Gysbert Vandenbergh

by


Albany mason Gysbert Vandenbergh was born during the late 1600s - probably within a few years of 1690. He was the son of Cornelis G. and his second wife Cornelia Vanderpoel Vandenbergh. His baptism does not appear to have been recorded in extant church records. Named for his pioneer grandfather, Gysbert Cornelisse grew up in a large combined family in Albany and on his father's farm in surrounding Rensselaerswyck.

In February 1712, he was among those who witnessed the will of a neighbor. In 1714, he was among the eight living children named in the will filed by his father.

His wife was Catharina (perhaps Van Hoesen). Between 1712 and 1729, six of their children were christened at the Albany Dutch church where the parents were pewholders and frequent baptism sponsors.

In 1715, he was named firemaster for the third ward. He was appointed again in 1729. In 1720 and again in 1742, his name appeared on a list of freeholders in the third ward. In 1763, this long-lived individual was identified as a freeholder in "Albany."

In August 1743, he was contracted by the city corporation to set up 600 stockadoes on the south side of the fort in the direction of the Ruttenkill.

In May 1749, he was named co-executor of the estate of his brother - a bricklayer. Another co-executor, brother Wilhelmus, was a mason. In 1756, a census of city householders identified "Gisbt. Vanderbarack" as a mason and the principal of a third ward home that appears to have had five rooms and three fireplaces.

In 1767, his property in the third ward was valued modestly on the city assessment roll. During those years, Gysbert's lot in the West Manor was valued modestly as well.

After the 1760s, the name of Gysbert Vandenbergh no longer was found on the community rolls. We seek information on his passing.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Gysbert Vandenbergh is CAP biography number 5796. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.

Lifespan: This Gysbert appears to be the only individual of his family at risk during what we are calling his effective lifespan.





first posted: 11/10/11