the ostrander family traditional history - Ostrander Family Association
the ostrander family traditional history - Ostrander Family Association
the ostrander family traditional history - Ostrander Family Association
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THE OSTRANDER FAMILY<br />
TRADITIONAL HISTORY<br />
THE ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF THE<br />
TRADITIONAL ORAL RECORD OF THE<br />
1 ST AND 2 ND GENERATIONS OF THE PIETERSEN/OSTRANDER<br />
FAMILY OF COLONIAL AMERICA<br />
A Review and Analysis of <strong>the</strong> History of <strong>the</strong> Hypo<strong>the</strong>tical<br />
First <strong>Family</strong> Branch Featured in <strong>the</strong> OFA BIG BOOK<br />
Prepared by Kent DeGeer, CMC (OFA Member #704) on behalf of <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>Family</strong> <strong>Association</strong> Research Committee<br />
ABOUT THE AUTHOR<br />
Kent De Geer is a professionally accredited Certified Management Consultant (CMC). Now<br />
retired he spends a fair amount of his free time working on his <strong>family</strong> genealogy. His <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
ancestry places him in <strong>the</strong> line of Johannes (3) <strong>Ostrander</strong> [Pieter (2) Pietersen, Pieter (1) Carstensen]<br />
and he is a new member of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>Family</strong> <strong>Association</strong> (OFA) having joined <strong>the</strong> OFA in<br />
2007. More recently he accepted an invitation to serve on <strong>the</strong> OFA’s Genealogy Research<br />
Committee.<br />
November 2, 2008 (latest update)<br />
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Table of Contents<br />
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY …...................................................................................................... i-iii<br />
RESEARCH REVIEW AND ANALYSIS<br />
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Page<br />
INTRODUCTION, PURPOSE and OFA Research (October 2007 – July 2008) … 1-2<br />
PRE 1993 FINDINGS<br />
Early <strong>Ostrander</strong> Descendant-Researchers …………………………………… 3<br />
Early Versions of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>Family</strong> History ……………………………. 3<br />
Nathaniel Jacob <strong>Ostrander</strong> …………………………………………………… 5<br />
Translations & Transcriptions of De Bonte Koe’s 1660 Passenger List ….. 7<br />
Preliminary Summary ………………………………………………………. 11<br />
THE ORIGINAL HYPOTHESIS ………………………………………………… 12<br />
The Origin of <strong>the</strong> Names of <strong>the</strong> Wife and <strong>the</strong> Three Children ……………… 13<br />
Dutch Naming Patterns and Baptismal Customs ……………………………. 14<br />
THE INFORMATION GAP ................................................................................................. 16<br />
BRIEF HISTORY OF NEW NETHERLAND AND COLONIAL ULSTER COUNTY, NY ………17<br />
Old Dutch Church of Kingston …………………………………………........ 18<br />
Ulster County under Dutch Rule ……………………………………………. 19<br />
Ulster County under Dutch Rule ……………………………………………. 22<br />
The O<strong>the</strong>r Pieter Pietersen (unconnected) ………………………………….. 23<br />
Kingston of 1670 ……………………………………………………………. 24<br />
Nathaniel Jacob <strong>Ostrander</strong>’s Manuscript, Notes and Correspondence ……………. 25<br />
The Mysterious Geertje or Geestje Pieters[en] …………………………………… 26<br />
AMSTERDAM RESEARCH 1993 ………………………………………………………. 27<br />
THE 2 ND HYPOTHESIS (1993) ………………………………………………………… 28<br />
THE OSTRANDER FAMILY LEGEND …………………………………………………. 28<br />
The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) ………………………………………….. 29<br />
AMSTERDAM RESEARCH (1997 – 2008) ……………………………………………. 29<br />
The <strong>Family</strong> of Pieter Pieterss, <strong>the</strong> furrier of Amsterdam (1660) …………………… 31<br />
Pieter (2) Pietersen of Amsterdam and Hurley, Ulster County, New York …………... 32<br />
GENERAL SUMMARY …………………………………………………………………… 34
THE TRADITIONAL RENDITION OF THE 1 ST AND 2 ND GENERATIONS OF THE PIETERSEN/<br />
OSTRANDER FAMILY FROM THE 19 TH AND 20 TH CENTURIES<br />
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY<br />
The <strong>traditional</strong> account of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> <strong>history</strong> likely began in <strong>the</strong> 19 th century, perhaps<br />
earlier, and was completed by <strong>the</strong> early 20 th century. It was predicated on a genealogical<br />
presumption that <strong>the</strong> Pieter Pietersen of Amsterdam who married Rebecca Traphagen in<br />
Kingston in 1679 was <strong>the</strong> son of Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> cadet from Amsterdam who was listed as a<br />
passenger on <strong>the</strong> Dutch ship De Bonte Koe in 1660 with his wife and three children of 8, 4 and<br />
2 years.<br />
Some early <strong>Ostrander</strong> descendant-researchers believed <strong>the</strong> name of <strong>the</strong> cadet’s wife was Tryntje,<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs thought it was Catrina. Their children were purported to be Pieter Jr. (presumably <strong>the</strong><br />
eldest child), Tryntje (2) and ei<strong>the</strong>r Geestje (2) or Geertje (2) (Gertrude). A review of five <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
<strong>family</strong> biographies/histories and Nathaniel Jacob <strong>Ostrander</strong>’s manuscript, notes and<br />
correspondence revealed that most of <strong>the</strong> genealogical and historical claims did not include<br />
source citations, so <strong>the</strong> origin of some key information is unknown. For example, no explanation<br />
was provided to indicate how <strong>the</strong>y determined <strong>the</strong> cadet’s wife was named Tryntje or Catrina and<br />
<strong>the</strong> third child was a daughter named Geertje of Geestje, who was said to have married a Jan<br />
Pier.<br />
A scrutiny of <strong>the</strong> records of <strong>the</strong> Old Dutch Church of Kingston, NY confirmed that <strong>the</strong> Pieter<br />
Pietersen who married Rebecca Traphagen and <strong>the</strong> Tryntje Pieters who married Hendrick<br />
Albertse[n] Ploeg were siblings, and this kinship has long been accepted as indisputable. The<br />
same records suggest that Tryntje was likely <strong>the</strong> older of <strong>the</strong> two (perhaps by a year or two), but<br />
