Maria Van Hoesen Williams

Maria Van Hoesen probably was born about 1720. She may have been the daughter of any of a number of Van Hoesen families living in the Albany area.

In March 1742, she married innkeeper's son Thomas Williams, Jr. at the Albany Dutch church. By 1753, three children had been christened at the church where she had witnessed a number of baptisms.

This Williams family also was in the hospitality business although Maria's husband served a year as sheriff and was known at trading posts far into the Indian country. Their first ward home and inn were early Albany landmarks.

Thomas Williams, Jr. filed a will in July 1771. Maria was named executor and principal heir during her widowhood. Widow Maria Van Hoesen Williams was alive in January 1775 when her land in Albany was referenced in a real estate transaction.

Sources: The life of Maria Van Hoesen Williams is CAP biography number 6413. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.