Background
Rensselaer, Cortland Van was born on May 26, 1808 in Albany, New York, United States. Son of Stephen and Cornelia (Paterson) Van Rensselaer.
Rensselaer, Cortland Van was born on May 26, 1808 in Albany, New York, United States. Son of Stephen and Cornelia (Paterson) Van Rensselaer.
Graduated from Yale, 1827. Attended Princeton Theological Seminary, also Union Seminary, Hampden-Sydney, Virginia.
Admitted to New York bar, 1830. Ordained to ministry by Presbytery of Hanover, New Jersey, 1835. Founder, pastor church, Burlington, New Jersey, 1836-1840.
Appointed to solicit funds for Princeton Theological Seminary, 1843. Correspondent secretary, chief Executive officer Presbyterian Board Education, 1846-1860. Founder, editor Presbyterian Magazine, 1851-1859.
Published annual volunteer of articles on education under title The Home, The School, and the Church, 1850-1860. Moderator General Assembly of Old School.
Married Catharine Cogswell, September 13, 1836, 7 children.