provide no evidence of <strong>the</strong> existence of a Jan Pier, a marriage between a Geertje Pieters (or<br />
Geestje Pieters) and a Jan Pier, or <strong>the</strong> existence of <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> and/or children of <strong>the</strong> alleged<br />
marriage (said to have produced as many as ten children, by an unknown and unconfirmed<br />
source among Nathaniel’s papers).<br />
According to Nathaniel’s material, Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet supposedly married a woman<br />
named Tryntje or Catrina, and <strong>the</strong>y were probably <strong>the</strong> parents of <strong>the</strong> three children named above.<br />
Nathaniel’s historical account of <strong>the</strong> events between <strong>the</strong> arrival of De Bonte Koe in 1660 and<br />
<strong>the</strong> church record of <strong>the</strong> 1679 marriage of Pieter Pietersen and Rebecca Traphagen in Kingston<br />
almost two decades later follows <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong>’s <strong>traditional</strong> oral record that <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>family</strong> presumably settled in Kingston (but he provided no documented record of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
arrival or existence in <strong>the</strong> Dutch settlement <strong>the</strong>re or in Hurley);<br />
parents were presumably killed during <strong>the</strong> Second Esopus War (<strong>the</strong>re was no record cited<br />
to substantiate <strong>the</strong>ir tragic death and none exists); and<br />
children somehow managed to survive (he made no mention of a documented record of<br />
three orphaned Pieters[en] children in ei<strong>the</strong>r Kingston or Hurley and none exists).<br />
The OFA Big Book acknowledges <strong>the</strong> absence of any substantiated evidence to support <strong>the</strong><br />
original hypo<strong>the</strong>sis. This is confirmed in a letter from Emmett <strong>Ostrander</strong> to a researcher in<br />
Holland, dated August 11, 1999, in which he indicated:<br />
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ii<br />
There is no genealogical or historical proof of our <strong>traditional</strong> story of Pieter Pietersen<br />
and his wife and <strong>the</strong>ir three children. It is simply an oral account that was passed down<br />
from generation to generation over <strong>the</strong> past one hundred years, but with no evidence.<br />
It seems that <strong>the</strong> oral record went unchallenged for a century or more. In 1993, <strong>the</strong> OFA<br />
engaged a Holland based researcher to confirm <strong>the</strong> alleged kinship between <strong>the</strong> cadet of 1660<br />
and <strong>the</strong> groom of 1679 and specifically to seek <strong>the</strong>:<br />
record of a Pieter Pietersen who married a woman named Tryntje about 1651; and<br />
records of three children of this marriage who were baptized Pieter, Tryntje and Geestje.<br />
This resulted in <strong>the</strong> recovery of two records in Amsterdam in 1993 (<strong>the</strong> announcement of banns<br />
and a baptism of a son of <strong>the</strong> marriage). Although <strong>the</strong> researcher failed to recover <strong>the</strong> baptismal<br />
records for daughters named Tryntje and Geestje, he presumed that <strong>the</strong> Pieter Pieterss of<br />
Amsterdam who married a Trÿntie vande Lande in November 1652 and had a son Pieter, bpt. 11<br />
May 1653 was <strong>the</strong> same person as <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet listed with his <strong>family</strong> as passengers on De<br />
Bonte Koe eight years later.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> results became public, a Traphagen descendant-researcher Chris Brooks and an<br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong> descendant-researcher Kurt Brown both recognized that <strong>the</strong> information from <strong>the</strong> 1993<br />
research was limited and inconclusive. As a result, two additional forays were made into <strong>the</strong><br />
records of <strong>the</strong> Amsterdam Archives in 1997 and 1998 in an attempt to substantiate <strong>the</strong> new<br />
<strong>the</strong>ory. Their combined research showed that <strong>the</strong> Pieter Pieterss of Amsterdam who married<br />
Trÿntie vande Lande in November 1652 was <strong>the</strong><br />
son Pieter of Pieter Henrixsz and Maritje Martes, bpt. 20 th April 1625, in <strong>the</strong> New<br />
Church in Amsterdam - (Amsterdam Doopregisters – Bron 40, pg. 300);<br />
widower of Luytje Jans van Stapel, who he had married 15 May 1650 when he was a 25<br />
year old bontwerker (furrier) in Amsterdam;<br />
fa<strong>the</strong>r of a daughter Lijntie, bpt. 30 April 1651 in Amsterdam (from his first marriage);<br />
27 year old groom of Trÿntie vande Lande, aged 35, from Amsterdam when <strong>the</strong>y married<br />
in November 1652; and<br />
fa<strong>the</strong>r of a son Pieter, bpt. 11 May 1653 in Amsterdam (of his second marriage).<br />
Four separate searches of <strong>the</strong> Amsterdam Archives conducted in 1993, 1997, 1998 and 2007/08<br />
failed to recover a baptism record of any o<strong>the</strong>r children of <strong>the</strong> marriage of Pieter Pieterss, <strong>the</strong><br />
furrier and Tryntje van de Lande. The resulting evidence verified that <strong>the</strong>re were two distinctly<br />
different families in Amsterdam in mid-April 1660:<br />
One headed by a 35 year old furrier named Pieter Pieters[en], a member of Amsterdam’s<br />
burgher class who had a 42 year old wife (Tryntej van de Lande), a 9-year old daughter<br />
Lijntie, and a 6-year old son Pieter Jr.; and<br />
The o<strong>the</strong>r headed by <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet Pieter Pietersen (of unknown age) from Amsterdam<br />
who had an unnamed wife of unknown age and three unnamed children of unknown<br />
gender, 8, 4 and 2 years of age.<br />
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Since <strong>the</strong> records showed that <strong>the</strong> ages of <strong>the</strong> furrier’s two children did not match <strong>the</strong> ages of any<br />
