28 Facts About Harmanus Bleecker

Harmanus Bleecker was an attorney in Albany, New York.

Harmanus Bleecker was educated in Albany, and learned to speak the Dutch language.

Harmanus Bleecker became a highly regarded lawyer and teacher, and many men who went on to prominent legal and business careers learned the law under his tutelage.

Harmanus Bleecker was active in numerous business ventures, including banks and canal construction and operation.

Harmanus Bleecker served in the 12th United States Congress.

Harmanus Bleecker did not run for reelection in 1812, and resumed practicing law.

In 1837, Harmanus Bleecker took office as Charge d'Affaires to the Netherlands, appointed by longtime friend Martin Van Buren, who shared Harmanus Bleecker's interest in the Dutch language and culture.

Harmanus Bleecker served until 1842, after which he resumed practicing law in Albany.

Harmanus Bleecker took part in numerous philanthropic and civic endeavors, including the establishment of several Albany-area hospitals and oversight of several universities.

Harmanus Bleecker died in Albany in 1849, and was buried at Albany Rural Cemetery.

Harmanus Bleecker Library was later redeveloped as private offices, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Harmanus Bleecker's father Jacob Bleecker was a prominent merchant, and his mother Elizabeth Wendell was the daughter of Hermanus Wendell, an Albany furrier.

Harmanus Bleecker was elected as a Federalist to the 12th United States Congress, holding office from March 4,1811 to March 3,1813.

Harmanus Bleecker was not a candidate for renomination in 1812 and resumed the practice of law in Albany.

Harmanus Bleecker pursued several business ventures, including serving on the board of directors of Albany's Mechanics and Farmers Bank.

Harmanus Bleecker was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1814 and 1815.

From 1822 to 1834 Harmanus Bleecker was a member of the University of the State of New York Board of Regents.

Harmanus Bleecker opposed slavery, and was a member of the American Colonization and New-York Colonization Societies.

In 1839 Harmanus Bleecker was a member of the original Board of Governors that founded Albany City Hospital, now Albany Medical Center.

Harmanus Bleecker was Charge d'Affaires to the Netherlands from May 12,1837 to June 28,1842, initially appointed by President Martin Van Buren, who was friendly with Bleecker and shared his interest in Dutch culture and language.

Harmanus Bleecker was chosen in preference to John Lloyd Stephens, who aspired to the position.

Harmanus Bleecker died in Albany on July 19,1849 and was buried at Albany Rural Cemetery, Section 3, Lot 61.

Harmanus Bleecker maintained numerous friendships and professional relationships, many of which transcended political leanings.

Harmanus Bleecker married Sebastiana Cornelia Mentz of Arnhem, a woman many years younger than him, whom he met while he was a diplomat in the Netherlands.

Harmanus Bleecker lived with him in Albany, and inherited his estate.

Originally located near the corner of Washington Avenue and Lark Street, the 1889 Harmanus Bleecker Hall was used until 1919, when the Young Men's Association, which was responsible for the site, decided to create a structure for use as a library only.

Harmanus Bleecker Hall burned in a 1940 fire and was later demolished.

The Harmanus Bleecker Library building remained vacant for several years until it was purchased by real estate developers.