Selkirk in Albany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Hamlet of Selkirk

Photographed By Steve Stoessel, February 2, 2019

1. Hamlet of Selkirk Marker

Inscription. Named for James Selkirk 1757-1820. 2nd Regiment-Line, American Revolution. Native of Scotland settled here in 1786

Erected by Descendants of James Selkirk.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1786.

Location. 42° 32.494′ N, 73° 48.19′ W. Marker is in Selkirk, New York, in Albany County. Marker is at the intersection of New York State Route 396 and Cottage Lane, on the left when traveling west on State Route 396. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Selkirk NY 12158, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bethlehem's Historic Waterfront (approx. 2½ miles away); Hans Van Buren (approx. 2.6 miles away); Wiltsie Farm (approx. 3.1 miles away); This is the Capital District (approx. 3.7 miles away); Early Business District (approx. 4½ miles away); Jerusalem Reformed Church (approx. 4.7 miles away); Memorial (approx. 4.7 miles away); Coeymans (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Selkirk.

Also see . . . James Selkirk Biography. James Selkirk was born in Kirkcudbright(shire), Scotland, November 1, 1757, and emigrated to America in March,

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1775. He landed at the city of New York June 19, 1775, the day after the battle of Bunker Hill. He promptly enlisted in the provisional army for the whole period of the war. He served under General Benedict Arnold at the the Battle of Saratoga. He was at Trenton and Valley Forge. He was in the Southern Campaign Under Horatio Gates until the Battle of Camden and later with his regiment at Yorktown. He received his certificate of service and discharge duly signed by George Washington, and this document is now in the Hall of Military Records in the Capitol of Albany, New York. His discharge was dated June 7, 1783. His service was in battalion of force, commanded by Colonel James Livingston, Company Two, Dirk Hansen, captain, and was quartermaster-sergeant in that company. James Selkirk married Elizabeth; daughter of William Henry, the ceremony taking place in February 1787, in the First Presbyterian Church of Albany, New York. They were the second couple ever married in that church. She was born April 12, 1766, and was a sister of William Henry, who was the father of Professor Joseph Henry, the inventor of the electro-magnet, while an instructor in the Albany Academy, he Joseph, having been born in the city of Albany, December 17, 1799, and as their parents had come over from Scotland on the same ship, the families were bound by ties of closest intimacy. James Selkirk died

Photographed By Steve Stoessel, February 2, 2019

2. Hamlet of Selkirk Marker

at Selkirk, Albany county, about 10 miles south of Albany, December 2, 1820. Elizabeth, his wife, died May 9, 1844. (Submitted on February 3, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 483 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 3, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.