of <strong>the</strong> cadet’s three children reported as passengers on De Bonte Koe, Mr. Brooks followed<br />
standard genealogical research practices and cast a much wider net to seek records of all children<br />
baptized Pieter, Tryntje and Geestje between 1650 and 1660, whose fa<strong>the</strong>r’s first name was<br />
Pieter. This produced a large list as <strong>the</strong> names Pieter and Tryntje were very common in Holland,<br />
while Geestje was not. Through what was likely a tedious process of elimination, <strong>the</strong> list was<br />
reduced to fa<strong>the</strong>rs named Pieter who baptized both a son Pieter and a daughter Tryntje as <strong>the</strong>se<br />
were <strong>the</strong> only names of siblings confirmed as bro<strong>the</strong>r (Pieter (2) Pietersen) and sister (Tryntje (2)<br />
Pieters) in <strong>the</strong> records of <strong>the</strong> Kingston church.<br />
The final result was <strong>the</strong> discovery of a marriage between Pieter Carstensen, widower of Tryntje<br />
Thyssen and Geesje Jans in Amsterdam in 1654 and <strong>the</strong> baptism of <strong>the</strong>ir only son Pieter<br />
Pietersen in <strong>the</strong> Amsterdam Lu<strong>the</strong>ran Church (3 rd July 1657). A baptism of a daughter Tryntje of<br />
Pieter Carstensen was found in <strong>the</strong> records of <strong>the</strong> same church (29 th December 1654), by Mr.<br />
Brooks but he noted that <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r’s name was not listed. However, o<strong>the</strong>r records in <strong>the</strong><br />
Amsterdam Archives as well as <strong>the</strong> Old Dutch Church of Kingston confirmed that Pieter<br />
Carstensen and Geesje Jans had a daughter Tryntje (2) , she was <strong>the</strong> older sister of our ancestor and<br />
<strong>family</strong> progenitor Pieter (2) Pietersen. Tryntje (2) was conceivably named after her fa<strong>the</strong>r’s<br />
deceased first wife.<br />
A detailed report entitled “THE VERIFIED ACCOUNT OF THE FIRST TWO GENERATIONS OF THE<br />
OSTRANDER FAMILY IN AMERICA” showing <strong>the</strong> recently corroborated genealogy is available to<br />
<strong>the</strong> membership on <strong>the</strong> OFA website at: www.<strong>ostrander</strong>.org<br />
Summary and Conclusions<br />
The works of <strong>the</strong> early descendant-researchers reflected a knowledge of and pride in <strong>the</strong> rich<br />
Dutch heritage of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> of colonial New York. They appear to have been well<br />
educated and dedicated in <strong>the</strong>ir efforts to establish a genealogical connection between <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
confirmed ancestor Pieter (2) Pietersen of Amsterdam and Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet from<br />
Amsterdam who was listed as a passenger on De Bonte Koe in 1660.<br />
Unfortunately <strong>the</strong>y were unable to find any o<strong>the</strong>r record of <strong>the</strong> cadet after mid-June 1660. As a<br />
result, <strong>the</strong> entire documented existence of <strong>the</strong> cadet and his <strong>family</strong> is limited to a three month<br />
ocean voyage. Information recovered in <strong>the</strong> past ten years shows that <strong>the</strong> brief entry from <strong>the</strong> log<br />
of De Bonte Koe listing <strong>the</strong> cadet Pieter Pietersen with an unnamed wife and three unnamed<br />
children of unknown gender was a false lead.<br />
On a positive note, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> surname that originated in Ulster County, NY at <strong>the</strong> start of <strong>the</strong><br />
18 th century is unique to <strong>the</strong> descendants of Pieter (2) Pietersen and Rebecca Traphagen. The<br />
evidence clearly shows that Pieter (2) Pietersen was <strong>the</strong> only son of Pieter Carstensen and Geesje<br />
Jans and was <strong>the</strong> only male member of this line to emigrate from Holland to New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland<br />
(colonial New York) and his migration has been precisely traced from his baptism in Amsterdam<br />
to his marriage in Kingston, NY. As a result, Pieter (2) Pietersen and Rebecca Traphagen are <strong>the</strong><br />
progenitors of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> in colonial New York, and <strong>the</strong> verified identity of Pieter (2) ’s<br />
parents has no significant impact on <strong>the</strong> thousands of <strong>Ostrander</strong> descendants in <strong>the</strong> United States<br />
and Canada, unless <strong>the</strong>y are interested in tracing <strong>the</strong>ir ancestry fur<strong>the</strong>r back in Europe.<br />
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REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE TRADITIONAL ORAL ACCOUNT OF<br />
THE OSTRANDER FAMILY’s 1 ST AND 2 ND GENERATIONS<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
I began my <strong>Ostrander</strong> research in October 2007 and soon learned from a handful of <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
descendants that <strong>the</strong>re were two conflicting versions of <strong>the</strong> first two generations of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
<strong>family</strong>. They indicated that <strong>the</strong> account presented in <strong>the</strong> OFA Big Book was incorrect and<br />
referred me to a genealogy by Chris Brooks published in <strong>the</strong> July 1999 issue of <strong>the</strong> New York<br />
Genealogical and Biographical Record 1 (THE RECORD).<br />
Mr. Brooks’ article was a factual account that met <strong>the</strong> Genealogical Proof Standard 2 (GPS). The<br />
OFA Big Book’s version, based on an unverified and unverifiable old <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>family</strong> oral<br />
account passed down from generation to generation for more than 100 years - plus two records<br />
recovered from <strong>the</strong> Amsterdam Archives in 1993, do not meet <strong>the</strong> GPS criteria.<br />
PURPOSE<br />
To determine <strong>the</strong> genealogical and historical validity of <strong>the</strong> first and second generations of <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> in New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland (colonial New York) as presented in <strong>the</strong> OFA Big Book.<br />
