Luke Cassidy

Future Albany resident Luke Cassidy probably was born within a few years of 1750. We seek defining information on his origins and path to Albany. Later references connect him to Irish and Catholic backgrounds. Inconsistent spellings of his name complicate filling out this person's life.

In 1767, he was one of two drummers listed on the roster of an Albany militia company.

In 1771, Luke "Cassady" was named constable for the first ward. The next year he was appointed to serve in the third ward. In December 1772, his account (probably for service as constable) was paid from the city treasury. Perhaps, he was the "Cashady" appointed constable for the first ward in 1773.

On May 1775, "Luke Cashady" was paid £3 for "beating the drum to notify the people" by the Albany Committee of Correspondence. The context of this entry bears more thought.

By the mid-1770s, he had married Albany native Rachel Cole. Their son "Ralf" was christened at the Albany Dutch church in January 1778. After that, the name of Luke Cassidy has not been encountered during our sweeps of community-based sources or in the extant records of early Albany churches.

Perhaps this individual left Albany during the mid-1770s Later, a Luke Casity," a "Luke Cassady" and other "Cassadys" were listed on rosters of Butler's Rangers (loyalist regiment).

At the same time, the name "Luke Casady" appeared as an enlisted man on a roster of the third regiment of the New York Line.

We seek defining information on his wartime service and postwar life. He probably no longer was a resident of Albany.

In 1790, no Luke Cassidy was listed as a head of household in New York State.

With unanswered questions on the life of Luke Cassidy, we move on for now.

Sources: The life of Luke Cassidy is CAP biography number 7570. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.