John Christopher Olly

by


Albany resident John Olly (aka Christopher or Johan Christopher Ohle) was born during the first half of the eighteenth century. We seek defining information on his origins and path to Albany. He probably was of German ancestry and perhaps emigrated to Pennsylvania where he was among those newcomers naturalized in 1751. This individual is defined as the first of possibly three, same-named individuals to live in Albany during the second half of the century.

By April 1756, he was married to a woman named "Anna Geertruy" when their daughter was christened at the Schenectady Dutch church. In December 1754, same-named parents christened a daughter at the Lutheran church in Schoharie. Perhaps, later Albany resident "Christopher Olly, Sr." was Johan Christopher's son.

In July 1756, "Christopher Olly" was identified as a "retailer of liquor" on an inventory of Albany households made by the British army. His house was deemed suitable to quarter up to six enlisted men but no officers. At that time, Olly's family occupied only one room.

With so many unanswered questions regarding the life of this John Olly we move on for now.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of John Christopher Olly has no CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted 3/10/13