Col. John Covenhoven was born on 8 March 1733/34 at Middletown, Monmouth County, New Jersey. He was the son of
Ens. Elias Cowenhoven and
Willempie Wall. Col. John Covenhoven married
Eleanor Wyckoff, daughter of
William Wyckoff and
Angenietje Van Dorn, on 8 December 1755 at Monmouth County, New Jersey. John represented Monmouth County in the New Jersey Provincial Assembly and was a member of the Council of Safety in 1775-1776. Col. John Covenhoven was a Colonel of the Monmouth County Militia. He served as a Private during the Revolution; paymaster for Capt Stillwell's Company 1776 circa 1777. He married
Neeltje Williamsen, daughter of
Willem Williamsen and
Aeltje Couwenhoven, after 1792 at Monmouth County, New Jersey. Col. John Covenhoven held the position of was President of the 1st Provincial Convention.
In his will dated Dec 14, 1802, John Covenhoven of Freehold mentioned his wife Eleanor, Son Elias and daughter Agnes, and Grandchildren John Covenhoven, Eleanor and Kitty Remsen. His son Elias was executor and the witnesses were Lewis Gordon, David Hance, and Peter Van Kirk. He was baptized on 21 April 1803 at Old Brick Church, Marlboro, Monmouth County, New Jersey. He died on 23 April 1803 at age 69. His estate was proved on 13 May 1803.