Cornelis Switts was born in Schenectady in January 1680. He was the first son of community pioneers Isaac and Susanna Groot Switts.

In February 1690, he was captured during the Schenectady Massacre along with his father and taken to Canada. Returning a year later, Cornelis eventually purchased a lot in the village of Schenectady.

In November 1702, he married Albany native Hester Visscher at the Albany Dutch church. At that time, he relocated to Albany. By 1719, nine children were baptized in the Albany church where he was a prominent member.

Cornelis Switts became a mainline Albany resident. He served as firemaster for the third ward in 1712, belonged to a militia company, paid taxes, and qualified to vote in 1720.

In 1712, he was indebted to his father-in-law for half the cost of a sloop. Cornelis Switts probabaly died during the 1730s or 40s. His widow lived on until 1757.

Sources: The life of Cornelis Switts is CAP biography number 5654. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.