Van Santvoord, Cornelius

Van Santvoord, Cornelius a Reformed (Dutch) minister, was born in Holland, in 1697, and studied in the University of Leyden, under the celebrated Prof. John Marck, author of the Medulla Theologice. He immigrated to America in 1718. He was first settled on Staten Island, over the Dutch and French Huguenot churches, to which he preached in, both languages from 1718 to 1742; also for two years (1730 to 1732) at Belleville, N. J. In 1742 he removed to Schenectady, N.Y.; and, after a ministry of ten years, died in 1752. His descendants in the fourth and fifths generations are still represented in the ministerial ranks of their ancient denomination. He was the intimate friend of Mr. Frelinghuysen of Raritan, and was his advocate: and defender in all his trials. In his behalf he published a small volume, A Dialogue between Considerans and Candidus. He was a favorite pupil of his revered preceptor John Mark, and translated his Commentary on the Book of Revelation, accompanied by a learned dissertation of his own, advocating a literal interpretation of the Epistles to the Seven Churches of Asia. It was published in Holland, with the high commendation of Prof. Wesselius. He was paralyzed some time before his decease, but continued to preach until he was called to his everlasting rest. See Brownlee, Hist. Disc. on Staten Island; Taylor, Annals of Classis of Bergen; Sprague, Annals of the Amer. Pulpit, vol. 9; Corin, Manual of the Ref. Church in America, s.v. (W.J.R.T.)