Harmanus Wendell

Harmanus Wendell was born in June 1742. He was born a few months after the marriage of Harmanus and Catharina Van Vechten Wendell - the eldest of their nine children. Young Harmanus grew up in prominent merchant's home on Market Street. In 1769, he was listed among the children and heirs of his father. But, unlike his younger siblings, he already had extensive accounts with Harmanus Wendell - the elder.

He married Catharina Van Rensselaer. Between 1768 and 1777 their four children had been christened at the Schenectady Dutch church.

These Wendells lived in Schenectady where Harmanus engaged in business, paid substantial taxes, and managed his family's property. In 1764, he was recommended for a lieutentancy in a Schenectady militia company.

However, Harmanus Wendell was dead by the time their last daughter was baptized in March 1777. He had not lived thirty-five years!

Sources: The life of Harmanus Wendell is CAP biography number 2673. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.