Petrus Ryckman, Jr.

Petrus Ryckman, Jr. was born in November 1708. He was the youngest child in the small family of Pieter and Cornelia Keteltas Ryckman. He grew up in a tailor's home in the first ward.

In 1730, he was appointed constable for the first ward. The next year, he was chosen high constable. In 1731, he was paid for services from the city treasury.

In July 1734, he was almost twenty-six when he married Kingston native Catharina Kierstede at the Kingston Dutch church. Their daughter was born five months later. The marriage produced at least four children - christened in Kingston and Albany. However, more children might have been expected.

Probably during the 1730s, Petrus relocated to Kingston and seems to have lived out his life in Ulster County.

In September 1747, he was named executor and a principal beneficiary in the will filed by his Albany resident father. However, he died before Pieter Ryckman and Petrus's widow was named to replace him in 1750.

Petrus Ryckman, Jr. filed a will in August 1749. At that point, he was living in Kingston and stated that he was sick and weak in body. The will named his wife and a son and daughter as heirs. He owned a house and lot in Albany and personal property. The will passed probate on October 3, 1749.

Sources: The life of Petrus Ryckman, Jr. is CAP biography number 1984. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.