Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Van Nostrand, David

VAN NOSTRAND, David, publisher, b. in New York city, 5 Dec., 1811; d. there, 14 June, 1886. He was educated at Union hall, Jamaica, N. Y., and in 1826 entered the publishing-house of John P. Haven, who gave him an interest in the firm when he became of age. In 1834 he formed a partnership with William Dwight, but the financial crisis of 1837 led to its dissolution. Mr. Van Nostrand then accepted the appointment of clerk of accounts and disbursements under Capt. John G. Barnard, at that time in charge of the defensive works of Louisiana and Texas, with headquarters at New Orleans. While so engaged he devoted attention to the study of scientific and military affairs, and on his return to New York city began the importation of military books for officers of the U. S. army, afterward receiving orders from private individuals and from academic institutions for foreign books of science. His place of business was at first at the corner of John street and Broadway, and as his trade increased he began the publication of standard works by American authors on military and scientific subjects. This extension, with the growing demands for books on scientific subjects, led to his removal to 23 Murray street, where he continued until his death. In 1869 he began the publication of “Van Nostrand's Engineering Magazine,” a monthly journal, which was devoted to selections from foreign sources, but also contained original papers on mathematics. Mr. Van Nostrand was one of the founders of the St. Nicholas and Holland societies, and was an early member of the Century and Union league clubs of New York city.