Thomas Van Buskirk was born in Bergen County, New Jersey in 1737. He married Maria Demarest sometime before 1758. Maria died December 17, 1780. Thomas died in 1811 and was buried in the Van Buskirk cemetery at Saddle River, New Jersey. He "was, in his life time, a citizen of Bergen County, N.J., a wealthy farmer, and a man of large personal influence in his day. He was one pf the most ardent Whigs of the Revolution, though he lived in a region of country where a part of the population was hostile to the American cause." - a quote taken from a bill put through Congress to the relief of Mary Etta Van Buskirk, and is included in the following papers. It should be read in its entirety. It goes on to say that Thomas aided a good many troops in a very substantial way, but did not ask to be paid "on the ground that his country was impoverished, and required the money more than he did."

Effie A. Newcomb gave some of his documents to the National Chapter of D.A.R., but made notes that the family settled on Spring Street, New York City; then when the British threatened the city, the family moved their estate to Harrington, New Jersey.

Children of Thomas and Maria (Mary) Reference: National Archives, Card II
1. Abraham Thomas, born Oct. 10, 1758 m. Jane Burdette, d. Feb. 20, 1806
2. Leah, bp, Sept. 15, 1760, m. John Acherman, D. March 22, 1848
3. Rachel, b. Dec. 23, 1752, m. David Baldwin d. July 14, 1825
4. Peter see below (editor note: click link)
5. Annitje,
6. Margaret, b. Dec 24, 1756, m. Garrett Hopper, d. Apr. 3, 1825
7. Mary, m. Andrew Hopper d. prior to 1861

Thomas lived on his father's farm which was willed to him as the eldest son. He made this will on March 3, 1809

Thomas Van Buskirk of Harrington, Bergen Co., yeoman; will of:
Homestead farm whereon I dwell to be disposed of according to rough draught or map, as follows: to grandson, Thomas A. (son of my eldest son, Abraham T. Van Buskirk, dec'd), lots #1, 2 & 3, the same as is now in his possession, subject to legacies as below; to second and youngest son, Peter, lots #4, 5 & 6, as same is now in his possesion subject to legacies as follows; also on other tract of land known as the Stone Quarry lot adjoining lands of heirs of George Achenback and others, containing 50 acres. Two daughters, Rachel (wife of David Baldwin), and Leah (wife of John D. Ackerman), each $250 to be paid by aforesaid grandson, Thomas and son Peter. Two daughters, Margaret (wife of Garrett Hopper), and Mary (widow of Andrew Hopper), each $250. to be paid as above. Personal estate to be divided equally between children and grandchildren as named. My wearing apparel to be divided between son and grandson. Wearing apparel of my late wife to be divided between 4 daughters. Executors - son Peter, and nephews, Abraham Bogert, and Henry I Zabriskie. Wiutnesses Cornelius Ackerson, Albert G. Hopper, Abraham Westervelt. Proved March 26, 1811.
(New Jersey Colonial Documents - Calendar of Wills - 1810-1813: pp388,389)

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