Cornelis Van Ness

Cornelis Van Ness was born in Holland about 1630. He emigrated to New Netherland about 1641.

He appears to have married twice. In April 1654, he wed Anneke Wessels in New Amsterdam. In 1664, he married a widow born Marite Damens. That marriage produced seven children. An affidavit dated November 1665 identified him as her husband and guardian. In 1670, Maritie was able to take possession of her land at Canestagione.

Traditional sources tell us he was a brewer who had a house in Beverwyck and a house, lot, and brewery in Greenbush and that he died in New Jersey in 1679 or about 1682.

However, in 1697, the home of a Cornelis Van Ness in the Manor housed two men.

In any event, the name of this Cornelis Van Ness dropped from Albany area rolls by the end of the century.

Sources: The life of Cornelis Van Ness is CAP biography number 887. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. We seek more definitive information on his origins and passing.