Jonas V. Douw probably was born during the 1650s. He was the first son born in the large family of New Netherland pioneers Volkert Janse and Dorothe Van Brestede Douw.

In November 1683, he married Magdalena Quackenbush at the Albany Dutch church where he was a lifelong member and frequent baptism sponsor. Before Magdalena's death, the marriage produced four children who were christened at the Albany church. In April 1696, he took for his second wife Catharina Witbeck, the widow of Jacob Sanderse Glen.

Jonas Volkerts was a landholder and businessman who was known as "Captain" recognizing his commission in the county militia. He held property in Albany but made his home across the Hudson in Rensselaerswyck.

After a month-long illness, Jonas V. Douw died in October 1736. He was buried on the Douw family property in Greenbush.

Sources: The life of Jonas V. Douw is CAP biography number 2084. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.