Jacob Coenradt

The Ten Eycks are an influential family of Dutch origins who came to New York in the 1630s. The Patriarch of the American branch of the family, Coenraedt Ten Eyck, came from Holland to settle in New Amsterdam (later renamed New York City). His son, Jacob moved to Albany where he was a silversmith, and the later efforts of several family members gained the family land, wealth, and a positions of power in both the city of Albany and the state of New York as a whole. Using their influence, the Ten Eycks formed several businesses, including the Ten Eyck hotel and the Ten Eyck insurance group, helping to establish the city of Albany as it is known today.

Jacob Coenradt Ten Eyck was the son of Jacob and Geertje Ten Eyck. At fifteen, he was apprenticing as a silversmith, adding to the popularity of the family name and the already considerable wealth that had been accrued by his father, who was a silversmith before him. During his time as a silversmith, Jacob also served as a constable and Chief Fire Officer and, in 1734, was elected to the city council, first as an assistant and later in 1741 as an alderman for the first ward, a position that he held for quite a few years, until he was appointed Sheriff of Albany county in 1747.

Jacob was elected mayor in 1748, appointed by Governor George Clinton. He served as mayor for two years, from October 1748 to October 1750. In 1750, he was again elected alderman for the second ward and served as such until 1762. Other responsibilities he took on while working in politics include acting as the Commissioner of Indian Affairs (November 1752-June 1754) and as judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Jacob C.Ten Eyck was also an anti federalist who played a role in the American Revolution, acting as a member of the Committee of Safety, and signed a list, along with several other Albany anti federalists, opposing the ratification of the Federal Constitution in 1788.

Jacob holding so many positions of prestige made the Ten Eyck name a well-known one, and spurred along the family's influence. Jacob became not only one of the wealthiest business men in Albany, but he also owned properties that had one of the highest property assessments in Albany, as well as many lots and land within the city. He married Catharina Cuyler in 1736 and together they had four children. Jacob was known as a man of integrity right up until his death on September 9, 1783.