Cornelius Cuyler

Cuyler was born in Albany, New York on 31 October 1740, the son of Cornelis Cuyler and Catalyntie Schuyler, she a descendant of the Schuyler family.[1] Among his siblings was prominent American loyalist, Abraham Cornelius Cuyler (1742–1810), who married Jannetje "Janet" Glen, sister of Henry Glen (1739–1814).[2]

His father was the oldest surviving son of twelve children born to his grandfather, Albany Mayor Johannes Cuyler (1661–1740),[3] and grandmother, Elsje (née Ten Broeck) Cuyler (d. 1752).[3][4] His grandfather was an admitted freeman of New York City and served for 22 years as a Commissioner of Indian Affairs.[5]

Cuyler was commissioned as an ensign into the 55th Regiment of Foot in May 1759 during the French and Indian War.[6] He took part in the Battle of Ticonderoga in July 1759 and the Battle of the Thousand Islands in August 1760.[6] He became aide-de-camp to General Sir William Howe in July 1775 and fought at the Battle of Long Island in August 1776, Battle of Brandywine in September 1777 and the Battle of Germantown in October 1777 during the American Revolutionary War before commanding his regiment at the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778.[6]

He became Quartermaster-General in the West Indies in November 1782, Commander-in-chief in the West Indies in November 1792 and then Lieutenant-Governor of Portsmouth and General Officer Commanding South-West District in January 1796.[7] He became Commander-in-Chief in Portugal in January 1799 during the French Revolutionary Wars.[6] He was promoted to full general in September 1803[8] and created a baronet on 29 October 1814.[9][10]

In 1763, Cuyler was married to Anne Wendell.[2] After his death, he was succeeded in his baronetcy by his son, Charles Cuyler (1794–1862).[11]

Cuyler died on 8 March 1819.[12]