Margarita Bleecker Marselis

Margarita Bleecker was born in March 1709. She was a younger child in the large family of Johannes Jr. and Anna Coster Bleecker. She grew up in a businessman's home on Pearl Street.

In December 1730, she married Gerrit Marselis at the Albany Dutch church. By 1750, eight children had been christened at the church where she was a pewholder.

This couple raised their family in the second ward where Gerrit was known as a schipper.

Gerrit Marselis was dead by 1779 when "Widow Margaret Marselis" was identified as the head of her second ward household. In 1788, her house was noted and also held her grown sons. By 1790, she had become a resident in her son's home. In 1799, her personal property was valued under the home of Gysbert Marselis.

Margarita Bleecker Marselis died in May 1800 and was buried by her son in the church

Sources: The life of Margarita Bleecker Marselis is CAP biography number 211. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.