Gerrit Van Wie

Family-based resources tell us that Gerrit Van Wie was born about 1678. He was the son of Van Wie patriarch Hendrick Gerritse and Eytie (Feytje) Ariaans Van Wie. He appears to have been the eldest of at least nine children born prior to 1690. A variety of resources also have referred to his individual as "Gerrit Hendrickse."

Children were acknowledged and considered but not named (perhaps excepting Gerrit) in the will filed by his father - probably in 1690. Gerrit's mother was named as primary heir. Hendrick Gerrritse died shortly thereafter and his widow remarried.

In 1697, "Gerrit van Wey" was alone in his Rensselaerswyck home.

In November 1698, "Gerrit Hendriksz Van Wyen, [married] Agnietje Conyn" at the Albany Dutch church. At that time, the partners were identified as single people "living here." By 1703, three children had been christened at the church where the parents were occasional baptism sponsors.

In 1715, his name appeared on a roster of the militia company commanded by Hendrick Van Rensselaer. Most of his fellow militiamen lived in the Manor on both sides of the river.

Perhaps he was the Gerrit Van Wie listed with other family members on rolls of freeholders in Rensselaerswyck in 1720 and in 1742.

Gerrit Van Wie lost his wife in March 1746. He died later in the year and was buried in December 1746. This son of one of the early settlers of Beverwyck lived most if not all of his life in the Albany hinterland - most likely on the family property on Van Wie's Point.

Sources: The life of Gerrit Van Wie is CAP biography number 6593. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. Online: Wiki;