Gysbert Marselis
by
Stefan Bielinski


Gysbert Marselis was born in March 1724. He was the first child of the marriage of Albany businessman Johannes Marselis and his wife, Anna Beekman Marselis. He grew up in a large family in the first ward. His father died in 1746. His widowed mother did not re-marry and lived for several decades - perhaps into the 1780s.

Gysbert married Catharina Wendell in November 1751. By 1767, the marriage produced at least seven children who were christened in the Albany Dutch church where both parents were members and pewholders.

These Marselises also lived in the first ward where Gysbert was a noted Hudson River skipper. He was a freeholder and his property was accorded moderate assessments. In 1749, he was appointed constable. In 1761, he was recommended for the office of sheriff but was not appointed. In 1766, he was named an heir and co-executor of the estate of his brother.

biography in-progress

Gysbert Marselis died in June 1779 at the age of fifty-five. His widow lived until 1815.

biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Gysbert Marselis is CAP biography number 718. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. We have taken care not to confuse his life with that of skipper Gysbert G. (or Jr.) Marselis - his younger and more prominent cousin.

Bible of Gysbert Marselis has been transcribed online.




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first posted: 3/10/04; revised 2/15/07