Specifically that:<br />
Pieter (1) Pietersen, <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet from Amsterdam and Tryntje van de Lande were <strong>the</strong><br />
progenitors of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong>;<br />
It was <strong>the</strong>ir son Pieter (2) Pietersen, bpt. 11 May 1653 in Amsterdam, who married<br />
Rebecca Traphagen in Kingston, Ulster County, NY in 1679; and<br />
Our forefa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet came to New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland from Amsterdam on <strong>the</strong> Dutch<br />
ship De Bonte Koe in 1660 with three children (purportedly including <strong>the</strong> son Pieter (2)<br />
Pietersen, of Pieter Pieterss [Pietersz] and Tryntje van de Lande, bpt. 11 May 1653 in<br />
Amsterdam) and first settled in Kingston (and later in Hurley).<br />
1 The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, July 1999, “PARENTAGE OF PIETER PIETERSEN OSTRANDER<br />
AND HIS SISTER TRYNTJE PIETERS,” by Chris Brooks, pages 163-173.<br />
2 The Genealogical Proof Standard<br />
Proof is a fundamental concept in genealogy. In order to merit acceptance, each conclusion about an ancestor must<br />
have sufficient credible evidence to be accepted as "proved." Acceptable conclusions, <strong>the</strong>refore, meet <strong>the</strong> modern<br />
Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) when <strong>the</strong>y:<br />
Show evidence of a thorough search of all relevant records.<br />
Provide precise source citations for relevant records and every genealogical assertion.<br />
Explain <strong>the</strong> reasoning behind each and every uncertain (problematic) identification and/or assumption.<br />
Demonstrate a knowledge of <strong>the</strong> <strong>history</strong> and mores of <strong>the</strong> various periods covered by <strong>the</strong> work.<br />
Provide a soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion.<br />
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OFA RESEARCH (OCTOBER 2007 – JULY 2008)<br />
During <strong>the</strong> past year <strong>the</strong> following major tasks have been completed.<br />
1. A diagnostic review of <strong>the</strong> evolution of <strong>the</strong> 1 st and 2 nd generations of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong><br />
<strong>history</strong> compiled in <strong>the</strong> 19 th century that formed <strong>the</strong> foundation for <strong>the</strong> original hypo<strong>the</strong>sis<br />
that our ancestor Pieter (2) Pietersen [<strong>Ostrander</strong>] was supposedly <strong>the</strong> son of Pieter Pietersen<br />
<strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet from Amsterdam that came to America in 1660 on De Bonte Koe.<br />
2. A detailed analysis of <strong>the</strong><br />
subsequent 1993 hypo<strong>the</strong>sis, which purported that <strong>the</strong> “Pieter Pieterss” who married a<br />
“Trÿntie vande Lande” in November 1652 and had a son Pieter baptized 11 May 1653 in<br />
Amsterdam was also <strong>the</strong> same person as <strong>the</strong> Pieter Pietersen reported as a cadet among<br />
<strong>the</strong> passengers on <strong>the</strong> Dutch ship De Bonte Koe in 1660: and<br />
records, findings and conclusions presented in <strong>the</strong> articles published by Chris Brooks in<br />
1999 and Lorine McGinnis Schulze and Chris Brooks in 2000. 3<br />
3. Research of records of <strong>the</strong> Amsterdam Archives, <strong>the</strong> colonial records of New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland,<br />
New York and Ulster County, NY and documentation of my initial analysis, research<br />
findings and conclusions, which were submitted in a draft Discussion Paper to officers of <strong>the</strong><br />
OFA for review and comment in February 2008.<br />
4. Additional research of issues, concerns and new and old information provided by officers of<br />
<strong>the</strong> OFA and specific queries raised by members of <strong>the</strong> Research Committee commissioned<br />
by <strong>the</strong> OFA Board of Directors in April 2008 “to objectively review all information<br />
(<strong>traditional</strong>, inconclusive and alternative) pertaining to <strong>the</strong> real and/or perceived progenitor<br />
of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong>.”<br />
5. The review of Nathaniel J. <strong>Ostrander</strong>’s handwritten manuscript (<strong>the</strong> first comprehensive<br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> <strong>history</strong>), notes and correspondence, directly related to <strong>the</strong> 1 st and 2 nd<br />
generations, was conducted at <strong>the</strong> New York Genealogical and Biographical Society’s library<br />
in May 2008 by Peter J. <strong>Ostrander</strong>, Chairman of <strong>the</strong> OFA Research Committee.<br />
6. Extensive review and deliberation by <strong>the</strong> OFA Research Committee regarding all<br />
information related to <strong>the</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>family</strong> <strong>history</strong> and <strong>the</strong> alternative genealogy published<br />
by Chris Brooks in 1999 and <strong>the</strong> Pier-<strong>Ostrander</strong> genealogy published by Lorine McGinnis<br />
Schulze and Chris Brooks in 2000.<br />
FINDINGS<br />
The findings on <strong>the</strong> origin and evolution of <strong>the</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> account of <strong>the</strong> 1 st and 2 nd generations<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Pietersen-<strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> <strong>history</strong> are outlined below in two segments.<br />
3 “ORIGINS OF THE PIER FAMILY IN NEW NETHERLAND AND AN UPDATE OF THEIR CONNNECTION TO THE OSTRANDER<br />
FAMILY” - The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, July 2000, pages 163-181.<br />
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1. Pre-1993, which was a prolonged evolutionary phase focused primarily on <strong>the</strong> colonial<br />
and church records of New York of <strong>the</strong> 17 th century from which <strong>the</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>family</strong><br />
