Wilhelmus Van Antwerpen

by


Wilhelmus Van Antwerpen was born in January 1722. He was the son of Schenectady residents Daniel and Ariaantie Veeder Van Antwerpen. He was known as "Helmer" and "Helmus," exotic variants of William.

In March 1744, he married Hilletie Van Vranken of Niskayuna at the Schenectady Dutch church. The marriage produced several children.

Wilhelmus Van Antwerpen settled in Albany where he was known as a Hudson River skipper. In 1763, his name appeared on a list of Albany freeholders. During the 1760s, his third ward holdings were accorded a moderate assessment. At the same time, he held modestly valued land in Schenectady and in the West Manor.

In 1758, he was appointed firemaster for the second ward. Over the next decades, he was occasionally reimbursed by the city for services. In 1766, he signed the constitution of the Albany Sons of Liberty.

Over the next years, he relocated to the Mohawk.

Wilhelmus Van Antwerpen filed a will in November 1781. At that time, he was living in Canastagauna. It mentioned his wife and several children. The will passed probate in November 1784. He had lived about sixty years.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Wilhelmus Van Antwerpen is CAP biography number 6635. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted: 6/10/07