Stephanus was the first Lord of the Manor and one of the most prominent men in New York after it became an English colony. Except the governorship, he filled at one time or another every prominent office in that province. Van Cortlandt's career was, perhaps, the most brilliant and varied, in the fifty-seven years it occupied, of any inhabitant of New York in the 17th century. He was a youth of twnety-one when, in 1664, the English capture took place and New Amsterdam became New York. In 1668 he was appointed an ensign in the Kings county regiment subsequently a captain, and later its colonel.From 1677, when, at the age of thirty-four, he was appointed the first native American mayor of New York City, he held that office almost consecutively till his death in 1700. In 1693 was appointed a justice of the supreme court of the province. In 1686 Dongan made him commissioner of the revenue.
He was appointed by the king's auditor-general in England, William Blathwayt, deputy auditor in New York, his accounts being regularly transmitted to England and approved. He was appointed also deputy secretary of New York, and personally administered the office, the secretary always residing in England, after the British custom. Hewas prominent in all the treaties and conferences with the Indians as a member of the council, and was noted for his influence with them.His letters and despatches to Gov. Edmund Andros, and to the different boards and officers in England that were charged with the care of the colonies remain to show his capacity, clear-headedness and courage.
His estate was erected into the lordship and manor of Cortlandt by patent of William III., bearing date 17 June, 1697. The Van Cortlandt manor-house, which is shown in this biography is one of the oldest edifices that now remain on the borders of the Hudson river. It stands on the northern shore of Croton bay, and was built both as a country residence and as a fort, the walls being of reddish free-stone nearly three feet in thickness, pierced with loop-holes for musketry.It was originally built as a fortified trading-house by Stephanus, and added to by the successive owners. In it were entertained some of the most notable persons in the history of the state, beginning with the early colonial governors. George Whitefield preached to the tenants of the manor from its veranda, while Benjamin Franklin rested there on his return from his Canadian mission in 1776. Washington, Rodhambeau, Lafayette, and Lauzun were among its guests, and Col. Henry B.Livingston had his quarters there while watching the "Vultire" at the time of Arnold's treason. Here, too, were entertained eminent Methodist preachers in the early days of that church, including Bishop Asbury and Freeborn Garretson.
