Henry Rutgers

Henry Rutgers
Revolutionary War hero and philanthropist, Colonel Henry Rutgers , slave holder (1745–1830), early benefactor and namesake of Rutgers University.
Born	October 7, 1745 New York City, Province of New York, British America
Died	February 17, 1830(1830-02-17) (aged 84) New York City, New York, United States
Nationality	American
Alma mater	King's College (now Columbia University)
Occupation	Revolutionary War hero and philanthropist
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Henry Rutgers (October 7, 1745 – February 17, 1830) was a United States Revolutionary War hero and philanthropist from New York City. A year after the school, Rutgers University, was named after him, he donated a bell that is still in use today, and a bond which placed the college on sound financial footing.

Born in New York City, in the Province of New York, Henry Rutgers was the son of New Netherland colonists Hendrick Rutgers and Catharine DePeyster. He graduated from King's College (now Columbia University) in 1766 and promptly became an advocate for independence of the American colonies from Great Britain. He went on to serve as a captain of American forces at the Battle of White Plains, and later as a colonel for the New York militia. His home served as a barracks during the British occupation of New York in 1776. Colonel Rutgers would continue to play a role in the defense of the young nation after the Revolution, presiding over a meeting held June 24, 1812 to organize American forces in New York in anticipation of a British attack in the ensuing War of 1812.

In 1784, Colonel Rutgers was elected to the New York Legislature, where he served several terms. He also served on the New York Board of Education Regents from 1802 to 1826. He was a Presidential Elector, chosen by the legislature, in 1808, 1816, and 1820.

In his later years, Rutgers, a bachelor, devoted much of his fortune to philanthropy. As a landowner with considerable holdings on the island of Manhattan (especially in the vicinity of Chatham Square), he donated land for the use of schools, churches, and charities in the area. Both Henry Street and Rutgers Street in lower Manhattan are named for him, as well as the Rutgers Presbyterian Church (formerly the Collegiate Presbyterian Church) which was also named for Colonel Rutgers who donated the parcel of land at the corner of Henry Street and Rutgers Street on which the original church was built in 1798.