Johannes Marselis was born in May 1695. He was a son in the large Albany family of Gysbert and Barbara Groesbeck Marselis. A one-time shoemaker, his father became a prominent businessman and community leader.

In July 1723, he married Anna (Johanna) Beekman at the Albany Dutch church where their eight children were baptized between 1724 and 1742.

Johannes or John came of age during the decades of peace beginning in 1713. In 1715, he was identified as a private in an Albany militia company. Following his marriage, he was appointed firemaster in the first ward where these Marselises set up their home. Johannes seems to have followed his father in business. He was elected alderman for the first ward four times beginning in 1740.

Johannes Marselis died in January 1746 - a few months shy of his fifty-first birthday. His widow lived in their Albany home for many years.

Sources: The life of Johannes Marselis is CAP biography number 733. This profile is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.