Andrew Barclay (merchant) facts for kids

Andrew Barclay (born October 1719 – died June 19, 1775) was an important Scottish-American businessman. He was the fourth president of the Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York. This group helps people from Scotland and their families.

Andrew Barclay's Early Life

Andrew Barclay was born in October 1719 in Albany. At that time, Albany was part of the Province of New York in British America. His mother was Anna Dorothea Barclay, who spoke Dutch. His father was Rev. Thomas Barclay, who came from Scotland.

His father was the first leader of St. Peter's Church in Albany. Andrew's grandfather was East Jersey Governor John Barclay. Andrew also had a brother, Rev. William Henry Barclay. He was a leader at Trinity Church in Manhattan.

Andrew Barclay went to school in Albany. His mother's family was also important. His grandfather was Capt. Andries Drauyer, a sailor from Denmark in the Dutch navy.

Andrew Barclay's Career

When Andrew's father passed away in 1726, Andrew moved to New York City. There, he learned about business. He became a very successful merchant, which means he bought and sold goods.

He married into the well-known Roosevelt family. This connection helped him become even more successful in business. He owned a sugar factory with his brothers-in-law, Jacobus Roosevelt Jr. and Isaac Roosevelt.

Andrew Barclay helped start the Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York in 1756. This group helps people from Scotland. From 1758 to 1759, he was the vice-president. Then, from 1759 to 1761, he served as the fourth president of the society.

Andrew Barclay's Family Life

Coat of Arms of Andrew Barclay

On June 14, 1737, Andrew Barclay married Helena Roosevelt. She was born in 1719 and passed away in 1772. Helena's family was very well-known. Her grandfather, Nicholas Roosevelt, was an ancestor of both the Oyster Bay and Hyde Park Roosevelt families.

Andrew and Helena lived at 45 Hanover Square. They had eleven children together. Some of their children married into other important families. For example, their daughter Ann Dorothea married Theophylact Bache. Another daughter, Catherine, married Augustus Van Cortlandt. Their daughter Charlotte Amelia married Dr. Richard Bayley, a professor at Columbia College.

Andrew Barclay's wife, Helena, died in 1773. Andrew himself passed away on June 19, 1775. In his will, he made sure his children were taken care of.