Van Rensselaer Stephen 1764-1839 Born In New York Graduated At
Harvard, 1782. In 1786 major of militia, and in 1788 colonel. In 1789
elected to the Assembly as a member of the Federal party, of which he
soon afterwards became leader; state Senator in 1790-1795;
lieutenant-governor in 1795, and returned to the Assembly in 1798 and
1808-1810. In 1801 promoted major-general. In 1812, on the outbreak of
war with Great Britain, commanded the United States forces on the
Niagara frontier. Resigned his command, Oct. 24, 1812, and left the
service. In 1816 elected to the Assembly, and from 1823 to 1829 served
in Congress. =Index=: (General Brock era) In command on Niagara frontier, 284;
correspondence with Brock, 285; force under his command, 287. =Bib.=:
Cyc. Am. Biog.; Lucas, Canadian War of 1812.