Huybertje Marselis probably was born during the 1650s. She was the daughter of Beverwyck pioneers Marselis Janse and Anna Gerrits. Her family later took the surname "Marselis."

During the winter of 1675-76, Huybertie Marselis was the subject of a lengthy court case regarding the paternity and support of her child. In April 1676, the Albany court ordered Jan Hendrickse Bruyn to pay her a large sum as it found "it a matter of no small consequence to seduce a young girl in one's own house."

By the early 1680s, she had met and married Joseph Yates, an English-born garrison soldier. Their marriage produced nine children who were baptized in the Albany Dutch church where Huybertie was a member. Joseph Yates settled in Albany where he supported his family as a blacksmith, contractor, and carter.

She was one of five children noted in the will filed by his father in June 1690. However, no mention was made of her husband.

Joseph Yates died in May 1730. Huybertie Marselis Yates died two months later and was buried in the Dutch Church cemetery.

first posted: 7/16/01; updated 9/16/08