Mary Burk Mc Cew

Mary Burk probably was born during the 1730s. We seek information on her origins and path to Albany.

In September 1758, she married William Mc Cew at the Albany Dutch church. At that time, both partners were identified as "of Albany." No information on children has been found in the available records of early Albany churches.

"Mc Cue" was a newcomer tailor who seems to have settled in Albany during the Seven Years War. During the 1760s, his third ward holdings were valued moderately.

However, In September 1763, Mc Cew posted a notice in the New York Mercury stating that "Whereas, Mary McCew, has eloped from her bed and board, and had taken with her cash and goods to a considerable value; these are to desire all persons whatsoever not to credit the said Mary on my account, as I will pay no debts she shall or may contract from the date here of."

But Mary (or another Mary) seems to have been living with him in September 1771 when a now "sickly" Mc Cew filed a will naming her as executor and principal heir. Mc Cew was dead by September 24 when the will passed probate.

Mc Cew's bequest to his widow included the "time" of an apprentice, a journeyman, and "the little girl Jenny," whom he instructed Mary to "bring her up as a child ought to be."

In December 1771, "a young man at Mr. Mac Cew's" was listed among the members of St. Peter's Anglican church.

Beginning in 1772, Widow Mc Cew was advertizing in the Albany Gazette that she was "carrying on the tailoring business" and that she had "engaged proper hands for that purpose. In October 1773, the city council noted that the widow had a house and that she "takes in boarders" - formerly including tailor Patrick Gahagan.

After that, her name has not been found in the community-based record. We seek information on the later life and passing of Mary Burk Mc Cew.

Sources: The life of Mary Burk Mc Cew is CAP biography number 7492. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.