Samuel Van Hook
Pages 26, 27, 28, May, 1806--Deposition of Samuel VanHook to established land of Thos. Moore and Benj. Johnson on Mill Creek, entered 1780, conflicting with McFall's claim, deposeth: Came back from being a prisoner in Spring of '79, settled at Ruddle's Station, and in year '80 after Christmas moved to Martin's station and taken prisoner in June following, and returned in four or five years. Wm. McCune deposeth: Saw land in question in company with John Hinkson while living at Ruddle's Station in year 1780. Wm. Anderson became familiar with place in year 1785. Thos. Ravencroft saw same in year 1785.
E-mail correspondence between Don Lee and Jim Sellars, August 23, 1999:
Jim:
Thanks for the information on the March attack. Please get Hannah Higgins VanHook in the story. she was my 4G Grandmother.
My 4th Great Grandfather Samuel VanHook Sr, was born on November 15, 1733, at Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Died after 1817 probably in Pulaski County, Kentucky. Some will dispute this but it can be supported by tax and land records. According to Bernice Keister in her book "VanHook and allied Families" He was the son of Hendrick VanHook, born February 19, 1701, in New York (New Amsterdam) and died March 1750, Freehold, New Jersey. His mother was Deborah Parent, born abt 1704 and died after 1750. Deborah was the daughter of William and Mercy Parent.
Samuel's Grandfather was Lawrence (Laurens) VanHook, born 1670, Schenectady, New York, died 1724, Freehold New Jersey, Wife of Lawrence was Smith, Johanna, born abt Abt 1672 in New York City, died June 2, 1747, Faggs Manor, West Chester Co... Pa. There were 8 children of this marriage.
Samuel's Great Grandfather was Arent Isaaczen VanHoeck, born abt 1625 in Hoeck, Zeeland, near Middleborough, Holland, on the Belgium Border. Arent died 1697 in New York. His wife was Styntie Christiana Laurens. There were five children of this marriage. Arent was married four times, first to Geertje Everts, second to Styntie Laurens, third to Lysbeth Stevens, fourth to Maria VanHoboken. He had a total of 9 children. The parent of Arent was Isaac Van Hoeckziel. Arent was said to have been a merchant, Mayor (New Amsterdam), Farmer. He bought a house on what is now Wall Street for 40 beaver pelts. He came to the colonies in about 1640.
Samuel VanHook was about 17 at the time of his father's death and recieved only a small inheritance. After the death of his father he migrated to Persons County, North Carolina, with his uncle and several brothers. He owned land here briefly before moving on the Washington County, Virginia and later Russell County. This is supported by land deeds and patents. He signed a petition to create the county of Russell. The first court was held in his cabin. He also petitioned to have a road built from Russell County to the Salt well at Saltville, Virginia. Kiester says that He came to Kentucky with Boone on his second trip. We do know he came to Kentucky some time around or before March 1780 when he was shown with Samuel VanHook, Jr., the roster of Capt. Gatliff at Martins Station. His wife Hannah Higgins was killed by Indians at Martins probably in March 1780 when she and her 12 year old son Benjamin went out to get the cow. Benjamin was taken captive but later escaped. In a deposition Samuel said he was a tailor by trade but had only made a few britches while at the stations. He mostly hunted for the forts.
Samuel VanHook was captured at the fall of Martins. He was held captive 4 years and 2 months. After he returned he married Hannah Wilson Williams, Higgins Blockhouse, near the mouth of Indian Creek. She widow of Zadock Williams, who had been killed by Indians while hunting in Fleming County. Samuel lived at Bryan's station and later on Beaver and Indian Creeks in Harrison County. Both he and his son Benjamin were listed on Beaver Creek in 1816.
My Descendancy is thru his Daughter Mary Polly VanHook who married John Lee. Their son was Rev. Samuel VanHook Lee a follower of Barton Stone and a leader in the Christian Reform movement. Some will dispute the above but I have no trouble with it. Hope you can use this information. Bob asked for it before.
Don Lee