Takel Dirckse Heemstraat

Takel Dirckse probably was born about 1650. In 1670, court records identified him as the "head farmer" of the Van Rensselaers who had been accused of beating a Rensselaerswyck tenant. He also ws known by the surname "Heemstraat" or also as "Hemstradt".

He was married to a woman named Maria and was the father of several children.

In 1679, he was listed among the Albany householders. Two years later, he was called an Albany burgher and was involved in the calling of a new minister. He was a Dutch church member and regular baptism sponsor.

In 1683, church records said he was living outside the North gate. In 1697, his household was configured on the Albany census. Two years later he signed an oath pledging allegiance to the king of England. City assessment rolls placed a modest value on his third ward property.

During the 1680s, he appeared before the Albany court on a number of matters. He was a juror and constable who also leased land at Canastigione in 1685.

Takel Dirckse Heemstraat was a rank and file resident of Albany who was last heard from in 1720 when his name appeared on a list of third ward freeholders. At least one son became an Albany resident.

Sources: The life of Takel Dirckse Heemstraat is CAP biography number 6428. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. So far, we have encountered scant information on his background or passing.