Johannes Abeel

Johannes Abeel
2nd and 13th Mayor of Albany, New York
In office 1709–1710
Preceded by	Evert Bancker
Succeeded by	Robert Livingston
In office 1694–1695
Preceded by	Pieter Schuyler
Succeeded by	Evert Bancker
Personal details
Born	March 23, 1667 Albany, New York
Died	January 28, 1711 (aged 43) Albany, New York
Citizenship	Great Britain
Spouse(s)	Catherine Schuyler
Children	5
Relatives	David Mathews (grandson)
Occupation	Merchant, public official, mayor

Johannes Abeel (March 23, 1667 – January 28, 1711) was an Albany, New York, merchant and public official. He was the second and thirteenth mayor of Albany.

Johannes (sometimes written John) was born on March 23, 1667 in Albany, New York, Christopher Janse Abeel (1621–1684), a prosperous merchant and landowner, and Neiltje Jans Croom. He was the third of four children and the only boy born to his parents, who emigrated to the United States in 1647.

Johannes was born shortly after Great Britain assumed control of the former Dutch colony of New Netherland and renamed it as New York in 1664.

After losing his father at age 13, Johannes Abeel became a successful trader and merchant in Albany and New York City, establishing relationships with Native American tribes in Western New York that enabled him to acquire furs for resale in Albany. He exported the furs to London and received rum, rice, dry goods, and other items, some of which were for British soldiers garrisoned in Albany and Upstate New York, and most of which he resold at a profit.

Abeel used some of his profits to take part in land purchase, resale and development, including the 1705 Westenhook Patent.

Abeel served as Assistant Alderman for the Third Ward in 1688, and was Alderman from 1691 to 1693 and again in 1700. From 1694 to 1695 and 1709 to 1710 Abeel served as Mayor of Albany, appointed by the royal governor of New York, per the provisions of the original city charter, issued by Governor Thomas Dongan.

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