Edward Cumpston

by


Edward Cumpston was born about 1753. He probably was of New England origins. Boston people spelled the name "Compston." We seek information on his early life.

In May 1778, he was in Albany when he married young Maria Van Schaick at the Albany Dutch church. By 1789, five children had been christened in Albany churches. During the 1780s and '90s, he was a member and pewholder of the Dutch church.

The Cumpstons raised their family in a house located on Court Street and near the river. In 1788, their home was accorded a moderate assessment. In 1790, his household included six family members.

In 1781. he was among those who purchased the "Freedom" to conduct business in Albany. At that time, he was identified as a merchant. In February 1783, a newspaper item advertized that he was a merchant opposite the southeast corner of the Dutch Reformed Church and had for sale the best French brandy, wines, rock salt, sugar, ginger, indigo, and a small assortment of drygoods. He accepted several forms of payment and wanted to buy quantities of hemp. As late as 1790, he was advertizing in the Albany Gazette. At that time, he called himself a "securities dealer."

During the 1780s, this one-time American officer seems to have purchased a number of soldier's land bounty rights beyond Albany. He also qualified for a bounty right in conjunction with the Albany militia regiment.

In 1785, he was chosen assessor for the first ward. During those years, he owned additional Albany properties and was a contractor of the city.

By the mid 1790s, Mary Cumpston was dead and Edward had married Mary Bradt. Their child was born in 1796. About that time, he left Albany and relocated along the "Great Western Turnpike" in the new village of Esperance where he opened a store.

Major Edward Cumpston died in Auburn, New York in August 1822. This former Albany resident had lived seventy-two years.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Edward Cumpston is CAP biography number 7684. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted: 5/30/07