The Frelinghuysen family (/ˈfreɪlɪŋˌhaɪsən/;[2] /ˈfriːlɪŋˌhaɪzən/;[3] /ˌfriːlɪŋˈhaɪsən/[4]) is an American political dynasty, primarily based in New Jersey, that first emigrated from The Netherlands in 1720.
Frelinghuysen | |
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Etymology | Habitational name from a place called Frelinghuizen[1] |
Place of origin | Netherlands |
Connected families | Cabot family Lodge family Havemeyer family |
Estate(s) | Frelinghuysen Homestead Frelinghuysen Arboretum |
In 1720, Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen came from The Netherlands to the Raritan Valley in the Province of New Jersey, then a Royal Colony of Great Britain. He was an evangelizing Dutch-Reformed minister during the period of religious fervor known as the Great Awakening.[5]
Four Frelinghuysens served as United States senators, one of whom, Frederick T., became a Secretary of State under President Chester A. Arthur.