The Frelinghuysen family ( FRAY-ling-hy-sən, FREE-ling-hy-zən or FREE-ling-HY-sən) is an American political dynasty, primarily based in New Jersey, that first emigrated from The Netherlands in 1720.
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History
In 1720, Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen came from The Netherlands to the Raritan Valley in the Province of New Jersey, then a Royal Colony of Great Britain. He was an evangelizing Dutch-Reformed minister during the period of religious fervor known as the Great Awakening. The family has had Frelinghuysen Middle School in Morristown named after them.
Politics
Five Frelinghuysens have served as United States senators for New Jersey:
Frederick Frelinghuysen (1793-1796), a Revolutionary War officer and delegate to the Second Continental Congress.
Theodore Frelinghuysen (1829-1835), who later became the mayor of Newark and the seventh president of Rutgers University.
Frederick T. Frelinghuysen (1871-1877), who later served as United States Secretary of State under Chester A. Arthur and Grover Cleveland.
Joseph S. Frelinghuysen Sr. (1917-1923), who had previously served as president of the New Jersey Senate.
In addition, two Frelinghuysens have served as United States representatives from New Jersey:
Peter Frelinghuysen Jr., New Jersey's 5th congressional district (1953-1975).
Rodney Frelinghuysen, New Jersey's 11th congressional district (1995-2019), and chair of the House Appropriations Committee (2017-2019).