Martin Gerritse Van Bergen

Joseph Yates, Jr.

by


Joseph Yates, Jr. was born in March 1695. He was the son of Albany residents Joseph and Huybertie Marselis Yates. He grew up in a blacksmith's home on the South side of Albany.

In May 1719, he married a slightly older Hendrickie Hooghkerk at the Albany Dutch church. By 1736, eight children had been christened at the Albany church where he was a member, pewholder, and occasional baptism sponsor.

He followed his father and older brother in the smith's trade and was a first ward mainstay for many years. He served his community as constable and firemaster, served in the city company of the militia, and was among those listed as freeholders on several during the eighteenth century. He was a contractor of the city and owned Albany property in addition to his house and shop. As late as 1767, his holdings were accorded a moderate assessment. His life appears to have been confined to Albany and should not be confused with the more wide-ranging ambitions of his cousin, Joseph Yates of Schenectady.

Joseph Yates, Jr. lost his wife in January 1750. In 1752, he witnessed the will of an Albany neighbor.

He was last noted in the community record in 1775 when "Joseph Yates" was among the Albany residents who contributed supplies for the relief of Ticonderoga. He would have been eighty-years-old at that time!


biography in-progress


notes
the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Joseph Yates, Jr. is CAP biography number 4420. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. He was known as "Joseph Yates, Jr."




first posted 11/15/05; last revised 7/25/13