He worked as a physician and was father of American Revolutionary War Captain Samuel Van Leer.
He built the Barnardus Van Leer House in Marple Township, Pennsylvania, c. 1742 and owned the land in Tredyffrin Township, Pennsylvania, on which his son Isaac built the Van Leer Cabin c. 1800.
[2] Van Leer maintained an exclusive office practice, which was unique for the time.
[4] Bernardhus' son Samuel Van Leer served as a military officer for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
[2] After Bernardhus's death, his son Isaac built the Van Leer Cabin on the Tredyffrin property that had been deeded to him.