[1][2] His maternal grandfather is William Branson who was an ironworks pioneer and owned the historical home Warrenpoint.

[4] Van Leer was commissioned captain of the Seventh Company, Fifth Battalion of the Chester County Militia on May 17, 1777.

[7] After his retirement from the military, Captain Samuel went on to grow his Iron business in Reading Furnace, formerly owned by his grandfather William Branson.

[8] He inherited two plantations in East Nantmeal, Pennsylvania from his brother, Dr. Branson Van Leer, and died there in October, 1825.

After her death, Anthony Wayne offered to have Van Leer's children stay with his family.