oral account seems to have emanated; and<br />
2. 1993 research conducted in Holland for <strong>the</strong> OFA.<br />
PRE-1993 FINDINGS<br />
In addition to <strong>the</strong> colonial records of Ulster County, NY and <strong>the</strong> records of <strong>the</strong> Old Dutch Church<br />
of Kingston, <strong>the</strong> primary sources reviewed were:<br />
Five <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> biographies/histories published between 1875 and 1910, which I<br />
conducted between October 2007 and January 2008. The review involved fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
research to locate and/or confirm <strong>the</strong> records that were presumably recovered by <strong>the</strong>se<br />
same descendant-researchers to determine <strong>the</strong> name(s) of <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet’s wife and<br />
three children and that <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> settled in Kingston shortly after <strong>the</strong>ir arrival; and<br />
Nathaniel Jacob <strong>Ostrander</strong>’s handwritten manuscript, notes and correspondence<br />
(conducted by Peter J. <strong>Ostrander</strong>, chairman of <strong>the</strong> OFA Research Committee).<br />
The Early <strong>Ostrander</strong> Descendant-Researchers<br />
At least four, but perhaps all five of <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> biographies/histories reviewed were compiled by<br />
descendants from <strong>the</strong> line of Hendrick (3) <strong>Ostrander</strong> and it seems that <strong>the</strong>re was a particularly high<br />
level of interest among his descendants. The works reviewed were prepared by:<br />
De Witt (7) W. <strong>Ostrander</strong> (William (6) , Denysius (5) , Willemus (4) , Hendrick (3) - (in 1910)<br />
George (7) A. <strong>Ostrander</strong> (Abraham (6) , Stephen (5) , Christoffel (4) , Hendrick (3) – (in 1895)<br />
Ogden (7) H. <strong>Ostrander</strong> (Philip (6) H., Stephen (5) , Christoffel (4) , Hendrick (3) - (in 1902)<br />
Stephen (7) M. <strong>Ostrander</strong> (Abraham (6) , Stephen (5) , Christoffel (4) , Hendrick (3) - (by 1885)<br />
William B. <strong>Ostrander</strong> of Ulster County (c1879).<br />
All appear to have been proud of <strong>the</strong>ir Dutch heritage, well educated, dedicated and sincere and<br />
among <strong>the</strong>ir ranks were a physician (Dr. George A. <strong>Ostrander</strong>, M.D.) and a lawyer (Stephen M.<br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong>, <strong>the</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>r of George). Bro<strong>the</strong>rs George and Stephen were from Brooklyn, De Witt (7)<br />
and William B. <strong>Ostrander</strong> apparently lived in Ulster County, NY and Ogden (7) <strong>Ostrander</strong> was<br />
born in New York City and relocated to Northumberland County, PA.<br />
The Early Versions of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>Family</strong> History<br />
The first ancestral profile was published c1879, two abridged <strong>family</strong> biographies were compiled<br />
by 1890, a more detailed <strong>family</strong> <strong>history</strong> was published in 1902 and <strong>the</strong> fifth abridged <strong>family</strong><br />
<strong>history</strong> appeared in 1910, as follows:<br />
1. In a biographical sketch of William B. <strong>Ostrander</strong> of Ulster County, <strong>family</strong> oral traditions<br />
record, “…<strong>the</strong> parents fell victim to <strong>the</strong> barbarity of <strong>the</strong> Indians during <strong>the</strong> warfare between<br />
that race and <strong>the</strong> Dutch…” [Source: Commemorative Biographical Record of Ulster County, NY<br />
(c1879), pg. 1259-61]. NOTE - This was <strong>the</strong> oldest reference of <strong>the</strong> “<strong>traditional</strong>” <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
<strong>family</strong> oral account that I found and suggests an early origin, perhaps from <strong>the</strong> 18 th century.<br />
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2. “A History of <strong>the</strong> City of Brooklyn and King’s County, N.Y.” by Stephen M. <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
[1832-1885], edited by Alexander Black, copyright 1894 by Annie A. <strong>Ostrander</strong> (widow of<br />
<strong>the</strong> author). Stephen (7) M. <strong>Ostrander</strong> was a graduate of Columbia College, a lawyer by<br />
profession and <strong>the</strong> first <strong>Ostrander</strong> to be admitted into <strong>the</strong> Holland Society of New York, a<br />
fraternity of descendants of Dutch origin.<br />
The Holland Society was established in 1885 and Stephen was a member from June 25, 1885<br />
until his death on November 19, 1885 (Source: Holland Society Yearbook, 1928/29). It seems<br />
likely Stephen submitted <strong>the</strong> brief biographical version of his ancestry in 1885 as proof of his<br />
Dutch origin as a prerequisite to membership in <strong>the</strong> Society. It suggested that Pieter<br />
Pietersen came from Holland in 1659 with his unnamed wife and three children, Pieter, b.<br />
1650, Tryntje [no date] and Geertje [no date] and <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> next appears in Kingston).<br />
From this work we also learned that Stephen (7) ’s grandfa<strong>the</strong>r - Stephen (5) <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
(Christoffel (4) , Hendrick (3) ) was a minister of <strong>the</strong> Dutch Church in <strong>the</strong> 19 th century and he<br />
preached in both Dutch and English.<br />
Stephen (7) <strong>Ostrander</strong>’s biographical ancestry appears on pages xi-xvii in <strong>the</strong> preface to his<br />
referenced book and is viewable online on <strong>the</strong> Internet at:<br />
http://books.google.com/books?id=VI0gbOxPd4UC&printsec=frontcover&dq=stephen+<strong>ostrander</strong>#PPR11,M1<br />
3. American Ancestry: giving <strong>the</strong> name and descent, in <strong>the</strong> male line, of Americans whose<br />
ancestors settled in <strong>the</strong> United States previous to <strong>the</strong> Declaration of Independence, A.D.<br />
1776. (Source: Joel Munsell’s Sons, Publishers, American Ancestry, Volume 5, 1890, pages<br />
