Jan Hendrickse Van Bael

The New Netherland pioneer known variously as Jan Hendrickse Van Bael lived in Beverwyck/Albany and its environs from at least the late 1650s to the late 1670s. A number of same or similarly named contemporaries are at risk in the greater Albany area. This individual is said to have been born in 1636 and to have died in 1682. As with many of his contemporaries, a paucity of sources inhibits us from providing much original insight on his life. This outline sketch organizes what is known and thought of regarding his life.

In July 1658, he purchased a house and lot in Beverwyck from Uldrick Klien.

Beginning in 1661, he is said to have been a "free trader" and freeholder in Beverwyck. However, his name is absent from the list of area traders compiled in 1660.

He is thought to have owned property on the north side of what became State Street above its intersection with Pearl.

In October 1674, he was among those invited to the funeral of Jeremias Van Rensselaer. At that time, he was identified as "Cornet Jan H. van Bael."

Jan Hendrickse Van Bael is said to have had a son and three daughters. Perhaps, his wife was the widow Helena Teller Bogardus.

He is said to have died in 1682. Thus, his widow re-married in 1683.

As late as 1775, legislation surrounding the so-called "Van Baal Patent" of 1672 (along the upper Normanskill in today's Guilderland) was enacted by the provincial government.

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

Random yet potentially useful notes:

From Holland Dames - Van Baal, Jan Hendrickse, 1636-1682. Freeholder in Beverwyck, 1661. Patentee on the Normanskill, 1661. Magistrate of Fort Orange and Indian Commissioner, 1664, 1666, 1670, 1672. Cornet in Troop of Captain Jeremias Van Rensselaer, 1670. 52, 53.

From PFS (p.176): "Van Baal* Jan hendrickse. free trader in Beverwyck 1661-78; beside houses and lots in the village, had a patent for a large tract of land on the Normanskil, which was sold to Omy LaGrange and Johanues Symouse Veeder for 250 pounds. He had an only son Hendrick who died before 1716, and four daughters, Hannah non compos mentis ; Maria, who m. Isaac DcPcyster, merchant of N. Y., Dec. 27, 1687 ; Margaret, who m. Nicolaas Evertsen, mariner of N. Y., and Rachel, who m. Henry Wlleman of N. Y."