by Stefan Bielinski Johannes Visscher was born in April 1739. He was a son in the large family of Albany natives Johannes and Anna Staats Visscher. His father died in 1749 and his mother re-married. In 1744, he was named an heir in Johannes "Sr's." will. In May 1763, he married Elizabeth Bradt at the Albany Dutch Church. By 1782, eight of their children had been baptized there where he was a member and longtime pewholder. These Visschers set up their home in Albany's second ward. He was a businessman who made his way through community-based organizations - serving as firemaster and standing with his neighbors in opposition to the Stamp Act in 1766. At that point in his life, a number of unresolved questions dictate caution. Several prominent John Visschers are at risk for his lifetime. Thus, this profile is very much in-progress! We believe that this John Visscher was a member and officer of the first Albany Masonic lodge. "Colonel" Johannes Visscher died in October 1821 at age eighty-five. notes Sources: The life of Johannes Visscher is CAP biography number 4145. This biographical study is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. Sorting out the John Visschers at risk for the next forty years is a challenging proposition! first posted: 12/30/03: updated 11/9/10 |