John Mc Dole

by


Known variously (Mc Dowell or even John Dole), Albany resident John Mc Dole probably was born about 1750.

In August 1772, he married "Catherine Clerk" (possibly a daughter of Patrick Clark) at St. Peter's Anglican church. His marriage(s) produced some children apparently over a long period of time. His family received services in both St. Peter's and in the Dutch church.

In March 1779, his house and property first appeared on an Albany assessment roll.

In August 1779, he was brought before the Commissioners on Conspiracies and accused of harboring an escaped prisoner. He denied the charge and was released on good behavior until the State government re-convened. However, a year later, he was accused of aiding escapees fleeing to Canada. Again, he was examined but released. We seek to account for his wartime activities more closely.

In 1788, perhaps he owed money to the estate of his neighbor, the late Dr. Henry Van Dyck. In 1788 and in 1799, his Southside home and holdings were valued on the assessment roll. In 1790, his household included a boy and five females. A decade later, the Mc Dole household included a boy and two small girls.

In March 1798, a jury list identified him as a "gentleman."

In 1813 and afterwards, city directories listed his residence as 52 Liberty Street - a location on a new street parallel to and west of South Market Street.

John Mc Dole died in November 1821 and was buried from his Liberty Street home. By that time, several "Mc Dowall" named households were listed in the city directory His will passed probate in January 1822.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of John Mc Dole has not been assigned a CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. We seek defining information on his background and the scope of his business.





first posted: 12/20/08