Preceded by District created Name John Van Resting place North Greenbush Children Everet Van Alen Resigned March 3, 1799 | Political party Federalist Citizenship US Party Federalist Party | |
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Spouse(s) Anne Freyermoet Van Alen Role Former United States Representative Previous office Representative (NY 7th District) 1793–1799 | ||
John Evert Van Alen (1749 – February 27, 1807) was an American surveyor, merchant, and politician from the U.S. state of New York. He served as a Federalist member of the United States House of Representatives.
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Early life
Van Alen was born in Kinderhook, Columbia County, New York, the son of Adam and Mary Van Alen. After completing his studies he became a farmer.
He moved to Defreestville, New York and continued to farm, also serving in local offices including justice of the peace. In addition, Van Alen worked as a civil engineer and surveyor, and was the owner and operator of a general store.
During the American Revolution he served as a private in the 7th Regiment (Abraham Van Alstyne's) of the Albany County Militia.
In 1790, he surveyed the town of Greenbush, New York and operated a general store in Greenbush. He also became involved in civil engineering and surveying.
Political career
He held various political office in New York, and was assistant judge for Rensselaer County in 1791. He was elected as a U.S. Representative to New York's newly created 7th congressional district in 1793 and was reelected twice, serving in Congress from March 4, 1793 to March 3, 1799. He then served as a member of the New York State Assembly in 1800 and 1801.
Death and legacy
Van Alen died in Defreestville on February 27, 1807 and is interred in Bloomington Rural Cemetery in North Greenbush, New York.
The John Evert Van Alen House, constructed while he was sitting in Congress at Philadelphia, is extant in Defreestville, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
Family life
Van Alen married Anne Freyermoet in 1771. They had one child, Everet, whom they adopted.