Johannes Beekman of Albany

Johannes Martense Beeckman

• aka Beekman
• Born about 1657 in Beverwyck, New Netherland
• Died Sep 1732 in Albany, Albany County, Province of New York
• Son of Martin Hendricksz Beekman and Susanna Jans
• Brother of Maria Martensen, Henderik Maartensen Beekman, Metje Beeckman and Neeltje (Beekman) Bennet
• Husband of Maghtelt Jacobse Schermerhoorn — married 1682 [location unknown]
• Husband of Eva (Vinhagen) Beeckman — married 26 Oct 1692 in Reformed Dutch Church, Albany, Albany county, New York
• Father of Jannetje Beekman, Johannes Beeckman, Jacobus Beeckman, Susanna (Beeckman) Bassett, Helena (Beeckman) Ryckman, Johannes Beekman Jr., Marten Beeckman, Maria (Beekman) Hogen, Johanna (Beekman) Marselis, Johannes Beekman and Neeltje (Beekman) van Vegten

Abstract of will

16 Dec 1728, Johannes Beekman of Albany, yeoman, wife Eva, sons Johannis, Jacob, Martin, Johannis Jansen and Henry, daughters Susannah, Helena, Marrite, Johanna, Alida and Neeltie. Land in Kayaderosseras Patent. Names wife as exe, but after her death the 5 sons. Proved 2 Dec 1732. Page 16 Calendar of Wills. [3]

Biography

Johannes Martense Beekman by Stefan Bielinski, New York State Museum

Johannes Martense Beekman was born about 1660. He was the son of Marte or Martin Beekman.

His first wife was Machtelt Jacobs Schermerhorn. She died about 1690 after giving birth to at least four children. He re-married in October 1692. This time to Eva Vinhagen. By 1710, nine of their children had been baptized in the Albany Dutch church where both parents were members and Johannes was a church officer and auditor. Both of them were very frequent baptism sponsors.

These Beekmans were Albany mainstays and lived in the second ward. He traded in real estate, owned other parcels within the city, and investment property beyond as well. Although sometimes identified as a blacksmith, assessment rolls valued his holdings comparable to those of other successful businessmen. In 1699, he joined other Albany people in swearing allegiance to the King of England. In 1720, he was identified as a freeholder in the second ward.

Civic service included sitting on juries, acting as assessor, serving as firemaster, and being elected assistant alderman in 1688 and afterwards. He also was asked to perform contract services for the Albany corporation.

Johannes Martense Beekman filed a will in December 1728. It provided for his wife and twelve living children! He died in September 1732. Eva lived until 1755.

References

• Listed in Calendar of Wills, p.16 https://ia802703.us.archive.org/27/items/calendarofwillso01fern/cal...
• “Johannes Martense Beekman” by Stefan Bielinski. Parents: His name tells us he was the son of Martin. Perhaps, his mother was Susanna Jans! We seek information on the lives of his parents.
• “Eva Vinhagen Beekman” by Stefan Bielinski
• Firemasters were appointed each year by the Albany city council (usually in early November after the annual Charter elections that were held on September 29). Two firemasters were named for each of the city’s three wards.
• https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Beeckman-2