Peter Delanoy (Pieter De Lanoy or Delano), Mayor 1689-1691: Delanoy (d.1696) was a trader in fur and produce from regional markets.[1] Delanoy was elected during the rule of Jacob Leisler from 1689 to 1691 and was the only directly elected mayor until 1834.[2]

He left his wife Mary, [Mariette] “…the negerine Nanny” with all linen woolens and apparel for her body.  The will was in probate November 27, 1696, and it is very likely he died earlier in 1696. The Oxford English Dictionary states that negrine meant “A black woman; = negress n.” with a noted usage in 1703. It appears that he is a member of the Delano family of New York.[3]

On June 19, 1695, he wrote to the Lords of Trade about Governor Fletcher’s support of piracy: “We have a parcell of pirates in these parts which [people] call the Red-Sea men, who often get great bootys of Arabian Gold. His Excellency gives all due encouragement to these men, because they make all due acknowledgem’s to him; one Coats a captain of this honble order p’sented his Excellency with his ship, which his Excellency sold for £800. and every one of the crew made him a suitable p’sent of Arabian Gold for his protection…”[4] Caleb Heathcote bought the ship from Governor Fletcher.

[1] Merchants & Empire, p.90

[2] Gotham, p.99

[3] New York Wills and Probate Records, 1659-1999, vol 5-6, 1693-1707 p.103, FamilySearch

[4] Documents relative to the colonial history of the State of New York, Vol. IV, pp.223

Copyright 2025 Paul Hortenstine