Cruger, of Cuger's Island, Dutchess county, N.Y., says "From the traditionary account in the family and from the coat of arms which lie brought with him, it is supposed he was descended from the family of Baron Von Cruger. The name of that family was always spelt with a C, while that of the commonality in Germany is spelt with a K." The name itself in its origin is a corruption, undoubtedly, of the Latin, Cruciger, or crossbearer.

He was a merchant, a high-toned gentleman and a prominent citizen of New York during the first half of the eighteenth century. He was elected alderman of the Dock Ward in 17 12, and held the office till 1733 inclusive -- the long period of twenty-two years. In 1739 ne became Mayor of the city, and remained in office till his death on 13th August, 1744.

He married in 1702, Maria, eldest daughter of Hendrick Cuyler of Albany, the first of that name in America, and Anne his wife, and had three sons Henry, John and Tileman. Tileman died a young man and unmarried."

"John, the youngest son who never married, was like his father, eminent as a merchant, and in political life." He was Alderman and Mayor of New York, Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, delegate to the famous Congress of 1765, with Messrs. Bayard and Lispenard, and first President of the Chamber of Commerce of New York. He died at Kinderhook in 1792.

" Henry Cruger, the eldest of the two surviving sons of John Cruger the first, who was born 25th November, 1707, in New York, resided for many years in that city, and was also in political life. He was a member of the Assembly from 1745 to 1759, and subsequently was appointed to the Council of the Province, and served till 1773, when he resigned and was succeeded by his eldest son, John Harris Cruger.