General Notes

SOURCE: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/albany/bios/vd/crvdam6352.html
Claes Ripse Van Dam by Stefan Bielinski
"Claes Ripse was a carpenter, contractor, and trader in Beverwyck and th
en Albany. He was the father of Council member and acting provincial gover
nor Rip Van Dam. In 1653, his name began to appear on the dockets of the B
everwyck/Albany courts. In that year, he was sued for defaulting on the re
nt for a house on Manhattan. After that, he was a frequent litigant in Alb
any where much of his involvment related to carpentry work. He also appear
ed before the Albany court as an attorney, juror, and arbitrator. He was m
arried to Maria Bords. The marriage produced several children who liv
ed to adulthood. He was a member of the Albany Dutch church and acti
ve in its operations. By 1676, he had established a permanent residen
ce on what became Chapel Street. He also owned a lot on Pearl Street. H
is name appeared on the Albany census of 1679. In 1681, he was identifi
ed as a "burgher." He was elected alderman for the second ward beginni
ng in 1689. In 1693, he was identified as a justice of the peace for Alba
ny County. In 1697, he and Maria were living alone in their second ward ho
me. He signed the loyalty oath of 1699. During the next decade, his seco
nd ward property was assessed at the highest rate. Claes Ripse died aft
er 1709 and the Van Dam name passed from Albany rolls!"