Capt John Van Meter son of Henry, an early settler west of the mountains, was born about 1738. In 1771 he owned 300 acres at the site of the present town of Waynesburg, Greene County, PA. Early in the Revolution he commanded a company of rangers from Westmoreland. Later he settled in BROOKE COUNTY, VA, and there died about 1803. During the Indian wars his home was raided, his wife and daughter being killed, and one son (John) carried captive. The son never returned to civilization, but in habits and feelings became partially an Indian. The elder John afterwards married Mrs. Jemima Bukey, mother of the famous spy, Hezekiah Bukey. Their home was on Short Creek.