Johannes Bleecker, Jr.

Johannes Bleecker Jr. (1668 — December 20, 1738) was a colonial era merchant and political figure who served as Mayor of Albany, New York.

Early life Bleecker was born in Albany in 1668. He was the eldest son of Dutch born Jan Jansen Bleecker (1641–1732) and Grietje "Margaret" Rutse van Schoenderwoert (1647–1733). His siblings included Caajte Grietje Bleecker (1670–1734), who married Abraham Cuyler (1665–1747), a brother of Mayor Johannes Cuyler,

His maternal grandparents were Rutger Jacobson van Schoenderwoert (1615–1665) and Tryntje Jansen (née Van Breestede) (1625–1711).

Career Following after his father, Bleecker was a fur trader and merchant. During the winter of 1686 to 1687, Bleecker, then 18 and considered an Indian interpreter, accompanied Patrick McGregory in an attempt to establish trade with the Ottawa people. While in the wilderness, he was taken prisoner by the Seneca and French and taken to Montreal. A year later, he released by the French governor and returned to Albany.

Bleecker served on the City Council during the 1690s and was an officer in the Albany Militia. when he was succeeded by Albert Janse Ryckman. Also in 1701, he was elected to serve for one year as a member of the New York Provincial Assembly, until 1702.

Personal life On October 29, 1693, Bleecker was married to Antje "Anna" Coster (1679–1766). She was the daughter of Hendrick and Geertje (née Van Schaick) Coster. Together, they were the parents of nine children, including: He was buried at the Dutch church in Albany. After his death, his widow remarried to Johannes Lansing.