John Burgiss
by
Stefan Bielinski

John Burgiss was a one-time British soldier who settled in Albany. Provincial military records reveal that in March 1757 he was a bombardier in a detachment of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. The family name seems to have taken on a number of relevant variants (Bortles). We seek more clarity on this individual's precise origins.

In 1767, he was identified as the owner of a modest house in Albany's second ward. Shortly thereafter, his wife and family began to be listed among the members of St. Peter's English church. In 1768, his "family" had four members.

In January 1770, he was among twenty-one (mostly Anglo newcomers) men appointed to the Albany "night watch." The next year, his account was paid by the city government. In 1779, his real property in the first ward was listed on city assessment rolls.

After the war, he was granted a bounty right in conjunction with the first regiment of the Albany County militia. We seek additional information on his wartime activities.

In 1788, his house and personal property were valued modestly on the first ward assessment roll.

In 1790, his second ward household was enumerated on the first federal census. In 1797, he was included on a list of eligible jurors and identified as a cartman living in the second ward.

After 1797, we have not encountered this individual in our sweeps of community or Internet based resources. Perhaps his son was Albany resident Thomas Burgiss who died in 1812. His daughter may have married schoolteacher and businessman George Mc Elcheran!

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notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of John Burgiss/Burgess/Burgdis is CAP biography number 7483. This profile is derived chiefly from community-based resources. We seek defining information on his origins, marriage, and passing!




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first posted: 2/15/03; updated 2/20/19