by Stefan Bielinski Elsie Gansevoort was born about 1671. She was the daughter of New Netherland pioneers Harme and Maria Conyn Gansevoort. This brewer's daughter grew up along the Albany waterfront. As she had only one brother, the Gansevoorts took care to find a mate for Elsie who would be an asset to their family enterprise. In May 1689, she married emerging businessman Frans Winne. Their eight children were baptized in the Albany Dutch church between 1690 and 1707 where both parents were members. These Winnes lived near her parents' home in Albany's third ward where Frans was a merchant and city official. Elsie Gansevoort Winne was alive in March 1713 when she joined her husband in witnessing the baptism of their nephew, Frans Winne. 
The birth date of 1671 has been taken from genealogical sources. If correct, she may have been eighteen years old at the time of her marriage and twelve years younger than her husband! first posted: 01/12/02; last revised 4/15/06 |
