Debora Staats Graham

Debora Staats was born in May 1752. She was the daughter of Albany natives Gerrit and Debora Beekman Staats. She grew up at the family seat on Staats Island across the Hudson and south of Albany. However, her mother died in 1764 when her namesake was entering adolescence.

In November 1778, Debora married newcomer John Graham at the Albany Dutch church. Two daughters were christened there in 1780 and 1786. She was a pewholder there until the Grahams re-located and she became a member of the Reformed church of Schuylerville sometime before the end of 1790.

Her husband was an officer in the American army. As newlyweds, these Grahams made their home in the second ward house owned by Debora's uncle, Jochim Staats. In 1790, their third ward household counted four members. After that, the Grahams appear to have left Albany.

In June 1790, she transferred her membership to the church in Schuylerville.

We seek information on the later life and passing of Debora Staats Graham. Her husband died in 1832 and is said to have been buried on Staats Island.

Sources: The life of Debora Staats Graham is CAP biography number 4583. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.