Harmanus Ryckman
Stefan Bielinski

Harmanus Ryckman probably was born during the 1670s. He was the son of Albany leader Albert Janse and Cornelia Quackenbush Ryckman. He grew up learning the brewer's art from his father. He joined the Albany Dutch church in 1690. Over the years, he sponsored a number of baptisms.

Harmanus Ryckman does not appear to have married. He seems to have lived in the house of his father while also carrying on at the family brewery. Beginning in 1699, his name appeared on community-based documents. In 1715, he was identified as a trooper in an Albany militia company. In 1720 and 1742, he was counted among the freeholders living near other Ryckman families in Albany's first ward.

In 1714, he was appointed firemaster in the first ward. In 1722 and 1723, he was elected assistant alderman.

In December 1736, he was named heir and co-executor of the will of his father.

He filed a will in August 1750. It left his real and personal property to his living siblings. "Harm Ryckman" was buried from the Albany Dutch church on November 11, 1755.

biography in-progress


the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Harmanus Ryckman is CAP biography number 1921. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.

first posted: 9/20/05