Johannes Kidney

Johannes Kidney was born in July 1704. He was the son of John and Maria Vanderwerken Kidney. Son of a former garrison soldier, he grew up among an Anglo enclave on the Southside of Albany.

His adult life in the community began in August 1730 when he purchased a lot on the "plain." In that year, his lot was on the north side of Hudson Street and east of what became South Pearl - a location that stayed in the family for the rest of the century.

In 1740, he was appointed firemaster in the first ward. In 1742, his name was included on a list of first ward freeholders.

In 1729, he is said to have married his cousin Geertruy Vanderwerken. Their children were christened at the Albany Dutch church in 1736 and 1747.

After the 1740s, a number of contemporary individuals named John Kidney living in and around Albany complicate further reconstructing this individual's life.

In 1763, two John Kidneys are included on the list of Albany freeholders.

We seek defining information on the later life and passing of this early Albany resident named Johannes Kidney.

Sources: The life of Johannes Kidney is CAP biography number 5986. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.