Jan Jansen Bleecker

Jan Jansen Bleecker (July 9, 1641 — November 21, 1732) was a colonial era merchant and political figure who served as Mayor of Albany, New York. Early life Jan Jansen Bleecker was born in Meppel, Drenthe, Netherlands on July 9, 1641, and was the first of his family to come to North America. He was the son of Jan Bleecker. Career In 1658, he emigrated to New Amsterdam (now New York City), and shortly thereafter he moved to Beverwyck (now Albany). Bleecker became a successful trader and merchant, and was also involved in land speculation.