Stephanus Van Schaick was born in February 1730. He was the son of Nicholas and Dorothea Witbeck Van Schaick.

In March 1753, he married carpenter's daughter and Albany native Jannetje Bradt. By 1770, five children had been christened at the Albany Dutch church where both parents were members. Stephanus joined his father-in-law in the carpentry business.

These Van Schaicks set up their home in Albany's first ward where Stephanus practiced the carpenter's trade. Among his customers was the city of Albany. During the 1760s, he built the city hall wharf and was a regular contractor for the Albany corporation. His substantial first ward home was configured on several Albany assessment rolls. Census records show that his household included one slave. In 1788, he owned an additional house in the first ward.

During the 1760s, he served in an Albany militia company. In 1775, he was paid by the Albany Committee for repairing the barracks and supplying firewood. In May, he was identified as a lieutenant in the first ward militia company.

Stephanus Van Schaick died in May 1802 at the age of seventy-two.

Sources: The life of Stephanus Van Schaick is CAP biography number 3981. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.