William Diamond

Based on subsequent resources, William Diamond was born about 1771. Traditional sources tell us that his birthplace was the "new city" of Lansingburgh in what became Rensselaer County. Mostly, he was known as "William M. Diamond." A number of those works have called him the son of Albany resident Thomas S. Diamond.

In August 1796, he was identified as the only son and was named among the heirs in the will of Thomas S. Diamond.

He married Rebecca Wendell. Beginning in 1800, their children were christened at the Albany Dutch church.

In 1799, his house and property in the first ward were accorded modest assessments. In 1800, he was listed on the Albany census of the first ward. At that time, his household included a couple aged 26-45 and two boys under ten. Subsequent census listings accounted for the growth and development of what became a large family.

During the 1800s, "William M. Diamond" was a member of of the Albany Mechanics Society. In that context, he was known as a carpenter. In December 1800, his name appeared on a roster of city firemen.

Beginning in 1800, he bought and sold city lots as well as more extensive real estate in Guilderland and in Bethlehem where he is said to have owned a farm that was located "along the road." He also was known as a resident of Lansingburgh.

Over the next three decades, his life had evolved probably elsewhere as he has not been located during our ongoing sweep of community-based resources.

In March 1834, "William M. Diamond" was among those residents of the city of Albany who signed a petition to Congress regarding the "Bank of the United States."

In 1860, the Federal Census of the third ward enumerated the household of "Wm Diamond" aged 84. During those years, his address was listed as 76 North Pearl Street.

In the 92nd year of his age, William Diamond is said to have been buried in a Wendell owned plot at the Albany Rural Cemetery on February 1, 1862.

Sources: The life of William Diamond is CAP biography number 7873. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. See also: Landmarks of Rensselaer County.
    Perhaps the missing/out-of-Albany parts of his life are more closely connected to the histories of Lansingburgh, Guilderland, and/or Bethlehem. Last sweep of Internet-based resources = January 2017.