Maria Van Cortlandt was born in April of 1680. She was the fifth child born to Manhattan merchant and landholder Stephanus Van Cortlandt and his wife, Geertruy Schuyler of Albany.

In October 1701, she married thirty-nine-year-old Kiliaen Van Rensselaer at the New York Dutch church. By 1717, the marriage had produced ten children - all of whom were baptized at the Albany Dutch church where the parents were members and frequent baptism sponsors.

Married to the lord of Rensselaerswyck, Maria lived at the Manor House. Kiliaen Van Rensselaer died there in 1719. Her husband's will permitted her the use of his estate during her widowhood. If she re-married, Mary was allowed use of his property on Castle Island and other Manor resources as well.

In November 1728, she married Reverend John Milne, the new rector at St. Peter's Anglican church.

In 1744, Dr. Alexander Hamilton called her "an old, jolly fat Dutchwoman - mother to the patroon att Albany." At that time the Milnes were living in New York.

In 1747, some of her holdings were described in the will filed by her son. Maria Van Cortlandt Van Rensselaer Milne was no longer alive after June 1750!

Sources: The life of Maria Van Cortlandt Van Rensselaer Milne is CAP biography number 6664. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.