The Van Riper family Homestead (also known as the Abraham or The Philip Van
Riper House) began as a small unit built by Jurian Tomassen for his son, Thomas.
The oldest section of the house was built in 1693. Harmen Tomassen Van Riper, the
direct lineage ancestoral grandfather of Harry LeRue Van Riper, bought the house
from his older brother. Harmen’s son, Abraham Van Riper, inherited the house
upon Harmen’s death. Abraham enlarged the house but only lived there part-time,
having owned other properties with homes. At the age of 90,
Abraham divided his property among his children. His second child, Philip,
acquired the homestead and the surrounding farmlands. Harry LeRue Van Riper
was born in this house on April 21,1881. The home remained in The Van Riper
Family until Amy Elizabeth Post Van Riper sold the house in 1909. The house was
still standing in the 1960’s and was/is located on Broad Street in Richfield, New
Jersey. Richfield is a part of the City of Clifton (Passaic County). The facade of the
house was rennovated in the 1890’s with the porch and bay window being added.
9/30/2002