Johannes Ostrander

Future Albany resident Johannes Ostrander was born in September 1688. He most likely was the son of Ulster County residents Pieter and Rebecca Traphagen Ostrander. However, we seek more definitive information on his origins and path to Albany. Sometimes referred to as "Van Ostrande," he may have been the first Ostrander to live in the city of Albany.

In February 1713, he married Elizabeth Vandenbergh at the church in Kingston. Following the wedding, the couple appears to have relocated to Albany. In January 1715, the first child was christened at the Albany Dutch church. By 1739, the couple had baptized eleven more children at the Albany church where Johannes was a regular baptism sponsor.

This Ostrander family first made its home in Albany's third ward where Johannes was appointed firemaster in 1718. In 1720, his name appeared on a first ward freeholders list. In 1723, 1724, and 1727, he was elected assistant alderman. By 1729, he had relocated to the first ward where he was elected assistant alderman. He was reelected five more times. In 1731, this Kingston native applied and was granted freeman's status. In 1715, his name appeared on the roster of an Albany militia company. During these years, his home was a first ward landmark and his accounts were paid by the city.

Johannes Ostrander was last heard from in Albany in June 1735 when he was paid by the city for "laying ground along the city wall." We seek information on his later life and passing.

Sources: The life of Johannes Ostrander has not been assigned a CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.