The LeVan family was among the German-speaking French Huguenot
refugees who fled from France to Holland, probably after the
Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. Family tradition says
they were manufacturers of brocade and taffetas in their native
country, and that they were of considerable wealth. Jacob LeVan
was born about 1702 in Amsterdam. Records indicate he came to
America around 1717. Jacob married Mary about 1725 in Maxatawny
Twp., Berks Co., Pennsylvania. The family farmed for many
generations in Berks Co. They moved to Logan Co., Ohio and
eventually to Waterloo Twp., Jackson Co., Michigan. Related
families include Robison, Winner, Leymaster and Leidigh.