John P. Le Van, Master Mechanic, was born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, November 7th, 1834. His ancestors emigrated to this country in 1699, and consisted of three brothers, who being embroiled politically with the Huguenots, and French Huguenots themselves, came to the United States to seek safety, tranquility and fortune. His father, John Le Van, was born in Kutztown, Berks county; his mother, Johan Ston--, was the daughter of worthy parents, and was born in Lebanon county. He himself was through humble circumstances debarred from the educational privileges in these days accorded to all so freely and fully. His father being a stationary engineer receiving but a meagre salary, he was at an early date compelled to take part in the struggle for life. During nine months, however, he was a constant attendant at a free school; and, for two years was a pupil in a night-school situated near his home. When but ten years of age, he was engaged in bottling root beer and setting up nine pins, and while busied with these humble occupations managed to save a trifling sum of money. Three years later, he was hired to work in a brick-yard near Harrisburg, where he remained until he had attained his seventeenth year. He was then indentured as an apprentice to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to learn car-building in the works at Altoona, Pennsylvania. And it is noteworthy that he was the first boy taken as an apprentice by this company. After serving in this capacity for six years he was employed as a journeyman, when his remarkable mechanical ability, his industry, and his reliability procured him rapid advancement. At the present time, he is general foreman of the Car Department of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Altoona. It was not until he attained his majority that he applied himself to study with any earnestness or persistence; when, by diligent perseverance and commendable industry, he rapidly acquired a general knowledge of those things most useful to mechanics and artisans. In 1864, he was drafted to serve three years in the United States Army; but his employers, who valued him highly as a capable and efficient workman, held a consultation, and freed him by paying the "redemption." In 1857, he was married to Isabella, daughter of Joshua and Christiana Reifsneider, who were among the first settlers in Altoona, and whose household effects were conveyed thither over the canal. In appearance, he exhibits the traits of a thoughtful and earnest character, and is modest and courteous in his mien and actions. he has never participated in the political disputes and movements of his time, and is known as a quiet and moral citizen. When but nine years of age, his career was very nearly cut short by an accident that precipitated him into a deep canal; from this perilous situation he was rescued only after great exertion.
Source: The Biographical Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania of the Nineteenth Century. Philadelphia: Galaxy Publishing Co., 1874, pp. 481.
Contributed by: Nancy.