John De Peyster Ten Eyck

by


This John Ten Eyck was born in October 1757. He was the third son of Tobias H. and Rachel De Peyster Ten Eyck. Named for his prominent and long-lived grandfather, John De Peyster Ten Eyck grew up in his merchant father's comfortable home in Schenectady.

In August 1774, he was among the six sons named (along with their mother) in the will filed by "Tobias Ten Eyck of Schenectady."

John D.P. Ten Eyck was twenty-eight at the outbreak of hostilities in 1775. By 1777, he was serving as lieutenant and paymaster of the First Canadian Regiment commanded by Colonel James Livingston. Two years later, he had been promoted to captain. He retired from the military in January 1781. Afterwards, he received land bounties for wartime service.

In January 1782, he married Maria Douw - the twenty-one-year-old younger daughter of a former mayor of Albany. He was a member and supporter of the Albany Dutch church. However, the marriage may have only produced two children - one of whom was named "John De Peyster Ten Eyck."

After the war, this Ten Eyck family settled in Albany - making their home in a landmark family house on State Street. In 1788, he was elected to the New York State Assembly. He also served as an inspector in the first ward. In 1790, his home at 82 State Street was served by four slaves.

In August 1788, he supported the Albany celebration of the ratification of the Federal constitution by carrying the "State Standard." He also was a member of the Albany Masonic lodge.

John De Peyster Ten Eyck died in April 1798 at the age of forty. His will passed probate in 1817. Widow Maria Douw Ten Eyck lived on in their State Street home until her death in 1818.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of John De Peyster Ten Eyck is CAP biography number 4891. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. Tobias H. Ten Eyck died in February 1785. Two months later Tobias's will passed probate.




first posted 6/15/07; updated 11/14/13