Bridget Wheeler

by


Spelled and referred to variously, Bridget Wheeler was christened at the Albany Dutch church in May of 1696. She was the daughter of Hudson Valley residents Edward/Evert and Josina Gardenier Wheeler. She was the second daughter born to a marriage that may have produced as many as seventeen children. Her father is said to have come from New England to become a resident of Kinderhook.

In June 1719, Bridget married Johannes Seeger at the Albany church. By 1738, the marriage had produced ten children who were christened in Albany. Both partners were regular baptism sponsors at the church as late as 1762. Her uncommon given name stands out in the community-based record.

This Seeger family made its home in Albany's first ward. Johannes was the city marshall perhaps until his death in 1769 when he was succeeded by their son Thomas.

Bridget was alive until at least August 1765 when, due to age and poverty, Seeger and his wife were granted use of their present house, grounds, and property at six pence annually for the rest of their lives.

Johannes Seeger was no longer found on city rolls after the 1760s. We seek definitive information on the later life and passing of Bridget Wheeler Seeger.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Bridget/Breechie/Wheeler/Wielaar has not been assigned a CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted: 9/20/11