Van Vranken
The Van Vranken (also Van Franken) family of early Albany begins with brothers Ryckert Claes and Gerrit Claes, who came to New Netherland before 1664.
Ryckert's widow Hillegont Ryckse was listed among the heads of family living in the city in 1697. Her home was next to that of her son, Maus Ryckse Van Vranken. The household of Gerrit Ryckse Van Vranken also was included on that community survey.
However, the family soon settled down and was more prominent in Schenectady and Niskayuna.
Schenectady-born Uldrick Van Vranken lived in Albany from the 1720s to his death in 1757. He was followed by his son, Gerrit, a wel-known Albany carpenter thru the end of the century.
In 1790, only the home of "Moses" R. Van Vranken appeared on the Albany city census. However, ten Van Vranken-named households were enumerated in surrounding Watervliet.
In 1815, the city directory included only the home of Maus R. Van Vranken in its listings.
Van Vranken Avenue in Schenectady recalls the family name today.
Sources:
Our presentation on the Van Vranken family is derived chiefly from
family
and community-based resources.