Van Campen Heilner (1899-1970) was an American sportsman, and author of works on hunting and fishing.
[1] Heilner was born wealthy, his family's wealth, from coal mining, financed his hunting and fishing expeditions around the world.
Heilner's hunting and fishing companions included authors Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey.
[3] On January 24, 1947, Heilner was staying overnight in the 173 year old mansion on historic Gardiners Island.
[4] He was the sole occupant of the mansion, when it was swept by a devastating fire, that totally consumed the structure.