Jacob H. Lansing

by

Jacob H. Lansing probably was born within a few years of 1680. Perhaps he was the first son born to the marriage of New Netherland pioneers Hendrick and Elizabeth Caspers Lansing. His mother died in 1685 after giving birth to perhaps five children. His father was a prominent Albany trader who lived until 1709. This individual probably was the first of many Jacob Lansings to live in colonial Albany. This sketch seeks to differentiate and distinguish this Albany native sometimes known as "Jacob H. Lansing" from the others.

He may have been one of the two Jacob Lansings who signed a loyalty oath to the King of England in 1699. If so, he probably had been born in Albany during the 1670s. However, two same-named adults gives us pause in the assignment of qualitative information.

In October 1701, Albany Dutch church records note his marriage to Albany native Helena Pruyn at her father's house. By 1725, ten children reflecting the names of both sets of grandparents had been christened at the Albany church.

Known variously, this Jacob H. Lansing was an Albany mainstay for the remainder of his life. He served the community, first as high constable in 1704 and as an appointed surveyor - also in that year. In 1729, he ascended to the leadership position of alderman for the third ward and was re-elected the next two years.

In 1702 and 1709, perhaps it was his property in the third ward was valued on the city assessment roll. His house and property were on Brewer's Street - the predecessor of North Market Street.

In May 1703, he was among those juror in a civil suit before the Albany Mayor's Court.

Perhaps he was the "Jacob Lansingh" listed on the roster of an Albany Militia Company in 1715. More substantial involvement with militia activities would have been anticipated.

At this point, we surmise that he may have been a brewer - at least nominally.

Perhaps he was the Jacob Lansing whose name appeared on a list of freeholders living in the third ward in 1742.

Perhaps this individual was the "Mr. Lawnson" listed as a baker on the inventory of Albany householders taken by the British army in 1756. That home appeared next to that of a descendant of his father-in-law.

Church records tell us that Jacob Lansing was buried "near his house" in October 1756. Perhaps "Lena Lansingh" was interred the following December.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Jacob H. Lansing is CAP biography number 3720. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. Pruyn family context;

Jacob H. was born prior to the start of recorded baptisms at the Albany church in 1683. Perhaps his father remarried as an adult women was enumerated in his household in 1697 - unless that reference was to an older sister.





first posted 5/10/14