William Paterson Van Rensselaer

1805–1872 (age 67)

Photograph of William Paterson Van Rensselaer

Biography

William Paterson Van Rensselaer was a prominent figure in nineteenth-century New York, descended from one of the state's most distinguished families. He lived a life of considerable influence during a transformative period in American history, contributing to the cultural and civic life of his community.

His legacy was preserved at Green-Wood Cemetery, one of Brooklyn's most notable burial grounds, where many of the era's prominent citizens were interred. Van Rensselaer's life spanned the early decades of the American republic through the post-Civil War period.

Also buried at Green-Wood Cemetery

Thomas Crawford
1813–1857 (age 44)
Green-Wood Cemetery
Thomas Crawford was a New York City-based sculptor and artist who died in 1857.
Silas Stringham
1798–1876 (age 78)
Green-Wood Cemetery
Silas Stringham (1798-1876) was a U.S. Navy admiral who served during the Civil War era.
Moses Fowler Odel
1818–1866 (age 48)
Green-Wood Cemetery
Moses Fowler Odel was an American businessman and resident of Tarrytown, New York.
Martin E. Thompson
1786–1877 (age 91)
Green-Wood Cemetery
Martin E. Thompson (1786-1877) was a long-lived 19th-century New Yorker of architectural or artistic prominence.
Louis Moreau Gottschalk
1829–1869 (age 40)
Green-Wood Cemetery
Louis Moreau Gottschalk was a Creole pianist and composer who became one of the first American virtuosos.
Rufus Wilmot Griswold
1815–1857 (age 42)
Green-Wood Cemetery
Rufus Wilmot Griswold was an American editor, critic, and anthologist who lived from 1815 to 1857.