DELANCEY, James
Son of Stephen DeLancey (q.v.) Born at New York in 1702, the eldest of seven children. He attended New York schools, and then went to Cambridge University. Returning to New York in 1725, he was admitted to the bar and soon rose to eminence. In 1728 he became a member of the Provincial Council. He married Anne Heathcote, daughter of the Hon. Caleb Heathcote. Already rich, this marriage made him a very wealthy man, for his wife inherited half of her father's estate, the latter alone amounting to upwards of ~10,000 sterling and the former being one of the largest landed estates in the Province. He was presented with the freedom of the city in 1730. Was one of the chief leaders of the Conservative party. Became a Judge in 1731. Became Lieutenant Governor in 1747, and upon the death of Sir Danvers Osborne, he acted as Governor. He was concerned in most of the important affairs of the State, and died in 1760. He was the fourth, and last native of New York to administer the affairs of the Colony.
