|
by Stefan Bielinski Anna Coster probably was born during the early 1670s. She was the daughter of Albany residents Hendrick and Geertje Van Schaick Coster. In 1693, she wed Albany trader Johannes Bleecker Jr. Probably in her teens at the time of her marriage, Anna bore children over a twenty-five year period. By 1718, nine of her children were baptized in the Albany Dutch church where both parents were prominent members. These Bleeckers lived on the west side of Pearl Street at the corner of Maiden Lane. Anna's husband was a leading businessman and city official. Johannes Bleecker died in 1738. Anna survived him and was a fixture in their Pearl Street house. She outlived several of her children as well - perhaps dying as late as 1766.
Church: Anna witnessed at least ten baptisms in the Albany Dutch church between 1703 and 1746. In 1767, her seat in pew #26 was transferred to her daughter. Anna was name co-executor of her son Anthony's estate in 1762. Undocumented Bleecker family resources have her dying in 1766. She would have been well over ninety at that time. first posted: 3/18/02 |
