Catherine Schuyler Chapter, NSDAR
Allegany County, Belmont, New York
American Gallery 18th World Press
Portrait of Catherine Schuyler
Portrait of Catherine Schuyler
The chapter was named in grateful remembrance of Catherine Schuyler, wife of General Philip Schuyler, who was conspicuous by position and character in Revolutionary times. Catherine Schuyler was born Catrina Van Rensselaer in 1734. She was married to Captain Philip Schuyler in 1755 and died in 1803. The span of her life covered the most interesting period in the early history of the Republic. She was the only daughter of Colonel John Van Rensselaer, who was from Greenbush, New York, a grandson of Killian Van Rensselaer of Amsterdam, Holland, and founder of Dutch Partroonship in America. Catherine's father was a man of strong character, of great wealth for those days, who occupied a high social position. His daughter was educated in all the social accomplishments of the period, and being a great favorite, with much personal charm, she was known among her friends as "Sweet Kitty Van Rensselaer."
Her early education and rare opportunities in this life of affluence and social distinction prepared our heroine for the future high position that she attained in her married life. Philip Schuyler held a creditable role in the French and Indian War. He was a captain and engaged in the Battle of Lake George, just nine days before his wedding. Subsequently, he became a major-general in the Continental Army and a United States Senator. During all the years of their united lives, both in the elegant home in Albany, New York, and in the country seat at Saratoga, New York, the most generous hospitality was extended. To General Washington, often the guest and always the friend of General Philip Schuyler; Lord Howe; General Burgoyne; Benjamin Franklin; and, at one time, fourteen captive French officers; the Indians; and the wounded officers and men of our own army, theirs was "an open hand and open door."
Her early education and rare opportunities in this life of affluence and social distinction prepared our heroine for the future high position that she attained in her married life. Philip Schuyler held a creditable role in the French and Indian War. He was a captain and engaged in the Battle of Lake George, just nine days before his wedding. Subsequently, he became a major-general in the Continental Army and a United States Senator. During all the years of their united lives, both in the elegant home in Albany, New York, and in the country seat at Saratoga, New York, the most generous hospitality was extended. To General Washington, often the guest and always the friend of General Philip Schuyler; Lord Howe; General Burgoyne; Benjamin Franklin; and, at one time, fourteen captive French officers; the Indians; and the wounded officers and men of our own army, theirs was "an open hand and open door."
Smithsonian magazine
While Catherine Schuyler appears as a patriot—when setting fire to the grain on the Saratoga estate that it might not fall into the hands of the British, when making wearisome and dangerous journeys to Ticonderoga to care for her sick husband, and when spending the winter at the Morristown, New Jersey, encampment of the Continental Army, in the darkest time of the Revolution—it is, after all, as a wife and mother, a competent head of the estates, and a good housewife, that she shines brightest. Catherine Schuyler lived to see the cause of independence established and her own family honored. Her memory endures "to teach high thoughts, and courtesy, and love of truth, and all that makes a woman." The connection of our country with the Revolution is in border warfare with Indians and the heroes of those frays, who thrill us by their courage and endurance, but they do not touch the heart like this woman, brave and gentle. That is why we have honored Catherine Schuyler by giving her name to our own chapter.
Sinclair, J.D. (2015) Chapter Archives.
Sinclair, J.D. (2015) Chapter Archives.
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Website last updated June12, 2023.
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