Robert Lottridge

by

Spelled variously, this Robert Lottridge probably was born during the 1740s (perhaps in 1747). Most likely, he was the son of Albany innkeepers Robert and Elizabeth Hopkins Lottridge. Occasionally, he was referred to as Jr. A number of his siblings lived in Albany as adults. Also, a number of same named contemporaries (particularly toward the end of the century) complicate the assignment of qualitative information for his life. However, we move forward with hesitation following the premise that this individual became a Loyalist and died in Canada in 1791.

In 1767, Robert Lottridge was a member of two Albany militia companies. In May of that year the name of "Robert Loterage" appeared on the roster of the city based company captained by mayor Abraham C. Cuyler. The other was commanded Bernardus Bradt and was drawn from the first ward.

Perhaps this individual married twice. He is said to have married one "Maria Winegar" at the Reformed church in Stone Arabia in 1768. That union may have produced five sons. Next, he may have wed a much younger Sarah Ryckman - who is said to have been the nanny of his children and then became his wife. That woman bore him a daughter.

By the outbreak of hostilities in 1775, this individual and his family had fled to Canada where he served the British in the "Indian Department" and was called "Captain." Thus, the second half of his intriguing life unfolded beyond the parameters of our concern.

Captain Robert Lottridge is said to have died in Ontario on February 6, 1791.

Perhaps it was his name (one of three Lottridges - the others probably his brothers) that appeared on a list of creditors of the estate of William Charles in 1793. Also, we surmise that the Robert Lottridge who was appointed Albany watchman in 1794 and afterward was not the subject of this sketch but a nephew.

biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Robert Lottridge has no CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. We have not yet examined Paul L. Stevens, "The Revolutionary War Adventures of Captain Robert Lottridge of the Six Nations Indian Department, 1775-1784," A manuscript dated "April 1991, 1-73, in the archives of the Old Fort Niagara Association and the Western Pennsylvania Historical Society." That work refers to him as a tailor.

Much of this sketch follows a number of external and family-based traditional sources.

Petition by the heirs of "the late Captain Robert Lottridge" dated October 3, 1796. Perhaps his will passed probate On October 15.





first posted 8/30/15