Anthony Bries was born about 1670. He was the son of Albany shoemaker Hendrick and Maria De Hooges Bries.

In June 1692, he married brewer's daughter Catharina Ryckman at the Albany Dutch church. By 1703, six children had been christened at the Albany church where he was a member and deacon.

This Bries family lived in Albany's second ward where he was a successful trader, constable, and contractor of the city. Assessment rolls testified to his wealth. For a decade, his home was an Albany landmark. He also owned a lot south of Albany. In 1699, he joined his neighbors in swearing allegiance to the king of England. In 1700, he was identified as the quartermaster of a troop of Albany County militia.

Anthony Bries wrote a will dated November 1702. It named his wife and six children to share a substantial estate. He probably died in November 1704. The will was probated in February 1705. His widow was listed on the assessment roll in 1709.

Sources: The life of Anthony Bries is CAP biography number 6333. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.