Samuel Pruyn

by


Samuel Pruyn was was born in December 1677. He was the son of French-speaking woodsman Frans Janse Pruyn and his wife, "Alida." His parents were Albany mainstays who raised a large family in a house on Pearl Street.

In February 1704, Samuel married Maria Bogert at her father's Albany house. By 1723, five children had been christened at the Albany Dutch church where both parents were frequent baptism sponsors.

Samuel Pruyn was a blacksmith who made his home in Albany's third ward. His house on the northeast corner of Maiden Lane and Middle Alley was a well-known landmark. He performed metalwork for a number of customers including the church and city government. In 1707, he was appointed firemaster. In 1729, 1730, and 1731, he was elected alderman for the third ward. In 1715, he was a member of an Albany militia company. In 1720 and 1742, his name appeared on lists of Albany freeholders.

He also owned a house and lot on the Vosenkil in the second ward.

Samuel Pruyn filed a will in March 1752. It named his wife and three sons as heirs. He died in June and was buried from his church. The will passed probate in January 1753.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Samuel Pruyn is CAP biography number 3576. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted 7/25/07; updated 8/16/13