Maas Ryckse Van Vranken

Maas Ryckse Van Vranken (also Maus) probably was born during the 1670s. He was the son of Albany and Niskayuna residents Ryckert Claes and Hillegont Rycks Van Vranken.

He joined the Albany Dutch church in 1696. In 1697, he was alone in an Albany house next to that of his widowed mother. He then married Anna Winne. Between, 1711 and 1726, five children were christened in Albany.

He also spent considerable time on his farm at Niskayuna where he served as pathmaster in 1709 and assessor in 1703. In 1704, he is said to have built a fort on his property in the part of Niskayuna that was then north of the Mohawk River (Clifton Park). In 1709, his third ward property in Albany was accorded a modest assessment.

In 1720, the name of Maes Ryckse was included on a list of freeholders in Canastigione. That is the most recent reference to Maas Ryckse Van Vranken encountered so far!

Sources: The life of Maas Ryckse Van Vranken is CAP biography number 6475. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.