Lourens Van Allen

by


Lourens Van Allen may have been born in Hallen in the Netherlands in 1642. He emigrated to New Netherland and was living in or near Beverwyck in 1660 when he signed a petition asking for closer regulation of the fur trade.

During the 1670s, he owned a house and lot in Albany located on the west side of Market Street between what became Maiden Lane and Steuben Street. In 1679, his name was included on a census of Albany householders. In 1681, he was among the Albany burghers who petitioned the court for more structure in regulation of the fur trade.

His wife was Elbertje Everts. Six children were christened at the Albany Dutch church where he was a member and supporter. In 1712, his will would name nine living children - although his wife was not listed!

Lourens served on Albany juries and was appointed assistant alderman in 1686.

In 1680, he petitioned for a tract of land at Kinderhook. Later, he would liquidate some of his Albany holdings and relocate there. In 1684, his back taxes were paid by Robert Livingston on his behalf. By 1697, his name was included on the Rensselaerswyck census. In 1690, he was commissioned a justice of the peace. In 1703, he was identified as one of the Kinderhook trustees.

Stating he was a resident of Kinderhook, Lourens Van Allen filed a will in March 1712. It named nine living children and identified extensive real estate including property in Albany. He was dead by October 1714 when the will passed probate.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Lourens Van Allen is CAP biography number 5624. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. Much traditional material on his life has been compiled into an online sketch.




first posted: 4/25/06