Cornelius Van Cott
Major League Baseball owner and political figure in New York City
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cornelius C. Van Cott (February 12, 1838 – October 25, 1904) was the owner of the New York Giants of the National League for two years in the 1890s. He later was a member of the New York State Senate and served two terms as Postmaster of New York City.
- Owner of the New York Giants (1893–1894)
- Member of the New York State Senate (1888–1889)
- Postmaster of New York City (1889–1893; 1897–1904)
Cornelius Van Cott | |
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Van Cott in the New-York Tribune of October 26, 1904 | |
| Born | February 12, 1838 Manhattan, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 25, 1904 (aged 66) Manhattan, New York, U.S. |
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| Relatives | Daniel M. Van Cott (cousin) |
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Biography
Van Cott was born on February 12, 1838, to Richard Gabriel Van Cott and Caroline Case. In 1860, he married Fanny Thompson. As a youth, Van Cott worked in a print shop for the American Tract Society.[1] He subsequently held other positions, including vice-president of Etna Fire Insurance.[1] His cousin was Daniel M. Van Cott.[2]
In January 1893, Van Cott purchased the New York Giants franchise from John B. Day; in January 1895, he sold the franchise to Andrew Freedman.[3] Van Cott was a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 8th District in 1888 and 1889. On May 1, 1889, Van Cott took office as Postmaster of New York City; he was succeeded by Charles W. Dayton on June 5, 1893; Van Cott then returned to office on May 12, 1897, and remained in office until his death.[citation needed]
Van Cott died on October 25, 1904, at his temporary residence at 163 West 86th Street, in Manhattan, reportedly of heart disease.[4]
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