William Fryer


William Fryer was born in March 1722. He was the eldest child of Isaac and Elizabeth Fryer. He grew up in a weaver's home in Albany's first ward.

In 1746, he was appointed constable and then high constable for the first ward. In 1750 and again in 1763, he was named firemaster.

In 1753, he was bequeathed a share of his father's estate - including the first ward house and lot. Isaac Fryer died in 1755 leaving a widow and several adult children as heirs.

By the mid-1750s, he had married Hannah Farrell. Between 1755 and 1760, their four children had been christened at St. Peter's Anglican church where he was a member and church warden.

William Fryer was a baker. In 1756, his home was included on a census of Albany householders. In 1763, his name appeared on a list of Albany freeholders. In November 1764, he witnessed the will of a Southside neighbor. In 1766, his first ward property was accorded a modest assessment. He probably still shared the home with his sister as, in 1767, Catherine Fryer was listed as the owner of record.

William Fryer was dead by 1768, when his widow was referenced in the records St. Peter's church and in 1771 in the city records. He had lived less than fifty years.

biography in-progress


the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of William Fryer is CAP biography number 8035. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.

first posted: 7/10/07