Hendrick Graverat was born in December 1737. He was the son of Albany residents Isaac and Alida Gerritsen Graverat. He grew up near the Albany waterfront in a large family where most of his ten siblings did not survive childhood.

He was thirty-five-years-old when he married Maria Van Driessen in March 1773. The marriage produced at least one child - a daughter named Alida who later produced a "mourning sampler" that provides vital information on her parents.

In 1764, he was made constable for the third ward. In 1773, he kept boarders in his modest home located on Market Street near Orange.

Although documentation of his wartime service has thus far eluded our search, he was awarded a land bounty right in conjunction with the first regiment of the Albany County militia.

In 1788, his North End home received a modest assessment. His third ward household was configured on the census in 1790.

Hendrick Graverat lost his wife in February 1797, Following her death, perhaps he resided with another family member. He died on August 15, 1802 at the age of sixty-four. Probably created by his daughter, Alida Graverat Dunbar (a girl is shown grieving), this beautiful piece of "mourning art" commemorates the passing of Hendrick and his wife.

Sources: The life of Hendrick Graverat is CAP biography number 8237. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.

"Watercolor, Ink and Needlework Double Memorial" by Alida Dunbar, offered for sale online in 2008, "No. 81." Picture shows large central three door building with two spires and blue roof. Urn topped memorial stones have writing as follows: "In memory of Mary Graverat died 6 February 1797 aged 55 years and 6 months". Other has "In memory of Henry Graverat died 15th August 1802 aged 64 years 7 months and 3 days". Girl is shown at each stone grieving. Large trees on sides, right one is large weeping willow. Flowers fence gate trees and hillside are included in picture. The advertisement states that the sampler closely resembles a group that has been linked to Albany, New York. We show this low-resolution family piece here and now for educational purposes and to begin to track its existence. We seek information on its provenance andownership.