Petrus Hilton

by


Petrus Hilton was born in November 1728. He was the son of Ryckert and Maria Bennewe Hilton. He was the eldest son in the large family of a first ward carpenter who lived for almost the entire eighteenth century. Presently, we have confined this exposition to information on "Petrus" to prevent confusion with at least two additional "Pieter Hiltons" living in the Albany area at that time.

He first married Machtelt Wyngaert. After her death in September 1754, Petrus married the slightly older Albany native Anna Brooks. By 1771, as many as nine children had been christened in Albany churches from the two marriages. From 1754 thru 1770, Petrus Hilton was a regular baptism sponsor at the Albany Dutch church.

In 1766 and '67, Petrus Hilton's first ward property was valued modestly on Albany assessment rolls. In 1763, his name appeared on a list of Albany freeholders.

After 1770, the name of Petrus Hilton has not been found on Albany rolls. However, the estate inventory following the death of Dr. Henry Van Dyck in 1786 showed that Petrus Hilton had owed five pounds and nine shillings. As stated above, his father lived until 1795.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Petrus Hilton has not been assigned a CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.





first posted: 8/10/08