In 1661 being then a resident of Beverwyck, he was apprenticed by Jan Hendrickse Van Bael for three years to Philip Hendrickse Brouwer. He was then sixteen years of age. (138-1) On Brouwer's removal to Schenectady in 1662, Pootman became a resident here and shortly after married Cornelia, daughter of Arent Andriese Bratt. His house lot was on the north corner of Union and Ferry streets, having a front of 100 feet on the former street; later he purchased the 100 feet next west, of Jan Roeloffse, son of the well known Anneke Janse. (138-2) On the fatal night of Feb. 8, 1689/90, both Pootman and his neighbor Roeloffse with their wives were slain. Three of his sons, — Arent, Victoor and Cornelis arrived at maturity and had families.
On the 6th April, 1709, Arent Pootman, the eldest son, conveyed to his brother Victoor, "a certain lot of ground being part of the lot now in my possession and occupation, bounded on the east and south by the common highway [Ferry and Union streets] and on the north and west by the other part of the lot of said Arent Pootman; — in length on the east and west sides 217 feet and in breadth on the north and south 69 feet 4 in., wood measure. (138-3)
Notes
(138-1) 14 Sept., 1661, "Soo heeft Jan Hendr. Van Bael besteet ende Philip Hendr. Brouwer aen genomen Johannes Pootman, jong gesel out jegenwordich omtrent sestien jaeren," — to serve said Brouwer, "van drye achtereen volgende jaaren." Jan Pootman signed his name to the indentures in a clear and beautiful hand. Brouwer engaged to pay him 80 gl. a year in lieu of outfit, for his services. — Not. Papers, I, 19.
(138-2) Toll Papers; see also Roeloffse.
(138-3) Old deed.