Dr. Hans Kierstede

Johannes or Hans Kierstede was a physician in New Netherland and then New York. He has been the subject of substantial historical inquiry and exposition. However, most of his life unfolded beyond the early Albany context. He is said to have been born about 1612 and to have arrived in New Amsterdam in 1638 as an employee of the West India Company. Perhaps he was of German ancestry.

In June 1642, he married Sara Jans at the Dutch church in New Amsterdam. His wife was the daughter of one of the pre-eminenent New Netherland matriarchs.Over the next twenty-five years, the marriage produced perhaps ten children. Descendants (including Albany resident Dr. Wilhelmus Mancius) became physicians, apothecaries, and silversmiths (including Albany resident Coenradt Ten Eyck).

He is said to have owned a lot in Beverwyck in 1653. His name also appeared in the Beverwyck court records during that time.

He is said to have been the first surgeon in New Amsterdam where he resided until his death. He performed a coroner's inquest in 1638. Many traditions persist regarding his life and times. He is much esteemed by heritage organizations.

He was listed among those residents of New Netherland who swore allegiance to England in 1664.

Dr. Hans Kierstede was dead by July 1667 when he was referenced in a real property transaction. His widow remarried twice and lived until 1693.

Our sweep of community and Internet-based resources yield no stronger connection for this New Netherland pioneer to the early Albany community. Thus, we move on for now.

Sources: The life of Hans Kierstede has no CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. Like his wife and her family, he has been the subject of a number of historical expositions:
        Online resources include: Teller; Henshaw; especially Kested History.
        See also: Young Doctor of New Amsterdam, a fictionalized work for young readers.