Joseph R. Van Zandt was born in the summer of 1773. He was the third son born to Albany residents Ryckert and Sara Hilton Van Zandt. He grew up on the south side of Albany where his father was a carpenter and contractor.

He maried Peggy Pearse in September 1804.

In 1810, his Albany household included his wife, two daughters, two younger men, and two slaves.

He was a merchant whose store was at the corner of State and Dock Streets. City directories fixed the address as 17 State Street. His business partner was George Hanford.

Joseph R. Van Zandt died in March 1836. His will passed probate a month later.

Sources: The life of Joseph R. Van Zandt is CAP biography number 298. This profile is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.