Pierre Van Cortlandt, Jr.

Pierre Van Cortlandt Jr. (August 29, 1762July 13, 1848) was a United States representative from New York. A member of New York's Van Cortlandt family, he was the son of Pierre Van Cortlandt, an early New York political figure, and brother of Philip Van Cortlandt, who was also a U.S. Representative from New York. Early life Pierre Van Cortlandt, Jr. was born on August 29, 1762, at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson in the Province of New York. His parents were Pierre Van Cortlandt (1725–1819) and Joanna Livingston (1722–1808), daughter of Gilbert Livingston, a son of colonial official Robert Livingston the Elder. 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. He pursued classical studies and was graduated from Queen's College (later Rutgers College) in 1783. Career He studied law in the office of Alexander Hamilton and was admitted to the bar and commenced practice. He retired from his law practice and devoted his time to managing his estate in Westchester County. He owned slaves. He founded and was president of the Westchester County Bank at Peekskill from 1833 until his death there in 1848.