Marte Beekman, Jr.

by

Known as Marte Beekman, Jr. , this individual was an adult in Albany at least during the late 1760s and early 70s. At this point, we think that he was born early in 1746 (christened January 10) and thus would have been the son (4th of 6 children) of Albany residents Hendrick and Anna Swits Beekman. Despite less than definitive origins, this sketch focuses on Albany resident "Marte Beekman, Jr." At least one other same-named contemporary who like others in each generation, was named for the family patriarch), and is at-risk at this time.

In 1766 and 1767, the name "Marte Beekman" appeared on Albany assessment rolls in five different places at different times. All listings appear to have been in the third ward. However, only one of them was identified as "Marte Beekman Junn" and he was listed next to (probably his uncle) blacksmith and businessman "Marte Beekman" whose assessment (£35) ranked him among the highest in the city. Marte Jr.'s property, also in the third ward, was valued at £2. Perhaps this younger son was named for his affluent uncle.

In May 1768, a "Martin H. Beekman" was identified as an ensign in a newly formed regiment of foot (infantry) drawn from the western part of Albany County. Perhaps he was this Marte Jr. - the son of Hendrick Beekman and kin to a number of older officers named for the regiment.

In 1771, "Marte Jur." was appointed a firemaster for the third ward.

At this point, we have not been able to connect this subject to a marriage or to subsequent offspring.

Thru the Revolutionary era, a variety of qualitative materials for Albany resident "Marte Beekman" gives us pause pending more definitive demographic information on him and his immediate family. However, by 1790, no Martes were identified as heads of households in New York State.

Perhaps the "house of Martin Beekman" identified on a Market Street streetscape visualizing the early 1800s locates his residence.

With outstanding questions and unable to set this subject on the community landscape, we move on for now from the life of Albany resident Marte Beekman Jr.

biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Marte Beekman, Jr. is CAP biography number 3922. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted 2/10/16; updated 5/19/16