Nicholas N. Quackenbush
Nicholas N. Quackenbush was born in August 1764. He was the eldest surviving son of Rensselaerswyck residents Nicholas and Catherine Van Pelt Quackenbush. He grew up in a family whose development was cut short by the death of his mother in 1775. His father would live until 1813 but did not re-marry. This individual was known as "Nicholas N. Quackenbush" to distinguish him from his father and other prominent, same-named contemporaries.
In 1790, he was accounted for under the North End household of his father in close proximity to other family members.
In December 1792, Nicholas was twenty-eight when he married Albany native Anna Gansevoort at the "Bought" Dutch church. Six years earlier, in 1786, he contributed one pound to support a second minister in Albany. By 1807, the marriage had produced four children.
In 1799, his lot and wharf in the third ward (Quay Street) were valued on the assessment roll.
In 1800, his household was configured on the Watervliet census. Afterwards, his residence on Market Street was counted in Albany as the city line had migrated northward.
Nicholas N. Quackenbush was an attorney who was licensed to practice law in November 1785. He held a number of other legal and judicial commissions/licenses as well.
In 1801, he was an unsuccessful candidate for the state Assembly.
In 1804, he was among the notable residents who were named to a commission on building a new state capitol in Albany that would house city offices as well.
Beginning with the first edition in 1813, the Market Street home of this attorney was listed in the city directory.
Nicholas N. Quackenbush died at his residence in January 1823. He had lived fifty-eight years. Widow Ann continued to live in their home at 272 North Market Street until her passing in December 1828. Subsequently, the will of Nicholas N. Quackenbush (which is said to have distributed a substantial estate) did not pass probate until 1843.
Sources: The life of Nicholas N. Quackenbush is CAP biography number 2215. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.