Barent Ridder

by

Known variously, Albany resident Barent Ridder probably was born in the 1750s or 60s. He probably was not the "Barent Ridder" who was christened on July 23, 1752 in Amsterdam, Holland? He does not appear to have been closely connected the "De Ridder" family of early Albany. We have not yet ruled out Rider/Ryder family origins. Sources that follow may place his birth at prior to the mid-1760s. In any event, we seek defining information on his origins and path to Albany.

In July 1784, a Barent Ridder was in Albany when he married one "Nency Ryn" at the Dutch church. No subsequent christenings have been encountered thus far in the records of early Albany churches. However, census returns point to children in his household.

In January 1785, the city council authorized payment of eleven pounds to one "Barent Fryder."

The city assessment roll in 1788 valued the second ward house and property of "Barent Rider" modestly. In 1790, the household of "Barent Rider" was configured on the census of the second ward. Nine years later in 1799, his house, lot, and personal property on Orange Street were valued modestly on the second ward assessment. In 1800, his household was configured in the first ward. At that time it consisted of a man and woman aged 26-45, two young boys, a young girl, and two "other" free persons. A decade later, the couple still was in the 26-45 age bracket, but also enumerated were four boys under 16, and three young girls. No other individuals were accounted for in his household.

In January 1797, an Albany newspaper reported that the city council awarded "Barent De Rider, a carman," twenty shillings or $2.50 for being the first to arrive at the previous evening's fire (probably not the more noteworthy fire in August of that year) with a hogshead of water.

After 1810, the name of Barent Ridder has not been found in the community-based records examined. Past diminishing returns, and still missing defining demographic information, we move on for now from the life of this early Albany resident.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Barent Ridder is CAP biography number 7832. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.

1785: City Records printed in Collections, vol. II, p. 244, and online.





first posted 5/30/16; updated 8/26/16