Johannes Jacobse Beekman

Beekman was born on August 8, 1733. He was the youngest of six children born to Debora ( Hansen) Beekman and Jacob Beekman (1685–1739), an Albany businessman and blacksmith. His sister, Debora Beekman, married Gerrit Staats. His paternal grandparents were Johannes Beekman, who was married to Machtel ( Schermerhorn) Beekman. His aunt, Maritje "Mary" Beekman, was the wife of Arnout Schermerhorn (grandparents of merchant Peter Schermerhorn and great-grandparents of Abraham Schermerhorn). ==Career==

Beekman was a successful merchant who was one of the wealthiest Albany landowners. In 1756, he was appointed firemaster. In 1763, he was elected Assistant Alderman in the second ward. After several years as assistant Alderman, he was elected Alderman in September 1775. Beekman also served in the Albany County militia becoming a lieutenant by 1768. During his time in the Assembly, he was active in Indian diplomacy. He was appointed mayor of Albany in June 1783, coinciding with the end of the War as Beekman. He served as Mayor until October 1786 when he was succeeded by John Lansing Jr. ==Personal life==

On November 22, 1759, Maria's sister, Margaret, married U.S. Representative Killian K. Van Rensselaer. As Johannes was the only surviving son in his family, he inherited his father's house at 52 North Pearl Street in Albany's second ward. • Jacob Beekman (1761–1817), who married Ann McKinney. • Barent Sanders Beekman (1767–1767), who died young. ==References==