BECOMES A FUR TRADER
At the time of Willem Teller's arrival in New Netherland, the fur
trade had just been thrown open by the West India Comapany to all
the colonists. This measure had just been thrown open by the West
India Company to all the colonists. This measure was of great
importance for the prosperity of the colony, which gained rapidly
inpopulation and wealth; though the practical removal of
restrictions on the selling of brandy and firearms, although such
trade was nominally prohibited.
Many of its employees deserted the company to become fur traders. Willem Teller did not remain long in the Company's service, but set up in business for himself, probably before 1642, at Fort Orange. (G.T.)
MARRIAGES
Willem Teller was married about 1642 to Margaret Dongan, Doncassen, Donchessen or Duncassen, sistere of Catalyn, Dongan the wife of Sander Lindertse Glen (Alexander Lindsay Glen), (G.T.) and Pieter Lockerman's wife. See Page 76 Pearson-and W. Teller's marriage contract with Maria Varleth.
RESIDENCE
In 1648 he was living in a house on waht is now State St. by 1657, he was living in a larger house (two blocks from the former) on State St. near Broadway. (From article by Pearson in Munsell's Collections, vol.3).
PUBLIC OFFICES
The first public office which he held appears to have been that of fire-master. (G.T.).
In 1656, he was appointed, with Evert Wendell, as tax collection. (G.T.)
Opening of fur trade: See O'Callaghan's "History of New Netherland'.
"First Settlers of Schenectady" by Pearson.
