Arent Vandenbergh

Arent Vandenbergh was in Beverwyck and Albany from the 1650s into the 1670s. He may (or maybe not) have been a member of the larger Vandenbergh family of early Albany and beyond.

He is said to have come to New Netherland in 1654 and to have served as a corporal at Fort Orange.

In May 1661, he leased a lot in Rensselaerswyck (behind the fort).

By the mid 1660s, he was known as a tailor and master tailor who employed a journeyman tailor in 1674. He also was involved in the fur trade and in June 1677 was charged by the sheriff with illegally employing an Indian as a broker.

His wife was known as "Maria Arents" and is said to have been the sister of Andries Hendrickse. Only their daughter appears to have made a life in Albany as an adult. Widow Maria is said to still have been alive in 1714.

He lived in and owned a house and lot (perhaps in more than one location) in Albany and its predecessor. His house on the hill was referenced as late as December 1678.

Arent Vandenbergh was dead by March 1679 when his widow granted a power of attorney to her son-in-law, John Gilbert. In 1681, Gilbert was living in Arent's house located on the west side of Pearl Street - north of Maiden Lane.

Sources: The life of Arent Vandenbergh is CAP biography number 5639. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.

We are not at all certain about this individual's connection to the larger and more spread out Albany Vandenbergh family. This sketch compiles and consolidates available information on a heretofore obscure (yet fundamental) first-generation American. It is very much in-progress and awaits defining information.