Abraham Janse Van Alstyne

According to family-based resources, the Albany County settler known as Abraham Janse Van Alstyne was born in Meppel, Drenthe about 1650. Thus, he would have emigrated with his parents New Netherland pioneers Jan Martense and Dirckje Harmens Van Alystyne. He grew up in a large family with siblings born on both sides of the Atlantic. For the first half of his life he was known mostly as "Abraham Janse."

The Van Alstynes were among the early settlers of Kinderhook. His parents died there prior to 1700. In 1697, the household of "Abraham Janse" was configured on a census of greater Rensselaerswyck.

His first wife is said to have been one "Jannetje Thomasz Mingael," the mother of several of their children. In January 1694, he married Maritie Van Deusen at the Albany Dutch church. By 1719, he may have fathered as many as fourteen children. Beginning in 1683, Abraham Janse's name was included among church members. In 1699, "Abr. Janse Ayesteyn" was among those who signed a loyalty oath to the Protestant king of England. After that, we have not encountered this individual in the community-based record. By that time, additional same-named individuals are at risk in greater Albany County.

With conflicting information on the individual known as "Abraham Janse Van Alstyne" we move on for now.

Sources: The life of Abraham Janse Van Alstyne has no CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.