Arent Van Curler

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Arent van Curler, later van Corlaer, ( 1619 - 1667 ) was the cousin of Kiliaen van Rensselaer and undertook the management of Rensselaer's patroonship Rensselaerwyck in the Dutch colony of New Netherland in 1637.

He was born in Nijkerk, Netherlands.

In 1643, Van Curler married a widow, Antonia Slaaghboom, and the couple settled near Fort Orange.

In 1662, he founded Schenectady on land he purchased from the Mohawks. He was known for his fair dealings with the Indians, negotiating disputes and arranging for captives to be freed.

He died, drowning in Lake Champlain in northern New York, while attempting to visit Governor de Tracy of Canada.

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