Rachel Ketelhuyn Vanderheyden

Rachel Ketelhuyn was born during the early 1660s. She was the daughter of pioneer settlers Jochem and Anna Willems Ketelhuyn. Her father died before Rachel reached adulthood and she lived for a short time in the Market Street home of her widowed mother.

In March 1687, she married enterprising trader Dirck Vanderheyden at the Albany Dutch church. By 1707, her eleven children had been christened in Albany where she was a member and regular baptism sponsor.

These Vanderheydens set up their home in Albany's first ward. They also owned a farm across the Hudson and in Schaghticoke.

Rachel lost her husband in October 1738. She then fell back on her family umbrella. Rachel Ketelhuyn Vanderheyden died in January 1754 and was buried by her son, Johannes.

Sources: The life of Rachel Ketelhuyn Vanderheyden is CAP biography number 4648. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.