Philip Van Rensselaer of Cherry Hill

Having the last name Van Rensselaer and a family tree that traced its roots back to the first major landowner in the Hudson Valley was enough to ensure that Philip Van Rensselaer was a member of the upper class. However, class in 18th century America wasn't simple. Although his last name and pedigree ensured him a place in the upper level of 18th century Albany society, it did not mean that all upper class gentlemen were created equal. In fact, Philip Van Rensselaer would have been socially inferior to Albany gentlemen such as General Philip Schuyler and the Patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer. Much of what Philip did with his life and for his family seems to indicate his desire to propel his family further up the social ladder. His words and deeds show that he considered himself a gentleman, equal to any located at the apex of 18th century Albany society.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Historic Cherry Hill Collection

Linen press cupboard. Mahogany, secondary wood tulipwood and American white pine. New York, c. 1787-1795

Friday, October 7, 2011

PVR Chronology: Early 1790s

Philip and Maria's daughter Arriet was invited to the Albany Dancing Assembly for the season in the early 1790s.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

PVR Chronology: April 14, 1790

Philip and Maria's twelfth child, a son named Schuyler, was born at Cherry Hill on April 14, 1790.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Historic Cherry Hill Collection

Palampore. Cotton printed and dyed.

India

, eighteenth century.

PVR Chronology: July 15, 1789

Philip Van Rensselaer received an invoice, dated July 15, 1789, from Jorghem Staats for money owed for the use of Staats slave, a "negro man named George." Philip had contracted for the services of George on board his sloop (a river sailing vessel) for a four month period of time.

Monday, October 3, 2011

PVR Chronology: 1787

Philip Van Rensselaer contracted with Isaac Packard, a house wright, to build a new structure on the farm he leased from his wealthy and powerful relative, Stephen Van Rensselaer, III, the Patroon of the Rensselaerwyck Manor. Philip's new country home, Cherry Hill, stands today. The contract between Philip Van Rensselaer and Isaac Packard is part of the museum's manuscript collection.

Philip and Maria's eleventh child, Maria Matilda, was born on May 11, 1787.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

PVR Chronology: April - July 1786

Philip and Maria's tenth child, a daughter named Maria Matilda, was born on April 20, 1786. The baby lived for only 2 1/2 months. She died on July 1, 1786. Philip Van Rensselaer recorded the following: "She was buried next to her Aunt Elizabeth Sanders in the ground of the new built place on Cherry Hill." Elizabeth Sanders was the unmarried sister of Maria Sanders.