Rip Van Dam

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Rip Van Dam (c. 1660 - 1749-06-10) was acting governor of the Province of New York from 1731 to 1732.

Van Dam was raised in Beverwyck/Albany, New York where he was employed by a businessman from Manhattan. He was sent to New York City for business training and moved there to run his own business. Van Dam was married in 1684 and had at least nine children.

Van Dam was elected to the provincial Assembly in 1699 and was appointed to the governor's Council of advisors in 1702, serving on the council for over thirty years. He became acting governor in 1731 when Governor John Montgomerie died and served until the official governor William Cosby arrived the following year. Since Van Dam served for only thirteen months but was paid for more, he and Cosby became embroiled in a dispute over the extra money which eventually led to the Trial of John Peter Zenger.

Van Dam died in New York City.

[edit] External link

• Rip Van Dam - New York State Museum

Government Offices
Preceded by John Montgomerie	Colonial Governor of New York (acting) 1731 — 1732	Succeeded by William Cosby