Philip P. Schuyler

by


Philip P. Schuyler was born in April 1736. He was the son of Pieter Jr. and Catharina Groesbeck Schuyler. He grew up in a large family in a trader's third ward home and on a farm north of Albany. His father died in 1753 when Philip was about eighteen.

In April 1765, he married Albany native Anna Wendell at the Albany Dutch church. By 1785, nine children were christened in the church where he was a lifelong member and later a member of the church consistory.

From the mid-1760s, his Rensselaerswyck farm was valued on contemporary assessment rolls. In 1769, he was identified as in possession of the farm located north of Albany and owned by Stephen Van Rensselaer II. It was scheduled to be transferred to his daughter following the Patroon's death. However, he seems to have held that property for the remainder of his life.

With the outbreak of hostilities in 1775, he supported the crusade for American liberties as an active member of the Rensselaerswyck committee. He stood out by signing the oath of secrecy and the General Association. An experienced officer in the provincial militia, he was commissioned colonel of the Third or Watervliet Regiment of the Albany County militia and saw active duty in the Mohawk Valley, at Saratoga, elsewhere, and against Tories.

After the war, he was approaching fifty and returned to his Watervliet farm. In 1790, his household was served by five slaves.

Philip P. Schuyler lost his wife in December 1802. He died in June 1808 and was buried in the family plot. A newspaper obituary marked his passing.This "officer in the Revolution" had lived seventy-three years. His eldest daughter married jurist Abraham Van Vechten.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Philip P. Schuyler is CAP biography number 1751. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.

Obituary: Died, on Friday, June 3, Col. Phillip P. Schuyler, aged 73. He was a vigilant and useful partizan officer in the revolution, which he advocated as a citizen and soldier with an ardor and sincerity that evinced his attachment to his country. He possessed firmness and fortitude of mind, as well as sensibility and integrity of heart. His funeral on Sunday was attended by an unusual concourse of friends and citizens, to pay the last tribute of respect to departed worth.





first posted: 2/25/08