95-96): - OSTRANDER, George A. He was a graduate of Columbia College, bro<strong>the</strong>r of<br />
Stephen M. <strong>Ostrander</strong> and a physician by profession.<br />
Dr. George A. <strong>Ostrander</strong>, M.D. (1834-1917) of Brooklyn, NY, died <strong>the</strong> same year as<br />
Nathaniel Jacob <strong>Ostrander</strong> and evidently communicated and shared information with his<br />
cousin Nathaniel, perhaps for more than 20 years. His 1890 biography is <strong>the</strong> first early work<br />
recovered that makes mention of an alleged marriage between a Geertje Pietersen and a Jan<br />
Pier. According to this old biography “Pieter Pietersen came from Holland in 1659 with his<br />
wife Tryntje and three children, son Pieter and two girls - Tryntje and Geertje and <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong><br />
next appears in Kingston. Tryntje married Hendrick Albertse Ploeg and Geertje married Jan<br />
Pier.” Unfortunately he gave no clue as to <strong>the</strong> source of <strong>the</strong> alleged marriage of Geertje<br />
Pieters and Jan Pier, so we have no idea where <strong>the</strong> information came from or if he, perhaps,<br />
simply obtained a skeletal <strong>family</strong> tree from ano<strong>the</strong>r relative.<br />
4. “The <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>Family</strong> in America: descendants of Pieter <strong>Ostrander</strong> 1660-1902,” by Ogden<br />
Hoffman <strong>Ostrander</strong> was published in 1902. This work claims Pieter Pietersen (<strong>Ostrander</strong>)<br />
and his <strong>family</strong> emigrated from Holland to Kingston, Ulster County, New York in 1660.<br />
5. “THE OSTRANDER FAMILY,” by De Witt W. <strong>Ostrander</strong>, Clintondale, Ulster County<br />
(from Olde Ulster Magazine, July 1910, page 214 – Pieter Pietersen came from Holland in<br />
1660 on De Bonte Koe with his wife Tryntje and two children, Pieter and Tryntje and a third<br />
child Geestje was born after 1660. The fa<strong>the</strong>r seems to have come to <strong>the</strong> Esopus with <strong>the</strong><br />
troops sent to suppress <strong>the</strong> Indian outbreaks). The full text is viewable on <strong>the</strong> Internet at:<br />
http://www.hopefarm.com/ostrand.htm<br />
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As will be noted <strong>the</strong>re were some disparities between <strong>the</strong> various renditions of <strong>the</strong> respective<br />
ancestries, but <strong>the</strong> essence of <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>family</strong> biographies/histories were apparently all based on <strong>the</strong><br />
same original supposition that <strong>the</strong> Pieter Pieterss who married in Kingston in 1679 was <strong>the</strong> son<br />
of a Dutch cadet, Pieter Pietersen who was said to have arrived in New Amsterdam in ei<strong>the</strong>r<br />
1659 or 1660 and soon after settled in Kingston. Most compiled and published narrowly focused<br />
skeletal <strong>family</strong> trees showing four generations that only included <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> branches of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
direct paternal <strong>Ostrander</strong> lineage from <strong>the</strong>ir fa<strong>the</strong>r to <strong>the</strong>ir great, great grandfa<strong>the</strong>r Hendrick (3)<br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong> and his parents Pieter (2) Pietersen <strong>Ostrander</strong> and Rebecca Traphagen.<br />
The most disappointing aspect of <strong>the</strong>se works is that none provided precise source citations to<br />
indicate where <strong>the</strong> evidence for <strong>the</strong>ir genealogical claims came from, but a random audit of three<br />
biographies confirmed <strong>the</strong> validity of <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>family</strong> histories back to Pieter (2) Pietersen <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
and Rebecca Traphagen. All five <strong>family</strong> trees seem to have claimed that <strong>the</strong> groom Pieter (2)<br />
Pietersen was <strong>the</strong> son of a Dutch cadet of <strong>the</strong> same name, but provided no documented record to<br />
substantiate <strong>the</strong> purported kinship. Given <strong>the</strong> uncertainty of <strong>the</strong> presumed fa<strong>the</strong>r-son relationship<br />
it was also noted that no rationale was provided to explain <strong>the</strong> basis of this pivotal assumption.<br />
Nathaniel Jacob <strong>Ostrander</strong> (1843-1917)<br />
A brief review of <strong>the</strong> OFA Big Book indicated that <strong>the</strong>re was no mention of <strong>the</strong> cited works of<br />
four of <strong>the</strong> five early <strong>Ostrander</strong> descendant-researchers that I recovered, while Nathaniel J.<br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong> is justifiably credited for his dedication and years of effort, which is said to have<br />
begun in <strong>the</strong> late 1880’s and culminated with his handwritten manuscript some 30 years later.<br />
During his era Nathaniel seemed to be <strong>the</strong> focal authority on <strong>the</strong> <strong>history</strong> of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong>.<br />
Nathaniel was also a descendant of <strong>the</strong> HENDRICK line – Nathaniel (6) Jacob <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
(Nathaniel (5) , David (4) , Hendrick (3) , Pieter (2) , Pieter (1) ). The Big Book also states that Nathaniel:<br />
Began to copy <strong>the</strong> records from his great grandfa<strong>the</strong>r Hendrick’s Bible in 1892 (page<br />
455);<br />
“Was <strong>the</strong> researcher and compiler of <strong>the</strong> first comprehensive <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>Family</strong><br />
Manuscript. Much of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> genealogy in America derives from his research,”<br />
(page 492).<br />
The <strong>Family</strong> Bible of Hendrick (3) <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
According to Nathaniel’s notes he began his “verbatim seriatim” transcription [sequentially in<br />
