Goose Van Schaick was born in February 1696. He was the son of Anthony and Maria Vanderpoel Van Schaick. His father was a businessman and landholder who had a large farm on the Hudson - about ten miles north of Albany. Goose and his siblings grew up in both city and farm environments.

In September 1720, he married young Neeltie Abeel at the Albany Dutch church. She died in November 1730 after bearing five children. Goose married another Albany native Debora Van Schaick in August 1734. That marriage produced only one child before his untimely death.

This Gosen (Goose) Van Schaick was a prominent Albany resident who was known as a "sloopmaster" and sloop owner. He served the community as constable, high constable, assistant, and was elected third ward alderman in 1733. He served in the militia and was a lieutenant in the Albany troop.

In September 1728, he became the second member of the Van Schaick family to be appointed sheriff of Albany city and county. He served until replaced in 1731.

"Mindful of [his] mortality," Goose Van Schaick filed a will in July 1736. He died a few days later and was buried in the church cemetery on July 29. He had lived but forty years. The will passed probate on October 4, 1736. His widow re-married and lived for several decades.

Sources: The life of Goose Van Schaick is CAP biography number 3959. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.