Anthony Coster
by
Stefan Bielinski


Anthony Coster was born about 1668. He was the only surviving son from the marriage of New Netherland pioneer Henry Coster and Geertje Van Schaick.

His father died in 1678 and his mother soon re-married and began a second family. By 1697, Anthony was living alone in an Albany house. The next year, he married Elizabeth Ten Broeck - the daughter of his neighbor who was one of the most important personages in the upriver region. The marriage produced four children who were baptized in the Albany Dutch church where he was a frequent baptism sponsor. His son probably was a bachelor and sometime Albany resident who had ties to Oswego.

These Costers lived on the north side of State Street. Anthony was identified as a baker but had assets comparable to those of a successful merchant. In 1699, his name appeared on a list of Albany residents swearing allegiance to the king of England.

He served the community as assessor, firemaster, juror, and assistant alderman for the first ward in 1703. In 1715, he was identified as a member of a troop of the Albany County Militia. In 1720 and 1742, his name appeared on lists of freemen living in the city of Albany. He also owned pasture land south of the city.

Living into his eighties, Anthony Coster died in February 1753 and was buried in the church. The Coster name dropped from Albany rolls with his passing. His widow lived for four more years.

biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Anthony Coster is CAP biography number 5968. This profile is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




Home | Site Index | Navigation | Email | New York State Museum


first posted: 2/10/04