Elizabeth Bridgen Bleecker

Elizabeth Bridgen is said to have been born during the 1770s. She is said to have been the daughter of Thomas Bridgen, a British-born physician and entrepreneur, and his second wife, Catherine Ten Eyck Bridgen. Her parents were said to be then living in New Jersey. However, we remain uncertain of this Albany wife's background.

In November 1799, the New York Weekly Museum reported that "Eliza Bridgen of New York City" had married John Bleecker of Albany at "Belleport." Thus, she had become the wife of Albany native John R. Bleecker, Jr. This merchant made his home on Market Street where she was accounted for on the census in 1800. Their children were christened in Albany in 1800 and 1804. However, their marriage would not be a long one.

Elizabeth Bridgen Bleecker or "John R. Bleecker's wife" died in March 1805 and was buried from the Dutch church. Her husband remarried in 1808 and lived until 1849.

Sources: The life of Elizabeth Bridgen Bleecker has not been assigned a CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.

Mother Catherine was said to have been from Albany. However, we have yet to connect her to the Albany Ten Eyck family. Perhaps the mother's maiden name was "Taylor."