Van Cortlandt Family of New York

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Van Cortlandt Family of New York

VAN CORTLANDT FAMILY OF NEW YORK. Oloff Stevenszen (1600–1684) was born and reared in the Netherlands. He came to New Amsterdam in 1638 and in 1643 adopted the surname Van Cortlandt, probably because he came from the small village of Cortlandt in the province of Utrecht. His eldest child, Stephanus (1643–1700), became a prominent merchant and colonial official; his great-grandson was Philip Van Cortlandt. Oloff's youngest child, Jacobus (1658–1739), was a wealthy merchant and landholder in Westchester County whose estate in New York City became Van Cortlandt Park. John Jay was his grandson.

SEE ALSO Jay, John; Van Cortlandt, Philip.

                              revised by Harold E. Selesky

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