Abeel Surname – Access Genealogy

Descendants of Captain David Abeel

Captain David Abeel, born April 27, 1705, in Albany, N.Y., was a successful businessman in dry goods and provisions and served as a militia captain until 1772. He married Mary Duyckink in 1726, fathering four children. His son, James Abeel (1733–1825), became a prominent figure during the American Revolution, serving as Captain and later Major in the New York City Militia. He played a significant role in the Battle of Long Island and was later appointed Deputy Quartermaster General under Washington. James married Gertrude Neilson and had several children.

Captain David Abeel, Revolution Patriot

Captain David Abeel, born January 13, 1763, was a notable Patriot during the American Revolution. He began his seafaring career under Captain Barry on the ship Governor General and later served on the frigate Alliance, where he was wounded in a fierce battle against British sloops. After being captured and imprisoned, Abeel refused a British offer to join their navy, solidifying his loyalty to America. Post-war, he commanded merchant vessels and married Jane Hassert, with whom he had several children before passing on October 31, 1840.

Cornplanter (Corn Plant) Chief of the Seneca

Kiontwogky, known as Corn Planter, was a notable Seneca chief born to John Abeel and the Indian Princess Alquipiso. His unique lineage was recently uncovered, revealing him as a grandson of an Albany mayor. Corn Planter’s life was shaped by his childhood experiences and his perspective on the Revolutionary War, where he opposed aligning with the British. A conciliatory figure, he advocated for his people’s rights against white encroachment, and later became a temperance advocate. His legacy reflects a blend of cultural heritage and historical significance.

Line of David Abeel

David Abeel, born in Albany in 1727, was a committed patriot during the American Revolution. He settled in Catskill, where he faced a bitter feud with local Tories, particularly Jacobus Rowe, who betrayed him. In 1780, Abeel and his son Anthony were captured by Rowe and a band of Indians. After enduring harsh conditions in captivity, they made a daring escape in 1782. David died in 1813, while his family continued to play significant roles in the community, including his son Gerrit, a respected judge.

Descendants of Johannes Abeel

Johannes Abeel, born in Albany in 1667, was a successful merchant and influential politician, serving as mayor of Albany and a member of the Assembly. He married Catharine Schuyler in 1694 and had several children, including Christoffel Abeel, who became a fur trader and married an Indian princess, Aliquipiso, producing the notable chief Cornplanter. John Abeel, Christoffel’s son, also had a complex relationship with Native Americans, ultimately securing his safety during the Revolutionary War through his bond with Cornplanter. His descendants remain in Montgomery County, New York.

Descendants of Garret Abeel

Garret Abeel, born May 2, 1734, in New York City, was a prominent figure during the American Revolution. Initially an apprentice and then a merchant, he served various military roles, ultimately becoming Major of the First Regiment, New York City Militia. He was deeply involved in civil affairs and the Dutch Reformed Church. Abeel married Mary Byvanck and had eleven children, two of whom married notably. He died on May 1, 1781, and was buried near Little Falls, New Jersey. His descendants continued his legacy in business and community service.

Abeel and Allied Families

Recent research has unveiled significant connections between the Abeel family and the Revolutionary period, notably linking Chief Cornplanter of the Seneca Tribe to Christopher Janse Abeel, the family’s founder in America. Born in 1621 in Amsterdam, Christopher faced early hardships after losing his parents to the plague, yet he prospered after immigrating to Albany around 1647. As a skilled carpenter and community leader, he significantly contributed to local institutions, including the First Reformed Dutch Church, before his death in 1684.

Willem Willemsen Genealogy

Willem Willemsen, born in 1637 in Holland, emigrated to New Amsterdam in 1657 and settled in Gravesend, Long Island. He took the oath of allegiance to England in 1687 and had a family with Mary Peterse Wyckoff. Their son Nicholas Williamson became a successful farmer and had several children, including Garret, who served in the Reformed Dutch Church. The lineage continued with Nicholas Williamson, a Revolutionary War Patriot, and his descendants included notable figures like Douw Ditmars, who served as Comptroller of New York.