This individual was an eminent merchant of New York city, where he was born on the 7th of July 1668. He was also one of the five members returned by the High Sheriff to represent the city and county of New York in the Colonial Assembly, A. D. 1691.

He was, too, elected to represent the Dock ward in the Common Council for several years, and subsequently (171 o- 171 9) held the office of Mayor. He died in the spring of 1739.

By his \vill, dated 12th of May, 1739, ^^^ devised and bequeathed unto his son Frederick van Cortlandt,

"All that my farm situate lying and beuig in a place commonly called and known by the name of the Little or Lower Yonckers <S:c., aud all other the land, meadows and real estate, I am' seized of or have a right to in the Manor of Philipsburgh, itc. , for his natural life, and from and after his decease to the heirs male lawfully begotten, ifec. To his eldest daughter, ^Margaret, wife of Abraham de Peyster, property in the city of New York ; and the same to his remaining daughters, Anne, wife of John Chambers, and Mary, wife of Peter Jay.*

Frederick van Cortlandt only son of the above testator, married Frances Jay, daughter of the Huguenot, Augustus Jay, by his \\-ife Anna Maria Bayard.

Upon the death of Frederick van Cortlandt, 12th Feb., 1749,^ the estate devolved by the will of Jacobus, senr. to Jacobus van Cortlandt jun., eldest son and heir at law of Frederick. This individual, better known as Col. James van Cortlandt, nobly used his influence (while residing here during the war,) in ameliorating tiie condition of his suffering countrymen. It not unfrequently happened that a poor neighbour was robbed of everything he possessed ; upon application to Col. van Cortlandt he would assume his red watch coat, and mounting his horse ride down to dte city, to intercede in their behalf.