Willem Van Allen
by
Stefan Bielinski


Willem Van Allen probably was born during the 1670s. He was the American-born son of Pieter and Maria Teller Van Allen. His father died in 1674 and his mother re-married.

He married Maria Van Patten in November 1695. By 1710, their eight children were baptized at the Albany Dutch church where both parents were members and frequent baptism sponsors.

In 1697, his budding family was configured on the Albany census. Two years later, he joined with his neighbors in swearing allegiance to the King of England. In 1702 and 1709, his first ward property supported a substantial assessment - comparable to that of successful merchant/traders. During the early 1700s, he served his community as a juror and assessor for the first ward. In 1715, his name was on the roster of a troop of horse in the Albany militia.

He was known as a mariner and as master of a vessel that sailed to Albany. In 1715, he was left personal property including wheelwright's tools in the will of his step-father.

In 1717, he was identified as in possession of a farm in Bethlehem in a Van Rensselaer will.

In June 1737, he witnessed the will of Jan Rosie.

Willem Van Allen died in April 1753.

biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Willem Van Allen is CAP biography number 5687. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




Home | Site Index | Navigation | Email | New York State Museum


first posted: 5/20/04