Johannes S. Pruyn

by


Johannes S. Pruyn was born July 1723. He was the last child born to the marriage of Samuel and Maria Bogert Pruyn. He grew up in a blacksmith's home on a back street in the third ward. He was known in the community as "Johannes S. Pruyn."

By 1749, he had married Rensselaerswyck native Jannetie Van Alstyne. Over the next sixteen years, the marriage produced seven children. He was a member and pewholder at the Albany Dutch church. In March 1752, he was named to share in the estate of his father.

In 1749 and 1750, he was named a firemaster for the third ward. On a number of occasions he was paid by the city government for services. In 1759 and 1762, he was paid for services performed by his slave. On the latter occasion, his re-imbursement was partially offset by what Pruyn owed for lottery tickets.

In 1756, he was identified as a shoemaker on a census of Albany householders. In 1763, the name of "johannes S. pruyn" appeared on a list of Albany freeholders. His third ward property was valued on city assessment rolls. At that time, this shoemaker also held a lot along Foxes Creek.

Unless he was listed only as "John Pruyn," Johannes S. Pruyn probably died before 1790 as his holdings were no longer referenced on the census or assessment rolls.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Johannes S. Pruyn is CAP biography number 3557. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.





first posted: 2/25/08