Elsie Cuyler Van Cortlandt

Elsie Cuyler Van Cortlandt was born in April 1737. She was a younger daughter in the large (and ultimately well connected) family of future Albany mayor Cornelis Cuyler and his wife, Catharina Schuyler Cuyler. Her older sister Elizabeth married the son of Frederick Van Cortlandt and moved to New York.

During the 1750s, this "daughter of Cornelis Cuyler" occupied a seat in pew 46 at the Albany Dutch church. Following her marriage, the seat was transferred to another Cuyler.

In April 1760, "Elsie" married the brother of her brother-in-law Augustus Van Cortlandt. The couple began married life in New York City. Their only child was born in November 1761 and died shortly after. Elsie's demise soon ensued!

Elsie Cuyler Van Cortlandt died after the birth of her child on November 11, 1761. She was buried in the Van Cortlandt family vault. Elsie had lived but twenty-four years. Her husband remarried and lived much longer.

Sources: The life of Elsie Cuyler Van Cortlandt is CAP biography number 523. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.