The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: NY
Qualifying Service: Lieutenant
Marker by tombstone, says "Revolutionary War Veteran"
Directions to Cemetery / Gravesite:
Map coordinates have not been set for this cemetery
Author: Arthur G. Petruccelli
John Van Ness, 5th son of Jan Hendricksee Van Ness was born 05 Sep. 1725 in Kinderhook, Columbia County, New York. He was an active scout in the Old French War, 1744-1748 (also called King George’s War). His adventures must have been many and stirring for his exploits it is said furnished James Fenimore Cooper with many scenes in his “Last of the Mohicans” novel.
On January 27, 1749 he married Sarah Jane, daughter of Adam Van Alen of Kinderhook, and removed to the northern part of Columbia Co. where he had acquired title to a large grant of land including the site of the Village of Malden Bridge and extending to the Rensselaer County line. Too old to take the field during the war of the Revolution, he served, first as Ensign, and later as Lieutenant of Militiia while several of his sons volunteered for active service. Adam, his eldest son, and David, the third son, enlisted as privates in the 7th Regiment Kinderhook District, the first year of the War. John, the second son was commissioned Ensign of the 5th Co. of this Regiment in Oct. 1775 and promoted to 1st Lieutenant in 1778. Adam was 2nd Lieutenant and Jacobus (hitherto too young to serve) was ensign. Still another son Abram, held a commission as Ensign of a Company; but was killed by the Tories while at home on a furlough in 1777. John Van Ness died in Chatham, NY on 18 Mar 1802 and his wife on 03 Oct 1794.
Children of John Van Ness and Sarah Van Alen are:
i. Adam Van Ness, b. 26 Dec. 1750 ii. Jehanius Van Ness, b. 03 Aug. 1752 iii. David Van Ness, b. 02 July 1754 iv. Abraham Van Ness, b. 18 Feb. 1756 v. Catilina Van Ness, b. 03 Apr. 1758 vi. Jacobus Van Ness, b. 05 Feb. 1761 vii. William Van Ness, b. 05 July 1763 viii. Cornelius Van Ness, b. 05 Aug. 1766 ix. Isaac Van Ness, b. 06 May 1768, m. Rachel Bankson in 1789, d. 22 Feb. 1833 in Chatham, NY x. Hendrick Van Ness, b. 22 Jan. 1770
Ref: Concerning Some of the Descendants of Cornelius Van Ness of Albany New York, by Mrs. C. G. Van Alstyne.
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