The story of the Van Allen family of early Albany probably begins with Johannes Van Allen who brought his sons to America about 1658. About that time, Pieter Van Allen became an Albany resident but died in 1674.

Pieter's sons, Willem and Johannes, became Albany mainstays.

In 1756, only the home of "Mrs.Van Allen" was included on a census of Albany householders.

By 1790, only one Van Allen-named household was left in the city of Albany. However, it included the three aged children of Pieter Van Allen.

By 1813, no Van Allens were listed in the city directory. Although not an Albany resident, city surveyor Evert Van Allen was responsible for a number of historically important maps made during the nineteenth century.

The Van Allen family was much more prominent in greater Albany County - particularly in the Kinderhook area!

Sources: This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.