Cornelis Glen
by
Stefan Bielinski


Cornelis Glen was born in 1741. He was the son of Albany residents Jacob and Elizabeth Cuyler Glen. Following the death of his father in 1746, he learned about trade and commerce from his extended families in comfortable Albany-area settings.

In October 1764, he married Elizabeth Nicoll at the Albany Dutch church where he was a member and pewholder. However, no children were christened at the Albany church and his marriage seems to have been childless.

The couple lived first in the second ward and then on Market Street. He was a merchant, investor, and real estate trader. In 1790, his Albany home was served by six slaves.

Glen's business interests seem to have been diverse. He was involved in real estate and with the Albany government. His enterprises brought him into conflict with the revolutionaries during the late 1770s. During the early days of the conflict he had lent supplies and materials to the cause. In May 1778, he signed a community-based petition for the release of a young horse thief. But, by July, his refusal to take the oath of allegiance caused his arrest and threatened banishment to the British lines. However, he later took the oath and did receive a land bounty right for service in conjunction with the city regiment of the Albany County militia. In 1792, he was elected one of the first directors of the Bank of Albany.

Before 1800, Cornelis Glen relocated to family property south of Albany where he died in March 1810. He was in his sixty-ninth year. He was buried in the family's Bethlehem plot. His will passed probate in May.

biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Cornelis Glen is CAP biography number 4920. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.

Newspaper obituary: "Died, at his seat in Watervliet, on Wednesday, March 21, Cornelius Glen, aged 69, for many years one of the principal and most respectable merchants of this city; a man of great integrity and probity; a friend to his country; uniting in the same character the patriot, the Christian and the honest man."

Real Estate: Holdings included vacant lots within and beyond the southern border of Albany; along the Schenectady road; in the Kayadarosseras patent; across the Hudson; in Schoharie; and in Watervliet.



first posted: 6/30/05; revised 12/15/08