Francis Stoop

Referred to variously (Frans Strup), Francis Stoop lived in Albany during the 1770s and 80s. Perhaps he came from Belgium following the Seven Years War.

In October 1773, city records printed his statement that "he lives out at the North Gate where he keeps his bed and Board at Abm De Weevers (probably his father-in-law); that he Lodges every night when in Town there, that goes with a Sloop."

His name appears on an undated roster of the Third (Watervliet) Regiment of Albany County militia under Colonel Philip P. Schuyler.

His wife was Catharine De Wever. Between 1774 and 1785, five children were christened at the Albany Dutch church.

The will filed by Abraham Verplanck of Rensselaerswyck in March 1784 showed a debt of £65 owed by Stoop - probably relating to part ownership of the soon-to-be-deceased Verplanck's sloop.

Francis Stoop was dead by 1788, when his widow's second ward property was accorded a modest assessment. In 1790 Catherine Stoop was listed on the census.

We seek defining information on his origins and end of life (probably 1785-88). At this point, these features remain only questions.

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