William Radcliff

William Radcliff was christened at the Albany Dutch church on November 3, 1700. He was the son of John and Rachel Van Valkenburgh Radcliff. He grew up in a large family of modest means on the southside of Albany.

During his early adulthood, William provided a variety of to Albany organizations. These accounts illustrate some of those services and what he would receive: In December 1723, the church paid "Willem 6s for services provided the minister on his visits to the colony." On July 26, 1727, "Willem and Jacobus Redlief were paid £6 8s 1p for stone and paving stone according to their bill." In September 1732, he was paid four shillings "for the woodwork."

In February 1725, he married Martha Bennewe at the Albany Dutch church. By 1732, four children reflecting the names of the grandparents had been christened at the church where he witnessed a number of family related baptisms between 1729 and 1732.

The March 18, 1734 issue of the New York Weekly Journal reported that "[William Ratcliff] late of Albany -- died from fracture of skull." "Willem Redlif" was buried from the church in Albany on February 12.

Albany native William Radcliff had lived almost thirty-four years. Later that year, his widow remarried and bore more children.

Sources: The life of William Radcliff is CAP biography number 1194. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.