Catharina Ryckman was born about 1670. She was the daughter of Albany residents Abraham Janse and Cornelia Quackenbush Ryckman. She grew up along the waterfront where the Ryckman brewery was an Albany landmark.

In June 1692, she married Anthony Bries. By 1703, six children had been christened at the Albany Dutch church where both parents were members and occasional baptism sponsors.

This Bries family lived in the second ward and for two decades were Albany mainstays.

Anthony Bries wrote out his will in November 1703. It made Catharina its executor and chief beneficiary. He died in November 1704. The will passed probate in February 1705.

Catharina Ryckman Bries lived in their comfortable Albany home for several decades. Her property was taxed on the assessment roll in 1709. She was alive in December 1736 when she was bequeathed part of her father's estate. She died sometime thereafter!

Sources: The life of Catharina Ryckman Bries is CAP biography number 1911. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.