Van Vleck, Paulns, a Reformed (Dutch) minis- ter, whose relation to that body was somewhat irregu- lar. The first account we have of him, he was a school- master and precentor at Kinderhook, N. Y., in 1702, and l)reaching occasionally, from which, on complaint, he was made to desist. He was ordained by Beruariius Freeman in 1709 as chaplain of the Dutch troops then proceeding to Canada. He was pastor of the Low Dutch Church at Neshaminy, Bucks Co., Pa., 1710-12. He was accused of bigamy in 1712, and left the country in 1715. See Corwin, Manual of the Ref. Church in Amer- ica, s. V.
Van Vlierden, Peter, a Dutch minister of the
Reformed Church, was born about 1737, and educated at the University of Leyden. He was the last minister who came from Holland to America until the immigra- tion in 1818. He came, however, by ^vay of the West Indies, where he had been settled for a time at St. Croix, leaving there in 1792. He i)reached at Caatsban, N. Y., 1794-1804, when he was suspended, but restored again in July of the same year. He dietl Feb. 21, 1821. See Corwin, Manual of the Ref. Church in America, s. v.; Si>rague, .1 nnals of the A mer. Pulpit, ii, 20.
Van Voorhis, Stephen, an American minister of the Reformed (Dutch) Church. He was graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1765, and licensed by the General jNIeeting of ministers and elders in 1772 ; was pastor at Poughkeei)sie,N.Y., 1773-76; supply at Dover, N. J., 1774; pastor at Rhinebeck Flats, N.Y., 1776-84; Philipsburgh, Tarrytown, and Cortlandville, 1785-88; Kingston and Assunpink, N. J. (Presbyterian), 1788-96. He died Nov. 23, 1796. See Corwin, Manual of the Rif. Church in A merica, s. v.
Van Vranken, Nicholas, a distinguished cler- gyman of the Reformed (Dutch) Cluirch, was born in 1762 at Schenectady; pursued his studies for the min- istry with Dr. Tbeodoric Romeyn and Dr. John H.Liv- ingston; and was licensed to preach in 1790 by the Synod of the Reformed Dutch Churches. Before enter- ing upon pastoral work, he was principal of the Academy in Schenectady, which was the germ of Union College. After six years of successfid teaching in this flourishing institution, he became the pastor of tbe Dutch churches of Fishkill, Hopewell, and New Hackensack, in Dutchess Co., N. Y. Here he spent his whole ministry (1791- 1804), refusing all invitations to settle elsewhere, and "serving his generation by the will of God" until he was suddenly called from liis labors to his reward, May 20, 1804. His people were waiting his appearance in church as usual on a Sabbath morning when tidings came of his death, of a rapid and violent inflammatory disease. His reputation is that of a learned, eloquent, fervid, evangelical preacher, whose labors were blessed with large additions to his churches, and with the con- stantly growing affection of his devoted people. His literary and theological attainments were of a high or- der. As a pastor he knew his people thoroughly, and adapted himself to their spiritual wants with native tact and spiritual advantage. On communion occasions, after the old Dutch custom, he gave the bread personally to each communicant, and addressed them one by one, in Dutch or English, as he chose, with comforting words of Hoi}' Scripture, or some pointed sentence fitted to each case. He was full of genuine humor, but main- tained his dignity, while giving gentle play to his fund of anecdote and mirthful wit. He excelled in conversa- tional talent. His manners were engaging, his personal appearance very fine and prepossessing, and his social qualities endeared him to all who knew him well. See Kip, Historical Discourse; Corwin, Manual of the Ref. Church in A merica, s. v. (W. -T. R. T.)
Van Vranken, Samuel A., D.D., an eminent Reformed (Dutch) minister, son of the foregoing, was born at Fishkill, N. Y., Feb. 20, 1792. At the age of twelve he was sent to New York as a merchant's clerk, but, having become pious, he decided to prepare for the ministry. Graduating from Lfnion College in 1815, he then studied theology at the Seminary in New Bruns- wick under Dr. Livingston, and was licensed to preach in 1817. He first settled in Monmouth County, N. J., at Middletown and Freehold, 1818-20; and in Freehold alone from 1826 to 1834. His ministry of seventeen j'ears in that county was eminently successful, and re- sulted in friendships and blessings that have long sur- vived his pastorate. In 1834 he accepted a call to the Reformed Church in Poughkeepsie, and labored vvith great usefulness until 1837, when he succeeded Dr. Jacob Brodhead as pastor of the Church in Broome Street, New York. After four years of service in that important
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