Machtelt Schermerhorn Beekman
by
Stefan Bielinski


Machtelt Schermerhorn was born during the early 1660s. She was the daughter of New Netherland pioneers Jacob Janse and Jannetje Seegers Schermerhorn. She grew up in her father's Albany house. In 1688, she was left a share of her father's estate.

About 1683, she married Albany resident Johannes M. Beekman. By 1689, four children had been baptized at the Albany Dutch church where both parents were members.

While the Schermerhorns were actively involved in the establishment of Schenectady, these Beekmans lived in Albany's second ward. Johannes Martense was known as a blacksmith and businesman, traded in real estate, and served the municipal government.

Their marriage, however, was short lived as Beekman re-married in October 1692. Machtelt Schermerhorn Beekman probably died following the birth of her last child in January 1689. She probably lived less than thirty years.

biography in-progress



notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Machtelt Schermerhorn Beekman is CAP biography number 5483. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




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first posted: 3/10/05