Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Tombstone Tuesday



Peakes Cemetery in Ohio: 
Aaron Van Benschoten 
NY
Rev. War
Died: 1/18/1836

Aaron is my first cousin 8x's removed on my paternal grandmother's side.  Edit: Aaron isn't related to me; I thought so, but I was wrong. 

Here's his biography:

Born in Dutchess County, New York, he served the first year of the Revolutionary War under Captain Van Benschoten, his counsin; later under the command of General George Washing. Because of his passionate liking for horses, he was detailed to care for Washington's saddle horses. For awhile he was in the Honor Corps and served as George Washington's body guard. He never received any compensation for any of his services in the was. He was, however, a land owner. Aaron, with his wife, daughter and two of his sons moved to Huron County, Ohio, in 1816. He was pensioned at the age of 86 and died at the age of 90, on 18 January 1836. The name Van Bunschoten was changed to Van Benschoten in this generation.

1 comment:

  1. This is very cool1 I wish I knew more about my family history!

    ReplyDelete