Rachel Van Zandt Yates

by


Rachel Van Zandt was born in August 1764. She was the eldest daughter of Rensselaerswyck residents Gysbert and Rebecca Winne Van Zandt. She grew up in a carpenter's home in what became the town of Bethlehem.

In January 1786, Rachel married Albany native Henry Yates at the Albany Dutch church. By 1803, eight children had been christened in Albany.

These Yateses raised their family in a modest home in the first ward. Henry was a Southside mainstay until his death between 1810 and 1813.

By 1813, Rachel was a widow and the head of a household at 22 Green Street. She remained at that address for a number of years. By 1820, she was sharing a residence with her son, Henry H. Yates, at his home around the corner at 40 Hudson Street. She lived there until at least 1830. Her father appears to have lived with her until his death in March 1824 at the age of ninety-one. Beyond that, we seek information on her later life.

Rachel Van Zandt Yates died in April 1846 and was buried in the church plot. She had lived for more than eighty years.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Rachel Van Zandt Yates is CAP biography number 316. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted: 11/10/07