Abraham Ten Broeck

Background

He was born in Albany, New York, in May 13, 1734. He was the tenth child of Dirck Ten Broeck and his wife, Grietja (Margaret) Cuyler. He was a descendant of Wessel Ten Broeck who came to New Netherland with Peter Minuit in 1626.

Education

Abraham prepared for a business career under the tutorage of his brother-in-law, Philip Livingston.

Career

By 1752, he was back in Albany and soon relinquished mercantile pursuits, for in 1761 he became a member of the colonial assembly and thereafter remained in public life almost continuously until his death. He was a stanch defender of popular rights, and in 1775, still holding his seat in the colonial assembly, he voted approval of the course of the merchants in signing the Association as recommended by the Continental Congress.

An ardent patriot, he was a deputy in the New York Provincial Congress 1775-77 and served on the Committee of Safety. He was a member of the convention which in 1777 framed the first constitution for New York State. With the outbreak of the Revolution and the passage of the new militia law he helped to draft, Ten Broeck, who had held commissions in the colonial militia, was made brigadier-general, first of the Albany and Tryon County militia, and subsequently of the Albany County militia only. At his headquarters in Albany, a strategic center, he was constantly confronted with the dilemma of obeying orders to reinforce the Continental troops and responding to the appeals of the alarmed inhabitants on the western and northern frontiers that the militia be allowed to guard their own homes. His task was further complicated by the lack of equipment and supplies. Zeal for his country's cause was tempered with a caution and practical-mindedness that won him the respect and confidence of his superior officers. His outstanding military achievement was his participation at the most critical moment in the battle of Bemis Heights in 1777, which resulted in the forced retreat of General Burgoyne.

Ill health following an accident compelled him to resign his commission in 1781. Ten Broeck had acquired a wide acquaintance with the law from his committee work in the colonial and the provincial assembly, where he had helped to revise old laws and draft new ones relating not only to military affairs but also to questions of currency, taxation, land titles, and other civil matters; his land and other business interests had familiarized him with the application of the laws. He had been a justice in various colonial courts, and with the relinquishment of his military duties in 1781 he returned to the judicial field to act for thirteen years as first judge of the court of common pleas of Albany County.

From 1779 to 1783 and from 1796 to 1799 he was mayor of Albany.

He died at the age of seventy-five years.

Achievements

• As an influential resident of a key city in one of the leading colonies and states, he rendered able service to his state and country during the late colonial, the Revolutionary, and the early national periods.

Works

More photos

• book

  • An address of the Convention of the Representatives of the state of New-York to their constituents.

    (Title: An address of the Convention of the Representative...)

Connections

His marriage on November 1, 1763, to Elizabeth, the daughter of Stephen Van Rensselaer, united him with one of the most influential families in upper New York. He and his wife had five children.

Father:

Dirck Ten Broeck

1686–1751

Mother:

Margarita Cuyler

1682–1783

Spouse:

Elizabeth Van Rensselaer

1734–1813

Sister:

Christina Ten Ten Broeck Livingston

1718–1801

Sister:

Catharine Ten Broeck Livingston

1715–1802

Sister:

Anna Ten Broeck

1717–1731

Daughter:

Margarita Ten Broeck

1776–1812

Daughter:

Elizabeth Ten Broeck

1772–1848

Son:

Dirck Ten Broeck

1765–1833