Isaac Hansen

Isaac Hansen was born in December 1776. He was the eldest surviving son of Albany residents Johannes and Geertruy Slingerlands Hansen.

In July 1798, he married Albany native Jane Cooper at the Dutch church. The marriage may have produced six children between 1801 and 1811.

These Hansens made their home in the third ward from where Isaac practiced law. He was admitted to the bar in several places including Albany and Greene (1800) counties. In 1810, he posted bail on behalf of one of his fellow attorneys. Beginning in 1813, city directories listed him as an attorney at 23 Steuben Street.

After apparently renting quarters, in 1800, Isaac Hansen's budding household was configured on the city census. Beginning in 1812, he was elected alderman in the second ward. He was re-elected several times. He also served as a magistrate, justice of the peace, and as master of the chancery court.

In 1802, he was the secretary of the Albany Republican committee. He was a member of the Albany Masonic lodge. He was among the initial stakeholders in the Albany Theater that opened in 1813. In May 1815, he was named co-executor of the estate of his brother-in-law. He also was a board member and trustee of civic associations.

Isaac Hansen lost his wife when Jane died in January 1815 at the age of thirty three. He died three years later and was buried alongside her in the Dutch church plot. He had lived only forty-years. Letters of Administration were issued on his estate in March 1818. In 1830, his Fox Street property was being offered for sale.

Sources: The life of Isaac Hansen is CAP biography number 4975. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. His portrait is said to have been painted by Ezra Ames in 1808.