Old Bergen Church Cemetery
Daniel Van Winkle
1735–1823 · The friend behind “Rip Van Winkle”
The grave of Daniel Van Winkle, died December 19, 1823, aged 88 years
Daniel Van Winkle (1735–1823) was a contemporary and friend of the writer Washington Irving, author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Irving would sometimes sit in this cemetery and write in his journal.
Daniel told his friend about a family member who had served in the American Revolutionary army, was wounded, and lost his memory. He was missing for several years and was later reunited with his family after someone recognized him.
That story became the seed of “Rip Van Winkle.”