John Evert Van Alen

Van Alen was born in Kinderhook in the Province of New York, the son of Adam and Mary Van Alen. After completing his studies he became a farmer. He moved to Defreestville and continued to farm, also serving in local offices including justice of the peace. He also became involved in civil engineering and surveying. During the American Revolution he served as a private in the 7th Regiment (Abraham Van Alstyne's) of the Albany County Militia. In 1790, he surveyed the town of Greenbush where he later operated a general store. ==Political career==

He held various political office in New York, and was assistant judge for Rensselaer County in 1791. He was elected from New York's newly created 7th congressional district in 1793 and was reelected twice, serving in Congress from March 4, 1793 to March 3, 1799. He then served as a member of the New York State Assembly in 1800 and 1801. ==Death and legacy==

Van Alen died in Defreestville on February 27, 1807, and is interred in Bloomingrove Rural Cemetery in North Greenbush, New York. Van Alen owned slaves. According to the terms of his 1793 will, he bequeathed to his wife "my negro girl named Dinah." To his nephew Evert Van Alen, he bequeathed "my negro boy named Tom." ==Family life==

Van Alen married Anne Freyenmoet in 1771. They had one child, Evert, a nephew whom they adopted. ==References==