Abraham Schermerhorn (April 9, 1783 – February 3, 1850)[1] was an American merchant in New York City, who was also prominent in social affairs.

[5] Schermerhorn's father, like his grandfather and great-grandfather, was a commander and owner of shipping vessels trading between New York City and Charleston, South Carolina.

[9] From 1776 to 1783, during the American Revolutionary War, Schermerhorn and his family lived in Hyde Park, New York, to protect their vessels from British seizure.

[12] Two more new companies were later formed, which he became involved with, including "Schermerhorn, Willis & Co." which was located at 53 South Street in New York City.

[1] Helen, a very good friend of William Backhouse Astor Sr.,[16] was the daughter of Henry White (1763–1822) and Anne (née Van Cortlandt) White (1766–1814) and the granddaughter of Augustus Van Cortlandt,[17] a prominent Loyalist during the War who fled to England, where he died not long after.

[3] Together, they were the parents of nine children, including:[3][18] On February 6, 1829, his wife gave a fancy dress ball at their home, 1 Greenwich Street in New York.