Catharina Cuyler Bleecker

by


Catharina Cuyler was born in August 1730. She was the daughter of Hendrick and Margarita Van Deusen Cuyler. She grew up in a businessman's home on Pearl Street - a middle daughter of a prominent Albany family.

In January 1755, she married Hendrick Bleecker, Jr. at the Schenectady Dutch church. By 1772, six children had been christened in Albany where she was a member, pewholder, and regular baptism sponsor.

These Bleeckers lived on Pearl Street where Hendrick was a prominent businessman and Albany official.

Catharina lost her husband in 1787. A middle-aged widow with children still at home, she took over management of their Pearl Street home. In 1790, her household included son Henry, three other females, and two slaves. In 1788, her account was paid by the city government.

In August 1797, a great fire destroyed her stable located in Middle Lane. Two years later, her personal property was valued under what had become the home of her son.

Catharina Cuyler Bleecker died in July 1808 and was buried from her Albany church. Letters of administration were issued on her estate two months later.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Catharina Cuyler Bleecker is CAP biography number 374. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted 8/30/06; updted 1/24/13