Benjamin Egbertse

Benjamin Egbertse was born in March 1686. He was the son of Albany residents Egbert Teunise and Maria Bradt Egbertse. He grew up in a businessman's home in Albany's third ward. However, he was not named in the will filed by his father in 1704.

About 1710, he married Anna Visscher. By 1720, the marriage had produced four children who were christened in the Albany Dutch church where he was a member, pewholder, and baptism sponsor.

These Egbertses settled on Pearl Street in Albany's second ward. Benjamin was a businessman and active in civic affairs. In 1720 and again in 1742, he was identified as a freeholder living in the second ward. A census of households taken by the British army in 1756 called him "Mr. Benj. Egbers" and identified him as a merchant. In 1764, his name may have been included on a petition signed by Albany merchants.

He held a number of local positions. In 1708, he was appointed constable for the third ward while still living in his father's house. In 1714, he was chosen to be a firemaster for the first ward. In 1725, he was selected to serve as firemaster in the second ward. He also served in the militia and as juror and contractor of the city.

In November 1737, he was among those who witnessed the will of an Albany neighbor.

In January 1774, a letter referring to his accounts stated that Benjamin Egbertse was deceased.

Sources: The life of Benjamin Egbertse is CAP biography number 4508. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.