James Elliot

Spelled variously, one-time Albany resident James Elliot was born prior to 1755. He is said to have migrated from New England. However, we seek defining information on his origins and path to Albany. A number of same-named contemporaries are at risk.

His wife was Albany native Rebecca Kidney (b. 1723). It appears that their marriage produced children. However, we have not documented christenings in the extant records of early Albany churches. On the other hand, some baptism information has been found in church records from Dutchess County during the 1750s. We seek church affiliation information. In May 1786, James and Rebecca witnessed a baptism at the Albany Lutheran church.

We seek information on his wartime activities. His name has not been found in the record of Albany's wartime agencies. However, afterwards, he received a land bounty right in conjunction with the city militia regiment.

Beginning in 1784, he was chosen city marshall. He still held the office in 1792.

On September 10, 1785, he was among those who "purchased" a lot where the "old store" stood from the city corporation.

These Elliots made their home near those of Rebecca's kin on the Southside of Albany. In 1788, his house and property were valued on the city assessment roll. A decade later, only his personal property was valued at $25 - perhaps under the property of the Court Street Bogerts.

In 1790, his first ward household consisted of a man and two females. A decade later, an aging couple and a young boy lived in his household. At that time, another same-named but younger couple lived on the north side of the city. Also, "Jane Elliott" and another similarly aged female shared a third ward home. In 1810, this individual's household was configured on the city census for the final time.

Rebecca Kidney Elliot died in February 1809 and was buried in the Dutch church plot.

Beginning with the first edition in 1813 and thru the 1815 edition, he was listed in the city directories at 25, 27, and 29 Washington/South Pearl Street.

In 1814, he was listed as "serjeant" on a roster entitled "Officers in Chancery."

James Elliot was dead by November 1816 when letters of administration were issued on his estate.

Sources: The life of James Elliot is CAP biography number 7941. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.