Philip Van Cortlandt

Philip Van Cortlandt (September 1, 1749 – November 5, 1831) was an American surveyor, landowner, and politician from Westchester County, New York. Van Cortlandt was the son of Pierre Van Cortlandt and brother of Pierre Van Cortlandt, Jr. He was a Continental Army officer during the American Revolution, and later served several terms in the United States House of Representatives.

Philip Van Cortlandt was born in New York City on September 1, 1749, in the Van Cortlandt ancestral home located on Stone Street, near the Battery, in New York City. He died unmarried, on the November 5, 1831, at Van Cortlandt Manor, and was a member of one of New York's most prominent families. He was the eldest son of Pierre Van Cortlandt and Joanna Livingston, daughter of Gilbert Livingston, a son of Robert Livingston. His great-grandfather was Stephanus Van Cortlandt, the first native-born Mayor of New York City, and his family were the patroons of Van Cortlandt Manor.

Philip Van Cortlandt attended Coldenham Academy. In addition to exercising manorial rights while assisting in the management of the manor's farming and manufacturing activities, Philip Van Cortlandt was a civil engineer, and became active in politics as a founding member of the New York Provincial Congress in 1775.

During the Revolutionary War, Van Cortlandt commanded 4th Battalion of the New York Continental Infantry, served on the George Washington's staff, and commanded the Continental Army's 2nd New York Regiment. He fought at the Battle of Saratoga, was with the Army at Valley Forge, and took part in the Sullivan Expedition.

...
Wikipedia