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Philip was born at Albany, New York on November 20, 1733 to a wealthy colonial family. Although his family came from humble origins they had gradually expanded their holdings and influence in the New World. His father, John Schuyler Jr. was the third generation of the family in America, when he married Cornelia Van Cortlandt, connecting them with another prominent family.
His father died when Philip was seven years old. After attending the public school at Albany he was educated by tutors at the Van Cortlandt family estate at New Rochelle. He joined the British forces in 1755 during the French and Indian War, raised a company, and was commissioned as its Captain by his cousin, Lt. Governor James Delancey . Later in that war he served as a quartermaster, purchasing supplies and organizing equipment.
In September of 1755 he married Catherine Van Rensselaer (1734-1803) at Albany. This cemented his relationship with another powerful New York family. Although the marriage was urgent (their first daughter Angelica was born in February, 1756), they were a devoted couple for the rest of their lives, and had eleven children.
In 1761- 1762 Philip made a trip to England to settle accounts from his work as quartermaster. He also used this time to build a town house in Albany, and start his country estate at Saratoga (which is now Schuylerville). After the war he also expanded his estate at Saratoga, expanding his holdings to tens of thousands of acres, adding tenant farmers, a store, and mills for flour, flax, and lumber. His flax mill for the making of linen was the first one in America. He built several schooners on the Hudson, and named the first Saratoga.
Schuyler began his political career as a member of the New York Assembly in 1768, and served in that body until 1775. During this time his views came to be more opposed to the colonial government. He was particularly outspoken in matters of trade and currency. He was also made a Colonel in the militia for his support of governor Henry Moore.
Schuyler was elected to the Continental Congress in 1775Events February 9 American Revolutionary War: British Parliament declares Massachusetts in rebellion March 23 American Revolutionary War: Patrick Henry delivers his speech " give me liberty or give me death" in Williamsburg, Virginia. April 14 American Re, and served until he was appointed a Major General of the Continental ArmyThe Continental Army was the unified command structure of the thirteen colonies fighting Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. The Army was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 15, 1775. Most of the Continental Army w in June. General Schuyler took command of the Northern Department, and planned the Invasion of Canada (1775)The Invasion of Canada in 1775- 1776 was the first, and perhaps the only major initiative by the Americans during the Revolutionary War. After some early success by revolutionary forces, British and Canadian forces totally defeated the invasion. The Unite. His poor health required him to place Richard MontgomeryRichard Montgomery ( December 2, 1738- December 31, 1775) was an Irish- American soldier. He was born in Swords, County Dublin, Ireland, the son of Thomas Montgomery (a member of Parliament) and Mary Franklin Montgomery. He was an officer in the British A in command of the invasion.
As department commanding General, he was active in preparing a defense against the Saratoga CampaignThe Saratoga Campaign was a 1777 initiative by the British Army in the American Revolutionary War. The campaign was designed to divide the American forces by creating a British zone of control between the New England colonies and their neighbors to the so in 1777. When General St. ClairArthur St. Clair ( March 23, 1734- 1736? August 31 1818) was the ninth President of the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation, holding office from February 2, 1787 to October 29, 1787. He was preceded in office by Nathaniel Gorham and s surrendered Fort TiconderogaFort Ticonderoga is a large 18th century fort built at a strategically important narrows in Lake Champlain where a short traverse gives access to the north end of Lake George in the state of New York, USA. The fort controlled both commonly used trade rout in July, the congress replaced Schuyler with General Horatio GatesHoratio Gates ( 1726- 1806) was an American general during the Revolutionary War. He is usually credited with the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga and the later disastrous defeat at the Battle of Camden. Early Career Horatio Gates was born to a. When Schuyler demanded a court martial for his role, he was vindicated but resigned from the army in 1779. He then served in two more sessions of the Continental Congress in 1779 and 1780.