chronological order] on <strong>the</strong> 13 th day of June 1892 starting with Hendrick’s introduction - “I<br />
Henricus O<strong>ostrander</strong>, hort-delt bock toi yek desem Beybel go kogt-van Derick.<br />
Schepmoes vur 4 pont-6 Schelnum den 22 desember ent-jaar 1722.” 4<br />
The translation in <strong>the</strong> OFA Big Book indicates that Hendrick bought a Dutch Bible [printed in<br />
Amsterdam] from a Derick Schepmoes for 4.6 shillings on 22 December 1722. (It seems likely that<br />
<strong>the</strong> Bible was purchased from <strong>the</strong> Dirck Schepmoes recorded on <strong>the</strong> 1716/17 Kingston Tax Assessment List.)<br />
4 Big Book, page 455<br />
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When Nathaniel copied <strong>the</strong> records from this <strong>family</strong> heirloom, he noted that <strong>the</strong> Bible was in <strong>the</strong><br />
possession of Mrs. Marie Wilson who was <strong>the</strong>n nearly 86 years old (b. c1806) and living at 107<br />
South Oxford Street in Brooklyn, NY. Nathaniel also reported that:<br />
She was <strong>the</strong> widow of David Wilson and a great granddaughter of Hendrick (3) <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
and Elizabeth Von Bommel;<br />
The old Bible was in a very fair state of preservation considering its age, one of <strong>the</strong><br />
covers was loose and as it contained a number of <strong>family</strong> records;<br />
The first entry was that of Hendrick (3) ’s birth in Hurley, NY on 18 December 1693<br />
followed by <strong>the</strong> births of his children recorded in his handwriting.<br />
The <strong>family</strong> Bible was obviously passed down from generation to generation as it included <strong>the</strong><br />
record of Nathaniel’s grandfa<strong>the</strong>r David (4) <strong>Ostrander</strong> as well as those of David (4) ’s sons and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
More than one hundred years have passed since Nathaniel copied <strong>the</strong> birth, marriage and death<br />
records from <strong>the</strong> Bible purchased by his great grandfa<strong>the</strong>r and it seems that <strong>the</strong> location of <strong>the</strong><br />
heirloom, if it still exists today, is unknown, but Hendrick (3) <strong>Ostrander</strong>’s legacy is priceless. He<br />
left us with handwritten evidence of our rich Dutch heritage and spawned at least a half a dozen<br />
descendant-researchers from <strong>the</strong> 19 th century including Nathaniel, <strong>the</strong> architect of <strong>the</strong> first<br />
comprehensive <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> genealogy.<br />
Besides <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> Bible records, Nathaniel indicated that <strong>the</strong> primary sources of <strong>the</strong> documented<br />
information on <strong>the</strong> 1 st and 2 nd generations of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> came from <strong>the</strong> multiple<br />
volumes of Edmund Bailey O’Callaghan’s “Documentary History of <strong>the</strong> State of New York”<br />
(published 1849-51); and baptismal and marriage records of <strong>the</strong> Old Dutch Church of Kingston.<br />
Although not specifically mentioned, Nathaniel’s writings suggested he was aware of <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>traditional</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> oral account as he reported some of <strong>the</strong> popularly held beliefs of <strong>the</strong><br />
19 th and early 20 th centuries that Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet from Amsterdam who arrived<br />
on De Bonte Koe in 1660:<br />
Had a wife named Tryntje or Catrina;<br />
perhaps, first settled in Kingston c1660 with his wife and <strong>the</strong>ir three children, Pieter Jr.,<br />
Tryntje 2 (Ca<strong>the</strong>rine) and Geertje 2 (Gertrude), although he noted that <strong>the</strong>re was no<br />
documented record of <strong>the</strong> parents’ existence in Kingston or Hurley;<br />
Was probably <strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> Pieter Pietersen who married Rebecca Traphagen in 1679;<br />
and<br />
Was presumably slain by <strong>the</strong> Indians along with his wife during <strong>the</strong> Second Esopus War.<br />
No mention was made by Nathaniel of a documented record of <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong>’s arrival or settlement<br />
in ei<strong>the</strong>r Kingston or Hurley, but he did make a specific reference in his handwritten historical<br />
notes to <strong>the</strong>:<br />
“Documentary History of New York State, Vol. 3 page 57, List of<br />
Soldiers who embarked on <strong>the</strong> ship called Bonti Kow meaning<br />
Spotted Cow from Amsterdam, Holland, April 15, 1660.”<br />
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Translations and Transcriptions of De Bonte Koe’s 1660 Passenger List<br />
The work referenced by Nathaniel was a translation and transcription of entries in <strong>the</strong> Account<br />
Books of <strong>the</strong> Dutch West India Company’s reconfigured into passenger lists by Edmund Bailey<br />
O'Callaghan. The lists were published in English in 1849-1851. The Irish born O'Callaghan (b.<br />
1797) was a doctor (trained in Paris, France) and a physician, journalist and politician in Lower<br />
Canada (now Quebec) from 1827 until 1837. In 1837, O'Callaghan was involved with <strong>the</strong> wrong<br />
side of <strong>the</strong> Lower Canada Rebellion and when a warrant for his arrest was issued he fled south<br />
across <strong>the</strong> border to New York State. Years later O'Callaghan became secretary-archivist of <strong>the</strong><br />
State of New York and he died in New York in 1880.<br />
In addition, O'Callaghan was responsible for <strong>the</strong> publication (also in 1849-51) of <strong>the</strong> “Lists of<br />
inhabitants of colonial New York,” which were excerpted from his “Documentary History of <strong>the</strong><br />
State of New York” and included <strong>the</strong> same passenger lists that appeared in Volume III (pages 52-<br />
63) of his works. In any event, my local library has a copy of both of <strong>the</strong> referenced sources and<br />
it was noted that <strong>the</strong> Dutch name of <strong>the</strong> vessel was not recorded in ei<strong>the</strong>r work. The O'Callaghan<br />
