dwelling on
John VanEtten�s land.
John�s name is on the tax list of Forks in 1772 and in 1775 his daughter Rosina
was baptized at the Plainfield Reformed Church.
In 1780 John VanEtten�s name first appears on record as purchasing land in
Rowan Co., NC and in 1786 his will was probated, in which he states �to prevent
all future debts and disputes between my six children by my first wife, and my
present wife an her children, and as touching my North Carolina rights, I have
left to my six children by my first wife five shillings apiece and no more. I
do hereby debar my executors of paying them any more of my present estate either
value personal of any kind what so ever--� etc. - �likewise I give and bequeath
to my four sons, Samuel, John, Abraham and Isaac -- and my four daughters,
Elizabeth, Christian, Rosanna and Sarah�
John VanEtten is supposed to have been buried on his farm in Rowan Co, NC, but
the present owners know nothing of any burials there and there are no markers.
When Margaret died is not known but she followed him - no doubt she lived with
her son on the old home place of 300 acres, which were granted to John for 50
shillings for every 100 acres on the east side of Hunting creek - by Richard
Caswell, Gov. It is believed that the son Samuel remained in NC, as Abraham
appears in Sugar Creek Twp, Greene Co, OH in 1803 (he sold his NC land to his
brother Samuel); John is supposed to have gone to GA. In the 1790 census of NC
they seemed to have dropped the Van and call themselves just Eaton; in the
Salisbury Dist. of Rowan Co. are listed, Christian, Christopher, Daniel,
Ebenezer, George, Isaac, Peter and Thomas. Abraham of Greene Co, OH was known
as VanEaton. Hunting Creek empties into the Yadkin River. Capt. John�s land
was located in what is now known as Davie County, NC