Claes Janse Van Bockhoven

Claes Janse probably was born in Europe during the second quarter of the seventeenth century. Several possibilities exist as to his origins. He sometimes was referred to as "Claas de Brabender" or as "Bokhovan."

During his lifetime, he held land in Rensselaerswyck, at Canastigione, in Albany, and at Schenectady. Although he owned a number of houses and a farm as well, the number of his real estate transactions might support characterizing him as a land trader.

By 1662, he was living in Beverwyck and had a lot on the Vosenkill. He also held land beyond the north gate.

His first wife was Volkertje Jans. In February 1691, he signed a contract to marry Cathalina De Vos - the widow of Andries Bradt. It appears that these marriages produced no children. However he was a member of the Albany Dutch church. Over the years, he also had a number of slaves and at least one indentured servant.

In 1697, he was living alone with another man and was identified as "Claes Rust." In 1702, his third ward house was listed on the Albany assessment roll.

Folowing his second marriage, he is said to have lived in Schenectady. In 1709, his widow was listed on a Schenectady assessment roll.

He filed a will in January 1699. It stated that he was of the village of Schenectady. It made a number of substantial and interesting provisions. Claes Janse Van Bockhoven was dead by April 1712 when the will passed probate.

Sources: The life of Claes Janse Van Bockhoven is CAP biography number 6521. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.