John Geyer

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Spelled variously, John Geyer (sometimes Johan George or John G. Geier/Guyer) probably was born during the 1740s. He probably was of Germanic origin. Several similarly-named individuals became prominent in American cities during the second half of the eighteenth century. This individual appears to have been the first family member to settle in Albany - sometime during the 1780s.

His wife's name was Susanna. Their daughter was christened at the Albany Lutheran church in April 1765. At least from 1786 on, both parents were members and pewholders at First Lutheran. He was church treasurer and later was called "the honest Mr. John G. Geyer" by a former pastor. He also was the church vorsinger or "chorister" for a number of years. In 1790, he was renting property on the "Lutheran Grounds" at thirteen pounds annually.

In 1788, his house and belongings in the first ward were valued on the Albany assessment roll. In September 1788, his account was paid by the city government. In 1790, the first ward household of "john G. Geyer" including only one man and one female was listed on the census. In 1791, he was a fireman in a first ward engine company. By 1800, he had relocated to Pearl Street where the census configured his household with only a man and a women - both residents being born before 1756.

John Geyer was dead by July 26, 1809 when letters of administration were issued on his estate. A number of his children became Albany residents. With essential demographic information still not found, we move on for now from the life of the first "Geyer/Geier/Guyer" in the city of Albany.

biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of John Geyer is CAP biography number 8169. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted 5/30/08; updated 3/22/19