Frans S. Pruyn

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Frans S. Pruyn was born in March 1704. He was the first son of Samuel and Maria Bogert Pruyn. He was known as "Franciscus" or "Frans S." Pruyn to help prevent confusion with Frans Pruyn, Jr., a contemporary who was twenty-one-years older. He grew up as part of a relatively small family in a landmark home located on the corner of Maiden Lane and Middle Alley.

His first wife is said to have been "Anna." In July 1726, he married Alida Van Iveren at the Albany Dutch church. By 1744, he had fathered eight children who were christened in the Albany church where he was a regular baptism sponsor.

In 1731, he was appointed firemaster for the second ward. In 1745, he was elected assistant. And in 1761, he was elected alderman - marking him as one of the community's leading businessmen. Two years later, his name appeared on a list of Albany freeholders.

His father was a blacksmith who named him along with his mother and brothers as heirs in his will. In 1756, his house was configured on the Albany census. He also was identified as a "smith" - which had several meanings at that time. Because he was an alderman, he probably was more merchant than metalworker. In 1767, his second ward home was valued on the assessment roll.

Frans S. Pruyn may have been buried in August 1767. His widow and son carried on in their Pearl Street home.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Frans S. Pruyn is CAP biography number 3537. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted: 12/25/05