Stephen van Rensselaer I

Stephen van Rensselaer I was the second son of Kiliaen and Maria (Van Cortlandt) Van Rensselaer. He was born on the manor, March 23, 1707. Being of quite delicate constitution, he took no part in public affairs, but for a time held the position of commissioner of Indian affairs. Stephen grew up in the family manor house, just north of Albany, New York. He was the seventh Patroon or the fourth Lord of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck from 1743 to 1747.

He married Elizabeth Groesbeck on July 5, 1729, and the couple had seven children of whom Stephen Van Rensselaer II succeeded as the new Lord afther his father’ death in June, 1747.