Benjamin Bradt

by


Benjamin Bradt was born in May 1698. He was the son of Anthony and Willempie Egberts Bradt. He grew up in the large family of a prominent businessman and official who died in 1722 leaving a widow and a number of offspring.

In 1715, his name appeared on the roster of an Albany militia company.

In November 1720, younger son Benjamin married the somewhat older brewer's daughter Magdalena Ryckman at the Albany Dutch church. By 1731, five children had been christened in the church where he succeeded his father as sexton and served for many years. Both parents also were frequent baptism sponsors. Additionally, Benjamin was paid for burial services on a regular basis lasting into the mid-1770s.

These Bradts made their home in the third ward near those of both their families. In 1727, he was appointed firemaster. In September 1734, he received a deed to a lot on the Plain from the city.

In December 1736, he was named co-executor of his father-in-law's estate.

His older brothers assumed the public presences pioneered by their father. Although his name was absent from city voter lists until 1763, Benjamin Bradt was a mason and an Albany mainstay for more than a half century. He also performed a number of fee-based services including gatekeeping and general maintenance. During the 1760s and 70s, his third ward property was assigned modest assessments.

By the end of the war, the name of Benjamin Bradt had dropped from Albany rolls. Several children became Albany residents.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Benjamin Bradt is CAP biography number 4213. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.





first posted: 12/20/09