Jan Jansen Bleecker

Jan Jansen Bleecker was a Dutch colonial merchant and political figure who served as Mayor of Albany, New York.

Born in Netherlands, Jan Jansen was a first member of the Bleecker family who came to North America. He emigrated to New Amsterdam, present-day New York City in 1658 and shortly after the arrival he moved to Beverwyck, present day Albany. Soon he emerged as a successful trader and land speculator. Bleecker was named the first chamberlain (treasurer) of the Albany in 1686 after obtaining of the city charter, and three years later he was appointed Captain of the Albany Militia. During Jacob Leisler’s rebellion (1689-1691) against British authority in New York, Bleecker was a head of the opposition forces. He was also active in political life of colony being a member of New York's provincial assembly (1698-1701), an Alderman, City Recorder (1696-1700) and Mayor (1700-1701).

Bleecker was one of the seven patentees of the Saragota grant, and his land portion included what later became known as Bemis Heights, the site of the Battles of Saratoga in the American Revolution.