American School, 18th Century

This very rare New York portrait is of Johannes Wendell Jr. (Johannes Je. Wendell) (1684-1743), a prominent Albany fur trader. His parent were Jeronimus Wendell (abt. 1655 - bef. 1697) and Arriaantje Harmense Visscher (abt. 1655 - 1741) both of whom also lived in Albany, New York. In June 1708, Johannes married Susanna Viele at the Albany Dutch church. By 1720, five children had been christened in Albany.

In 1711, Johannes was appointed constable for the first ward. The following year, he was high constable. In 1715, he was chosen firemaster, was a member of a militia troop, and was named to a jury. In 1720, his name appeared on a list of first ward freeholders. Johannes died in October 1743 and was buried at the Flats.