Elizabeth Van Epps Bancker

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According to traditional sources, Elizabeth Van Epps was born about 1623. She was the daughter of New Netherland pioneers Dirck and Maria Damens Van Epps.

By 1660, she had become the wife of Albany newcomer - trader Gerrit Bancker. She was the mother of several children who were christened at the Albany Dutch church where she was a member and regular baptism sponsor.

These Banckers held property in several locations but were known as Albany mainstays for three decades. As Gerrit often was away from their Albany home, Lysbeth's activities were of higher profile than those of many early Albany women.

Elizabeth Van Epps Bancker lost her husband in 1691. A year earlier, she had been named as principal heir in his will. Controlling substantial property in Albany, Schenectady, and New York, she re-located to Manhattan where she died on July 3, 1693 at the age of seventy. Her son, Evert Bancker, inherited her substantial estate and became mayor of Albany in 1694.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Elizabeth Van Epps Bancker is CAP biography number 6698. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted: 4/20/06