VAN RENSSELAER, STEPHEN, known as "the Patroon," an American statesman, and patron of learning, was h. N. Y., Nov. 1, 1769, the fifth in descent from Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, the original patroon or proprietor of the Dutch colony of Rensselaerwyck, who in 1630, and subsequently, purchased a tract of land near Albany, 48 m. long by 24 wide, extending over three counties. He was educated at Princeton and Ilgrvard col leges, and married a daughter of gen. Philip Schuyler, a distinguished officer of the revolution. Engaging early in politics, at a period when they were the pursuit of men of the highest social position, he was, in 1789, elected to the state iegislature; and in 1795, to the state senate, and became lieutenant-governor, president of a state conven tion, and canal commissioner. Turning his attention to military affairs, he was, at the beginning of the war of 1612, in command of the state militia, and led the assault of Queenstown; but the refusal of a portion of his troops, from constitutional scruples, to cross the Niagara river, enabled the British to repulse the attack, and the gen. resigned
iu disgust. As president of the board of canal commissioners for 15 years, he promoted the New York system of internal improvements; as charfeellor of the state university, he presided over educational reforms; end as president of the agricultural boon], aided to develop the resources of the state. At his own cost, he employed professors Eaton and Hitchcock to make agricultural surveys, not only of his own vast estates, but of a large part of New York and New England, the results of which lie published in 1824; he also paid prof. Eaton to give popular lectures ou geology through the state. In 1824 lie established at Troy an institution for the education of teachers, with free pupils from every county. Widening the sphere of his political interests, he went to congress in 18..i3, and served several terms, exerting a powerful influence, and securing the election of John Quincy Adams as president of the United States. After an active, useful, and honorable career, worthy of his high position, lie died at Albany, Jan. 26, 1839.