 Isaac Van Nuys was not the founder of Van Nuys in 1911—he died in 1912—but was made the honorary godfather of the hardscrabble town, later to be the Valley's center, by the development syndicate as a promise in the land sale.Still, as a pioneer resident and honorary godfather of Van Nuys, there are schools, streets, libraries, and a Liberty Ship with the name of Van Nuys.Isaac Van Nuys was born in West Sparta, New York, the son of Peter Van Nuys and Harriet Kerr.