William Easton

Subsequent sources tell us that Albany resident William Easton born about 1764. We seek definitive information on his origins and path to Albany. However, he most likely was the son of newcomer cordwainer John Easton and his wife, Janet Rutherford Easton.

In 1800, his first ward household was configured on the Albany census in the same place as that of the recently deceased John Easton. William's household also included a woman born before 1756 (probably his mother). Subsequent censuses would chart the growth of his family.

June 1802, William Easton of the city of Albany married [Abigail] Platt (also of Albany) at the First Presbyterian church.

Like John Easton, William was a shoemaker and a member of the Albany Mechanics Society.

However, by 1813, he had moved as first city directory in 1813, listed him a resident of 68 Pearl Street while widow Jannet Easton remained in the house on Beaver Street. Subsequent directories would fix his residence at 195 Market Street - a location later described as the corner of Columbia and North Pearl Streets where his son-in-laws funeral was held in January 1830.

On April 5, 1841, an Albany newspaper reported the death of William Easton at age seventy-seven. His widow, Abigail Platt Easton, may have lived somewhat longer at her/their home at 55 Maiden Lane.

Sources: The life of William Easton is CAP biography number 7914. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.