Stephanus Van Cortlandt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephanus van Cortlandt
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| 17th Mayor of New York City | |
| In office 1686–1688 |
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| Governor | Thomas Dongan |
| Preceded by | Nicholas Bayard |
| Succeeded by | Peter Delanoy |
| 10th Mayor of New York City | |
| In office 1677–1678 |
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| Governor | Edmund Andros |
| Preceded by | Nicholas De Mayer |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Delavall |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 7, 1643 New Amsterdam, New Netherland (New York City) |
| Died | November 25, 1700 (aged 57) New York, New York |
| Spouse | Gertruj van Schuyler |
| Children | 5 |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
Stephanus van Cortlandt (born May 7, 1643 – died November 25, 1700) was a very important person in early New York. He was the first mayor of New York City who was actually born in America! He served as mayor twice, first from 1677 to 1678, and then again from 1686 to 1688.
Stephanus also owned a large estate called Van Cortlandt Manor. He was a member of the governor's special council from 1691 to 1700. This council helped the governor make important decisions for the colony. He was also the first person to live at Sagtikos Manor on Long Island, which was built around 1697. Many of his family members later married important English leaders. Some of his descendants even became famous members of English society.
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Stephanus Van Cortlandt's Early Life
Stephanus van Cortlandt was born on May 7, 1643. His father was Captain Olof Stevense van Cortlandt. Olof was born in the Dutch Republic (which is now the Netherlands). He came to New Amsterdam in 1637. New Amsterdam was the original name for New York City when it was a Dutch colony.
Stephanus's father started as a soldier and bookkeeper. He worked his way up to important jobs in the Dutch government in the colony. He served many times as a burgomaster (like a mayor) and an alderman (a city council member). Olof passed away in 1684.
Stephanus's mother was Annetje Loockermans van Cortlandt. She was born in Turnhout on March 17, 1618. Some people believe she might have started the "Santa Claus" tradition in America!
His Family and Siblings
Stephanus had three younger siblings. His brother, Jacobus van Cortlandt, was also a well-known person. His sister, Maria van Cortlandt, married Jeremias van Rensselaer. Another sister, Catherine van Cortlandt, married twice. Her second husband was Frederick Philipse, who was a very wealthy and powerful landowner.
Stephanus Van Cortlandt's Career
In 1668, Stephanus became an ensign in one of New York City's militia companies. This was a military rank, showing he was a leader. In 1677, the English Governor of the Province of New York chose him to be the mayor of New York City. This was a big deal because he was the first mayor born in America!
Even though his family was Dutch, he was chosen because he was smart and well-respected in the community. In 1685, he joined with partners to get a large piece of land. This land is now part of Dutchess County along the Hudson River.
Dealing with Rebellions
During his time as mayor, Stephanus supported the Whig party. This was a political group that believed in certain ideas about government. He stayed loyal to these ideas during Leisler's Rebellion from 1689 to 1691. This was a time of big trouble and change in the colony.
When a new mayor, Peter Delanoy, was chosen during the rebellion, Stephanus refused to give up the city seal. The city seal was a special stamp that made official documents real. It is said that when a group came to his house to get the seal, his wife bravely shut the door in their faces!
Stephanus Van Cortlandt's Personal Life
- Further information: Livingston family and Van Cortlandt family
Stephanus van Cortlandt married Gertruj van Schuyler. She was the daughter of Philip Pieterse Schuyler. Her brother, Pieter Schuyler, later became a colonial governor of New York and mayor of Albany.
Stephanus and Gertruj lived in a home near what is now Pearl Street in New York City. He worked as a merchant, buying and selling goods. They had several children together:
- Johannes Van Cortlandt (1672–1702)
- Margaretta Van Cortlandt (born 1674)
- Anne van Cortlandt (1676–1724)
- Catherine Van Cortlandt
- Elizabeth Van Cortlandt
- Philip Van Cortlandt (1683–1746)
Stephanus Van Cortlandt passed away in New York on November 25, 1700.
Famous Descendants
Many of Stephanus van Cortlandt's descendants became very important people.
- His granddaughter, Gertrude Bayard, married Peter Kemble, a well-known businessman and politician in New Jersey.
- His great-granddaughter, Margaret Kemble, married Thomas Gage. Thomas Gage was a General in the British Army during the American Revolutionary War. Their family members still live in England today.
- A grandson, James DeLancey, became the Governor of New York.
- Another grandson, Oliver De Lancey Sr., married Phila Franks, from a famous Jewish family in New York.
- A great-grandson, Pierre Van Cortlandt, was the very first Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York. His descendants include Philip Van Cortlandt and Pierre Van Cortlandt, Jr..
- Interestingly, the American writer and actress Lena Dunham (born 1986) is also a descendant of Stephanus van Cortlandt! This was shared on the TV show Finding Your Roots in 2024.
