John Scovill

John Scovill lived in Albany during the decades around 1800. Subsequent information tells us that he was born between 1756 and 1777. We seek defining information on his origins and path to Albany, although he most likely came from New England and may have been born in 1770.

He first appeared on the community landscape in September 1798 when he was certified on a jury list and identified as a "merchant/tailor." In 1799, his house, lot, and holdings in the first ward were valued on the city assessment roll.

The census in 1800 counted a boy, a young man, a male and a female 26-45, and two "other" residents (probably meaning free people of color). A decade later, his household included a boy under 10, a girl 10-16, and a male and female each aged 26-45. In 1810, no one was listed under the category "all other free persons." Those households appear to been nuclear families but no evidence of a marriage or children has been uncovered.

During the 1800s, his name was included on the membership roster of the Albany Mechanics Society.

In February 1802, "John Scovill of Albany" purchased "a rood of land, dwelling house and blacksmith shop in the southwest part of Watertown." In April 1808, John Scovill, still of Albany" sold the property to one David M. Bradley.

After 1810, the name of John Scovill has not been found on Albany rolls. Perhaps he returned to Connecticut.Family-based resources tell us that he died on October 10, 1830 at an unspecified place.

Sources: The life of John Scovill has no CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. The seminal work of Homer Worthington Brainard is available online. A likely family member (1770 to 1830) did live in Albany during the early 1800s but was born in Waterbury, CT.