VAN CORTLANDT, STEPHANUS

born , May 7, 1643, New Amsterdam died Nov. 25, 1700, New York City Dutch-American colonial merchant and public official who was the first native-born mayor of New York City and chief justice of the Supreme Court of New York. Van Cortlandt attended the New Amsterdam school of the Dutch Reformed Church and began a successful and profitable mercantile career under his father's guidance. After the British conquest of New Netherlands in 1664, he succeeded in ingratiating himself with the new rulers and was able to continue his commercial enterprises. Van Cortlandt started his public career in 1668 as an ensign in the Kings County militia, and he subsequently rose to the rank of colonel. He was appointed a member of the governor's council in 1674. Three years later, he became the first native-born mayor of New York City. When the Dominion of New England was established, he was selected as one of the provincial councillors to serve under Governor Sir Edmund Andros. After James II had been deposed, Jacob Leisler led a revolt against the provincial government in 1689, forcing Van Cortlandt to flee the colony. William and Mary appointed Colonel Henry Sloughter as the new royal governor of New York to displace Leisler, however, and Van Cortlandt was concurrently appointed to Sloughter's council. Van Cortlandt then returned to the colony and subsequently was among the New York aristocrats advocating the prosecution and execution of Jacob Leisler. Van Cortlandt also served New York in several administrative and judicial positions. He was an adviser to the governors on Indian affairs and in 1698 was made commissioner of customs and collector of revenues for the colony. In judicial affairs, he presided over the New York City mayor's court, became a judge in the Kings County courts, and was an associate justice and chief justice of the Supreme Court of New York. During his career, Van Cortlandt amassed vast landholdings, which were incorporated in 1697 into the Manor of Cortlandt.