Van Deusen
The Van Deusen family of early Albany is descended from Abraham Pieterse and Tryntje Melchiors who arrived in New Netherland during the 1630s. Their six surviving children probably were born in Europe.
The first son, Mattheus Abrahams, settled in Beverwyck during the 1650s. By the time of his death, the family was known regionally as "Van Deusen."
In 1697, the Albany census listed Melgert and Tewisse Abrahams - and their kinsmen Harpert Jacobse and Willem Jacobse Van Deusen, as Albany householders.
From that time on, the family maintained a small but consistent presence in Albany. However, during the eighteenth century, the Van Deusens spread across old Albany County and beyond.
In 1756, only the household of carpenter John Van Dusen was described on the census of householders in the city taken by the British army.
After the War for Independence, five Van Deusens were included on the land bounty list in conjunction with the city militia regiment.
In 1790, six Van Deusen households were named on the census for the city of Albany.
In 1813, four Van Deusen addresses appeared in the first city directory. They were a carpenter, physician, and two widows.
The Van Deusen name has included two distinguished American historians (Albert and Glyndon G. Van Deusen) of the twentieth century.
Sources:
This sketch on the Van Deusen family is derived chiefly from
family and community-based resources. A family reconstitution was completed in 2000. The standard work on the family was compiled by Albert Harrison Van Deusen and now appears online. Additional online resources include: Albert Harrison; Wikipedia;
Van Deursen family;