Johannes Beekman was born in January 1684. He was the son of Albany residents Johannes Martense and his first wife, Machtelt Schermerhorn Beekman. His father re-married when Johannes was eight. By 1710, nine more children would become part of his immediate family.

In January 1714, he married Esther Wendell at the Albany Dutch church. By 1722, their three children had been christened at the church where he was a frequent baptism sponsor.

Johannes Beekman, Jr. was a fur trader who, after a time in the first ward, set up his home on the east side of Pearl Street. He owned additional property in the city. He served in the militia and also as firemaster. In a relatively short career, he was a second ward mainstay.

In 1728, he was left a share of his father's estate that was divided among a widow and twelve living children. Included in that bequest, was a share in his father's holdings at Kayaderosseras.

Stating that he was "very sick," Johannes Beekman, Jr. filed a will in July 1731. He died in February 1741 and was buried from the Albany church. The will passed probate in January 1743.

Sources: The life of Johannes Beekman, Jr. is CAP biography number 3859. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.