Harpert Jacobse Van Deusen

by

Harpert Jacobse Van Deusen probably was born during the 1660s or early 70s. He was an older son in the large family of New Amsterdam residents Jacob Abrahamse and Catharina Van Eslant Van Deusen. Even into the 1700s, he often was referred to as "Harpert Jacobse" perhaps to distinguish him from a younger, same-named nephew who also lived in Albany.

In January 1695, he married Maria Gerrits at the Albany Dutch church. By 1715, ten children had been christened in Albany where he was a member and church officer.

Harpert Jacobse (alternatively "Herpert") was idenified as a merchant as early as 1687. He raised his family in Albany's second ward where he was a mainstay for several decades. Assessments valued his property comparable to that of other successful traders. In 1699, he joined with his neighbors in pledging allegiance to the king of England.

Beginning in 1695, he began a close association with the Albany government when he first was elected assessor for the third ward. He served as assessor for many years and also as collector, contactor, and juror. In 1708, he was elected assistant alderman. In 1715, "harp't Jacobse" was included among the members of an Albany militia company.

In 1707, he was said to have been a resident of Claverack. But freeholder lists from 1720 and 1742 continued to identify him as a resident of Albany's second ward.

Harpert Jacobse Van Deusen died in July 1742 and was buried beneath his church. In 1747, his property was referenced along with the "heirs of Harpert Jacobse" in the will of his former neighbor. His widow lived until 1750.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Harpert Jacobse Van Deusen is CAP biography number 5529. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted 5/30/06; updated 1/6/14