Nicholas Bleecker

by


Nicholas Bleecker was born in January 1758. He was the son of Hendrick Jr. and Catharina Cuyler Bleecker. He grew up in the middling-size family of a prominent businessman and city offical in a comfortable home on Pearl Street. At this point, our exposition is constrained by the existence of several same-named individuals living in Albany and its environs.

This Nicholas Bleecker came of age during the dark days of the War for Independence. We have not been able to connect him definitively to wartime activities but afterwards he was accorded a land bounty right in conjunction with the Albany militia regiment.

About 1783, he married Staats Island native Neeltie Staats. By 1800, nine children had been christened in the Albany Dutch church where both parents were members and pewholders.

He seems to have followed his father in business and in community service - appointed firemaster in 1778 and elected alderman and supervisor several decades later. He also sat on the boards of the Albany Bank and other community-based organizations. In 1779, he was named heir and co-executor of the will filed by his father. His first home was on Pearl Street either in or near that of his family. In 1790, his second ward household included five people. By 1800, he had settled permanently at what became 288 North Market Street and was in business with his younger brother. That census identified him as a slaveholder - although he freed them shortly thereafter.

During those years, he owned a storehouse and other properties associated with his business. He also bought and sold real estate in and beyond Albany.

Nicholas Bleecker lost his wife in 1831. He died in January 1844 at the age of eighty-six. His will passed probate two months later.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Nicholas Bleecker is CAP biography number 222. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.





first posted: 6/30/08