It is said that Hendrick was born on board ship the Rensselaerwyck at 2 A.M. according to the log of the ship as translated by Dr. van Laer. Not much is known about him, but he remained in the neighborhood of the paternal home, and became a rich farmer. He and his wife were devout members of the Dutch Reformed Church at Albany in 1683. During the Indian outbreak of 1663 he proved himself a brave soldier.