Stephen Van Rensselaer III was the Lord of Rensselaerswyck in the decades following the Revolutionary War.
All in Bios
Mayor Abraham Ten Broeck's Birgade
Abraham Ten Broeck was a Mayor of Albany during the Revolutionary War and the keeper of one of America’s largest fortunes.
Peter Van Brugh Livingston Guides New York Patriots
Peter Van Brugh Livingston’s contribution to the American Founding was as an elder statesman during the early days of rebellion in New York State.
The Sibling with Nothing to Sign - Richard Morris
Richard Morris was Chief Justice of New York State through a majority of the American Founding.
The Highest Ranking Native American in the Continental Army - Colonel Louis Cook
Joseph Louis Cook was the only person of Black heritage to be named an officer in the Continental Army.
John Smilie's Strange Absence From The Whiskey Rebellion
John Smilie was a radically politician from Western Pennsylvania who was a darling of the Whiskey Rebels.
Weathering the Storm - William Hindman's Frightening Trip to Massachusetts
William Hindman was a Continental Congressman, US Representative and Senator who was quite shaken by a boat ride through a storm.
Lucy Ludwell Paradise's Lifetime of Loss
Lucy Paradise might sound like the name of an adult film star, but she was the wealthy heiress of the Ludlow fortune in Virginia.
Getting Money Back - John Brown Cutting and the Prince of Luxembourg
John Brown Cutting was an important, if unofficial, figure in Early American European politics.
David Salisbury Franks - Jewish Officer of the Continental Army
David Salisbury Franks was a Jewish Canadian who spent his fortune in support of the American Revolution, served as an Officer in the Continental Army and went to Europe as a Diplomat.
John Taylor of Caroline Criticizes the Elite
John Taylor of Caroline was a major opponent of the Federalist Party whose writings would later be championed by Southern Secessionist.
First Chaplain of the House of Representatives - William Linn
William Linn was the first Chaplain of the US House of Representatives.
Presidents Everywhere - John Tyler, Sr.'s Roommates and Children
John Tyler, Sr wasn’t just the father of a President, he was also one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Abducting A Monarch - Stephen Sayre's Questionable Plan
Stephen Sayre was an ardent defender of colonial liberties who may have attempted to organize the kidnapping of King George III.
The First Sheriff in Ohio - Ebenezer Sproat
Ebenezer Sproat was an officer in the Revolutionary War who went on to become an important Founder of Ohio.
Griffith Rutherford Campaigns Against the Cherokee
Griffith Rutherford led an important campaign against the Cherokees early in the Revolutionary War.
John Quincy Adams' Role in the American Founding
John Quincy Adams had an astonishing political and diplomatic career that spanned decades and accomplished much during the formative years of the Early Republic.
From the Mason-Dixon to the US Mint - David Rittenhouse Leaves His Mark
If you thought David Rittenhouse’s academic career was impressive, prepare for a laundry list of tasks he undertook for the creation of the United States.
Paul Hamilton Prepares the Navy for 1812
Paul Hamilton was the third Secretary of the Navy in the United States.
Abel James Persuades Franklin to Write His Autobiography
Abel James persistently advocated for Ben Franklin to write his now-famous autobiography.