Looking back over two centuries, DAR honors Captain Van Aernam
— Photo from Gwen Bondi
Descendants of Captain Jacob Van Aernam — all members of Old Hellebergh Chapter, DAR — gather at his grave off of Brandle Road to honor the American Revolutionary War patriot and his family. The headstone is inscribed, at top, with the birth name of his wife, Catharine Banker, and says she died on Feb. 15, 1805 at age 70. Underneath it notes that Jacob Van Aernam died on May 5, 1813 at age 80.
GUILDERLAND — “Remembering the past is conserving strength for the future”: These were the beginning words of a memorial service held on Saturday, April 10, by members of the Old Hellebergh Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to celebrate the life and legacy of a Revolutionary War soldier who lived in Guilderland from 1732 to 1813.
Captain Jacob Van Aernam served in the Albany County Militia, 3rd Regiment. He married Catherine Banker in 1757, and together they raised 11 children in Guilderland.
Many of his descendents still live in Guilderland and parts of Albany County, several of whom belong to the Old Hellebergh Chapter.
“As part of the memorial graveside dedication, chapter members and descendants recognized Captain Van Aernam’s service as a patriot who imperiled his life, fortune, and sacred honor to form the United States of America,” wrote Gwen Bondi, vice regent of the Hellebergh Chapter in a notice about the vent.
“Those in attendance recognized his boldness, his courage and character, and honored his vision, his selflessness and his resolve,” Bondi went on. “In honoring him, they also paid tribute to all the heroic men and women who have served our republic with integrity and devotion.”
DAR is a women’s service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism and honoring the patriots of the Revolutionary War. Old Hellebergh Chapter, based in Guilderland Center, welcomes interest and new members. For more information and a return call, contact 518-860-8965.
