Jan Janse Ouderkerk

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According to traditional sources, Jan Janse Ouderkerk (aka Ouderkirk) was born in the Netherlands about 1640. By December 1660, he had emigrated to America and had settled in Beverwyck where he was involved in a court action. He was known as a barrel maker in the community that became Albany in 1664.

His wife appears to have been named "Ariaantie." By 1686, they had six or more children some of whom were christened in the Albany Dutch church where he was a member.

In May 1679, he purchased a lot on Yonker Street in Albany from Captain Clute. At that time, Jan Janse was identified as a cooper and the parcel was located next to his existing "cooper's shop."

In 1679, he was identified as an Albany householder. In 1684, he was noted as being in default of his taxes. In 1689, he was identified on an assessment roll as a "farmer in Marte Gerritse's Company." His Albany house was located on the north side of what became State Street.

In 1697, his household (with four men and a woman) was configured on the census for Rensselaerswyck (which included Castle Island) next to that of his son and namesake. The household of son Isaac was listed on the census of Albany city.

In October 1712, Jan Ouderkirk appears to have filed a will. It named five sons and a daughter but no wife as his heirs. No probate date was given. This Albany patriarch may have died later that year.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Jan Janse Ouderkerk is CAP biography number 6401. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. Family-based resources are Internet-accessible.




first posted 6/10/06; last updated 6/27/14