William Heyer

William Heyer (aka Hyer) most likely was the brother of Albany resident Gerrit Heyer. If so, his father would have been William Heyer of New York City. A number of same-named contemporaries are at-risk in the region. We seek defining information on William's origins and path to Albany.

Unlike other contemporary "Heyers," his name has not been found in the available records of the Albany Dutch church and thus seems to not have married.

In March 1779 his personal property was valued moderately within another household on the Albany assessment roll for the first ward. Then, in October, his property in about the same location was valued this time as two parcels (often meaning both real and personal property). A city-wide assessment roll for 1788, taxed only "Gerret Hyer" and not William.

In October 1779, he was identified as an enlisted man in the militia company commanded by Captain John Price. Papers submitted at Albany asked that "William Heyer" be held back from active duty as he was "the only good sadler we have employed in public service and consequently is wanted here." Commander Morgan Lewis's request appears to have been granted by General Ten Broeck.

In April 1782, a "William Hyer" was among the witnesses to the will filed by a soldier in Dutchess County. Perhaps this William Heyer served as well. However, unlike Gerrit Heyer, his name was not included among those receiving land bounty rights for service with the Albany militia regiment even though the name "William Hyer" has appeared under "enlisted men" on other listings for the First Albany regiment.

In 1783, "William Hyer" signed in at the (Masters) Albany Masonic lodge.

In April 1786, "William Heyer" was among those at Albany who signed a document relating to the receipt [?] of paper money.

In 1790, he probably was counted within the household of Gerrit Heyer. However, a number of similarly named individuals were listed as heads of households elsewhere in New York State.

In August 1797, "Gerrit Heyer's brother" was buried from the Dutch church. If the above connections are valid, this interment marked the end of the life of the Albany bachelor known as William Heyer.

Sources: The life of William Heyer is CAP biography number 472. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.