| Van Leer | |
|---|---|
| Earlier spellings | Valär, Von Löhr, Von Leer |
| Etymology | German and Romansh for "from Valär" a castle in Grisons or later "from Lohr" |
| Place of origin | Rhaeto-Romans, Canton of the Grisons, German American Community, United States (Pennsylvania) |
| Connected families | Earle Family Muhlenberg family |
| Estate(s) | Boardview Mansion Van Leer Pleasant Hill Windsor Forge Mansion Reading Mansion |
The Van Leer family, originally spelled Von Lohr, is an influential German–American family that emigrated to the Province of Pennsylvania in the 17th century from the Electorate of Hesse near Isenberg, Germany. The family made their fortune in the United States through the ironworks business.[1][2] The family includes American business owners, academics, civil rights activists, women's rights activists, university founders, inventors, politicians, and military officers. Earlier spellings include Von Leer, Von Lohr, and the ancient surname Valär.