Margarita Bleecker Ten Eyck

Margarita Bleecker was born in November 1755. She was the first child born to the marriage of Albany leader Hendrick Bleecker, Jr. and Catharina Cuyler Bleecker. She grew up in a businessman's home on Pearl Street.

In March 1776, she married Harmanus Ten Eyck at the Albany Dutch church. By 1796, eight children had been christened in the church where she was a pewholder and regular baptism sponsor.

This Ten Eyck family made its home in a number of locations while Harmanus pursued business and real estate opportunities. By the 1800s, they had settled in on North Market Street. In 1790, their second ward home was served by two slaves. In 1802, Margarita was identified with her husband when they sold a lot in the second ward. In 1779, she was named in her father's will.

Margarita Bleecker Ten Eyck lost her husband in 1828. As late as 1830, widow Margaret was listed in the city directory as the head of a household at 362 North Market Street. She died in September 1834 at the age of seventy nine.

Sources: The life of Margarita Bleecker Ten Eyck is CAP biography number 213. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.