Andries Hanse (Scherp)

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Based on a compilation of traditional resources, this New Netherland pioneer known as Andries Hanse was born in Europe (perhaps in Sweden) about 1640. He is said to have emigrated to New Amsterdam in 1660. However, we seek more verifiable information on his origins and his path to the settlement that became Albany in 1664.

In his greater Albany context, he also was known by the surname "Scherp." At this point, we cannot say that he is the patriarch of the early Albany family known as Sharp.

According to traditional sources, he was in Beverwyck as early as 1660; was the father of three sons, and, in 1671, bought a farm "behind" Kinderhook." This individual appears to have been among the early settlers of Kinderhook. As late as 1744, an assessment roll identifies six Scherps as Kinderhook property holders. However, the existence of several same-named contemporaries dating from the seventeenth century dictates caution in the assignment of qualitative information.

In 1685, Gerritje, the wife of Andries Hanse was named in the will filed by her parents.

In 1689, "Andries Hanse" was listed as one of the farmers (drawn from Castle Island and its environs) in Marte Gerritse's company who pledged a nominal amount for defense.

In 1697, the households of two similarly named individuals were configured on the provincial census of Rensselaerswyck. Perhaps one of them was the subject of this sketch.

This individual known as Andries Hanse (Scherp) may have died in New Jersey in 1701.

We began following the name "Andries Scherp" to ascertain a possible relationship to the Albany Sharp family. At this point, we have been unable to sustain that connection. Without substantial evidence to tie this individual to that family or to the early history of the city of Albany, we move-on for now.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Andries Hanse (Scherp) has no CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. Conventional wisdom/traditional sources/lore have been summarized online.




first posted 1/20/15; updated 2/28/18