Helena Teller Bogardus Rombouts

Helena Teller is said to have been born in September 1645. She was the eldest daughter of New Netherland pioneers Willem and Margaret Donchesen Teller. Helena grew up in the large family of a broadly based entrepreneur but had lost her mother by April 1664 when her father re-married.

In August 1664, she married emerging trader and tradesman Cornelis Bogardus at the Dutch church in New Amsterdam. Their son was born in 1664.

In September 1666, her father was suing her late husband in New York. At that time, Helena was identified as the "widow of Cornelis Bogardus."

Perhaps she married Albany resident Jan Hendrickse Van Bael in 1668. That marriage may have produced children before his death in 1682. In September 1683, Helena is said to have married one Francis Rombouts of New York City. The well-known Rombouts died in 1691.

We are told that Helena Teller Bogardus Rombouts was dead by March 1707.

This compilation (and nerviously speculative) sketch mostly represents conventional wisdoms regarding the life of a one-time Albany resident. With so many unanswered questions on her life, we move on for now.

Sources: The life of Helena Teller Bogardus Rombouts is CAP biography number 6609. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.