Isaac Newton Van Nuys

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Isaac Newton Van Nuys
Born	(1836-11-20)November 20, 1836 West Sparta, New York, US
Died	February 12, 1912(1912-02-12) (aged 75) Los Angeles, California, US
Occupation(s)	Land developer, agriculture, banker
Spouse	Susanna H. Lankershim
Children	3
Relatives	Isaac Lankershim (father-in-law) James Boon Lankershim (brother-in-law)

Isaac Newton Van Nuys (/vænˈnaɪz/; November 20, 1836 – February 12, 1912) was an American businessman, farmer and rancher who owned the entire southern portion of the San Fernando Valley, an area 15 miles long and 6 miles wide. With the approach of the Owens River aqueduct and the possibility of intensive small farming, Los Angeles speculators, including Harry Chandler of the Los Angeles Times, combined to buy out Van Nuys in 1909 and develop the San Fernando Valley.

A development syndicate bought him out in 1911 and founded the town of Van Nuys in 1911. Its namesake was made the community's honorary godfather and died a year later. His legacy includes the town, schools, streets, libraries, and a Liberty Ship named in his honor.