M. about 1755 in (probably) New Jersey1
Wife: Catherine Brokaw
D. 24 Mar 1820 in Somerset County, New Jersey1
There was a generation of men in colonial America who came along at the right time to have been a soldier in the American Revolution. Most were born during the 1740s and 1750s, but some were before and after that period, and this was the case of Hendrick Van Arsdalen and his sons.
Hendrick was born in Hillsborough, New Jersey on July 25, 1731 to Christoffel Van Arsdalen and Magdalena Van Henglen,1 one of 9 children. In about 1755, Hendrick married Catherine Brokaw.1 Between about 1756 and 1771, they had seven children; at least two of them died as infants. During those years, Hendrick made his home in Somerville,2 but for about 4 or 5 years he moved with his family to Hunterdon County.3
When the American Revolution began in 1775, many men in Somerset County took up arms for the cause. Records show that Hendrick enlisted as a private in Jacob Ten Eyck’s company, and he was part of a march to Bergen County beginning on July 8, 1776.1 His 16-year-old son Christopher joined the army with him, and the two fought in the same regiment.
When the American Revolution began in 1775, many men in Somerset County took up arms for the cause. Records show that Hendrick enlisted as a private in Jacob Ten Eyck’s company, and he was part of a march to Bergen County beginning on July 8, 1776.1 His 16-year-old son Christopher joined the army with him, and the two fought in the same regiment.
1777 muster roll showing Hendrick and Christopher, halfway down second column.
Capturing a Tory wagon. (AI-generated image)
It’s not known for how long Hendrick continued to serve. He was on the muster rolls throughout 1776 and 1777, appearing for a final time on January 1, 1778. By that date, he had two sons who had enlisted; besides Christopher, 15-year-old Jan had joined up.5 It’s likely that Hendrick didn’t serve beyond that time and Christopher substituted for his father. There was also a family story that Hendrick became impoverished because he was paid for his service in worthless Continental script, forcing him to sell some or all of his property.2
After the war, when the U.S. government was formed, Hendrick was a member of the Federalist party.2 He lived out his life in Somerset County with his wife, Catherine. She died on December 10, 1819,1 and he passed away just a few months later on March 24, 1820.1
Children:
1. Hendrick Van Arsdalen – B. before 24 Oct 1756, Somerset County, New Jersey;3 D. before 22 Nov 1758, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey3
2. Hendrick Van Arsdalen – B. before 22 Nov 1758, Somerset County, New Jersey;3 D. before 11 Dec 1768, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey3
3. Christopher B. Van Arsdalen — B. 20 Apr 1760, Somerset County, New Jersey;6 D. 1 Jun 1840, Somerset County, New Jersey;7 M. Sarah Dumont (1764-1846), 30 Apr 1789, Somerset County, New Jersey8
4. Jan Van Arsdalen — B. before 25 Sep 1763, Somerset County, New Jersey3
5. Mariya Van Arsdalen — B. before 20 Apr 1766, Hunterdon County, New Jersey3
6. Hendrick Van Arsdalen — B. before 11 Dec 1768, New Jersey3
7. Isaac Van Arsdalen — B. before 28 Jul 1771, Somerset County, New Jersey3
Sources:
1 Sons of the American Revolution application of John Edward Van Arsdale, 1963, Ancestry.com
2 History of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, New Jersey, Everts & Peck, 1881
3 Our Brokaw-Brogaw heritage, Elsie E. Foster, 1967
4 Middlebrook encampment (Wikipedia article)
5 Military pension file of Christopher Van Arsdalen, 1832
6 Birth record of Christopher Van Arsdalen, Family bible of Christopher and Sarah Van Arsdalen, pension file of Sarah Van Arsdalen, NARA
7 Marriage record of Christopher Van Arsdalen, Family bible of C. & S. V.A.
8 Death record of Christopher Van Arsdalen, New Jersey Deaths and Burials, 1720-1988, FamilySearch.org
