Jacob Dockstader

Spelled and referenced variously, Jacob Dockstader was listed (spelled "Doxtrader") on the Albany census as the head of a household in 1800. That principal would have been born between 1756 and 1774, In 1800, that second ward household also included four young girls and a woman about his age. A year later, the Albany government noted that he was a tavern owner who was to pay $12 for a license. Beyond that, little of note has been recovered in the community-based record while the surname is widely referenced following sweeps of Internet-based resources. We seek defining information on his origins and path to Albany.

In 1797, "Jacob Dockstader" was selling "Webster's Almanac" at "his printing office, Johnstown." During those years, he published a newspaper and also printed books. At this point, we cannot connect this individual to the Albany resident of 1800.

Internet-based and other traditional resources tell us that "Jacob Dockstader" was born about 1755. Thus, he would have been the son of Henry and Sarah - perhaps descendants of Palatine Germans living in the Mohawk Valley. However, another family line under that general name appears to have an Oneida lineage. This sketch seeks to provide demographics for the Jacob Dockstader noted on the Albany census in 1800.

"Jacob's" wife was named Lea and they produced at least one son born in 1787 but not found in the extant records of early Albany churches.

One Jacob Dockstader was among those who witnessed a (land sale) treaty with the Oneida people signed in Albany in March 1815. In 1804, probably that person had been identified as "an Oneida Indian" in New York State documents. At this point, we cannot say whether his forebears were German or Native American.

Jacob Dockstader is said to have died in Oneida County in March 1832. He had lived about 77 years.

At this point, we are certain only that a number of similarly named individuals were living prominently in upstate New York. With so many spelling possibilities for individuals with diverse life stories, we pause for a while to seek preliminary clarity for the story of sometime Albany resident Jacob Dockstader.

Sources: The life of Jacob Dockstader has no CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. Jacob M. Dockstader - yet another visible, same-named contemporary.