Andries V. Douw

According to family-based resources, Andries Douw was born in October 1745. He would have been the son of Volkert A. and Rachel Bogert Douw although his parents appeared to have not actually married until 1752. He grew up in a small family in a businessman's home in the third ward.

In January 1767, he married Catharina De Foreest at the Albany Dutch church By 1781, the marriage had produced at least six children who were christened in the church where he was a pewholder. Only a daughter lived to raise a family of her own.

In June 1768, he was noted in the will filed by his father. Acknowledged as the sole son, he received a substantial birthright and a share of the rest of Volkert A. Douw's estate.

Drawing on his inheritance, these Douws raised their family in the home of his widowed mother. In 1779, third ward assessment rolls valued his personal property under the house of widow Rachel - although he had inherited half of the house from his father. At that time, he was among those who were taxed on a lot in the second ward.

A quarter owner of his father's still, he received almost all of the rest of the estate upon his mother's passing in 1780.

At the outbreak of hostilities in 1775, "Andrew" became involved in the work of the Albany Committee. In 1776, he was chosen captain of the "Association Company." He seems to have served the American cause on the homefront at least thru 1777. He often was referred to as "Captain." Afterwards, he was accorded a land bounty right in conjunction with the Albany militia company.

Andries Douw died in January 1783. His widow survived until 1823.

Sources: The life of Andries Douw is CAP biography number 2058. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.