Stephen Van Rensselaer III
1764–1839
8th Patroon of Rensselaerswyck; Founder of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Lieutenant Governor of New York
Biography
Son of Stephen Van Rensselaer II and Catharine Livingston. His mother was the daughter of Philip Livingston 'the Signer' and Christina Ten Broeck, connecting him to the Livingston family. Known as 'the last patroon,' he was one of the wealthiest men in America. Founded Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1824.