Hendrick Hansen


Hendrick Hansen was the fifth Mayor of Albany, New York.

Early life

Hendrick Hansen was born on February 26, 1665 in Albany. He was the son of Hans Hendrickse, a Beverwyck trader, and Eva Gillis de Meyer Hansen.

Career

Hansen was a prominent landholder and trader who inherited substantial property from his father. In 1693, he was elected as Assistant Alderman to the Albany City Council, representing the Third Ward. In 1695, he was elected Alderman and served until 1698 when he was appointed mayor.
In 1698, he was appointed the fifth Mayor of Albany, New York, succeeding Dirck Wesselse Ten Broeck. He served in that role until 1699 when Pieter Van Brugh became the sixth mayor. In 1699, he was elected to represent Albany in the New York General Assembly, serving five terms until his death in 1724. In 1703, while serving in the Assembly, he was again elected Alderman for the Third Ward.
He served for a total of 14 years as a Commissioners of Indian Affairs, having been appointed in 1710, 1712, 1715, and 1720.

Personal life

In 1692, he married Debora Van Dam, the only daughter of Claes Ripse Van Dam, an carpenter and Justice of the Peace for Albany County, and Maria Van Dam. Together, they were the parents of seven children, including:
Hansen drew up his will on September 2, 1723. Hansen died on February 17, 1724 in Albany.

Descendants

Through his eldest daughter Debora, he was the grandfather of Albany mayor Johannes Jacobse Beeckman.