record cited by Nathaniel simply reads, verbatim:<br />
“List of Soldiers in <strong>the</strong> Ship <strong>the</strong> Spotted Cow, 15 th April 1660;” and<br />
“Peter Petersen from Amsterdam, with his wife and 2 children.”<br />
Note: There was so mention of Peter’s military rank and no ages were recorded for his TWO (2)<br />
children. The same transcription of <strong>the</strong> passenger lists was reproduced in <strong>the</strong> 1896 Yearbook of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Holland Society of New York. It seems likely that O'Callaghan’s work was also <strong>the</strong> source<br />
used by De Witt (7) W. <strong>Ostrander</strong> (William (6) , Denysius (5) , Willemus (4) , Hendrick (3) , Pieter (2) ,<br />
Pieter (1) ) of Clintondale, Ulster County, who wrote c1910:<br />
“The record on <strong>the</strong> passenger list of <strong>the</strong> vessel (De Bonte Koe) reads: Peter Pietersen,<br />
from Amsterdam, with his wife and two children.”<br />
De Witt also reported that Pieter Pietersen “is said to have been a cadet in <strong>the</strong> army<br />
under <strong>the</strong> States General of <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands;” and “<strong>the</strong> two children who accompanied<br />
him to this country must have been his son, Pieter,” and daughter Tryntje.<br />
Following <strong>the</strong> 1896 reprint of <strong>the</strong> Dutch passenger lists for 1657-64, <strong>the</strong> Secretary of <strong>the</strong> Holland<br />
Society of New York noted that <strong>the</strong>re were some serious errors with <strong>the</strong> compilation made by<br />
O'Callaghan almost 50 years earlier and requested that <strong>the</strong>y be verified by a comparison to <strong>the</strong><br />
original Dutch manuscripts in <strong>the</strong> New York State Library at Albany.<br />
The discrepancies, errors and omissions uncovered were extensive, e.g., <strong>the</strong> spelling of <strong>the</strong><br />
passenger names was said to have been careless and grave mistakes were made in assigning <strong>the</strong><br />
localities from which <strong>the</strong> people came. In addition, <strong>the</strong> Dutch name of <strong>the</strong> ship was sometimes<br />
not included, passenger lists for some of <strong>the</strong> vessels from Holland were omitted, <strong>the</strong> ages of <strong>the</strong><br />
children were omitted and in some instances people were placed on <strong>the</strong> wrong ship. 5<br />
5 1902 Yearbook of <strong>the</strong> Holland Society of New York, pages 1-3<br />
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A revised and corrected compilation was published in <strong>the</strong> 1902 Yearbook of <strong>the</strong> Holland Society<br />
of New York. The more accurate and complete list of soldiers appears below and uses <strong>the</strong><br />
precise spelling of names as printed in <strong>the</strong> 1902 Yearbook.<br />
April 15, 1660 - Soldiers Who are to sail on <strong>the</strong> Dutch Ship De Bonte Koe<br />
Name From <strong>Family</strong>/Notes # in Fam<br />
Petersen, Claes Ditmarsen Adelborst Self<br />
Haŷen, Claes Bremen Adelborst Self<br />
Pietersen, Jan Ditmarsen Soldier Self<br />
Mannaet, Gerrit Haen Soldier Self<br />
Croos, Coenraet Switzerland Soldier Self<br />
Eyck, Hendrick Nahuys Soldier Self<br />
Ruysh, Christian Bartels Amsterdam Soldier Self<br />
Sweterinck, Hendrick Ośenbrugge Soldier, [from Osnabruck?] Self<br />
Matteus, Peter "Van Laeren" ? Soldier Self<br />
Hamelton, Johan Hamelton Soldier Self<br />
Verpronck, Johan Ceulen Soldier, Smith and Baker Self<br />
Wishhousen, Jan Bergen, Norway Soldier Self<br />
Petersen, Pieter Amsterdam Adelborst. With his wife and three<br />
children, 8, 4 and 2 years<br />
Self + 4<br />
Hemmes, Brant Dockum Soldier Self<br />
Jansen, Dirck Bylevelt Soldier Self<br />
Engsinck, Harmen Jansen Oldenseel Soldier Self<br />
Levelin, Johannes Műhlhausen Soldier Self<br />
Bronval, Michiel Berg Cassel Soldier Self<br />
The following names are crossed out:<br />
Jurriaen Fransen illegible<br />
Jans Hansen Graer Groeningen<br />
And a NOTE says: “Presumably some of <strong>the</strong>se soldiers will be found missing<br />
It was noted that <strong>the</strong> patronymic for two of <strong>the</strong> three Adelborsts was PETERSEN without <strong>the</strong> “i”<br />
(Claes from Ditmarsen and Pieter from Amsterdam) while one of <strong>the</strong> soldiers was reported as<br />
Jan PIETERSEN (with <strong>the</strong> “i”) from Ditmarsen suggesting that a kinship between two, or perhaps<br />
all three, was plausible<br />
Only two of <strong>the</strong> civilian passengers were later found in <strong>the</strong> records of Ulster County (but <strong>the</strong>re<br />
may have been o<strong>the</strong>rs) and <strong>the</strong> two were:<br />
ROELOFF SWARTWOUT, farmer [on his return to New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland, where he previously<br />
resided]. He was accompanied by three men “in his employ” – Cornelis Jacobsz Van<br />
Leeuwen; Arent Mertensz, from Gelderland; and Ariaen Huijbertsz from Gelderland<br />
who presumably went to Esopus (later Kingston) with <strong>the</strong>ir employer.<br />
ALBERT HEYMANS, farmer, from Gelderland, with his wife and eight children, 17, 15, 14,<br />
9, 8, 7, 4 and 2 years.<br />
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There were only four o<strong>the</strong>r civilian families with a combined total of 22 children, one married<br />
couple, nine single men and four single women (maidens) among <strong>the</strong> 81 listed passengers<br />
(presumably 18 soldiers, 29 civilian adults (men and women) and 34 children.<br />
The two key phrases in <strong>the</strong> corrected passenger manifest that are disconcerting are:<br />
Soldiers who ARE TO SAIL – suggesting <strong>the</strong>y were expected to board <strong>the</strong> ship; and<br />
PRESUMABLY SOME OF THESE SOLDIERS WILL BE FOUND MISSING – implying that some of<br />
<strong>the</strong> soldiers may have been NO-SHOWS.<br />
The possibility that Pieter Petersen, Adelborst was a NO-SHOW certainly provides a logical<br />
explanation as to why <strong>the</strong>re is no record of <strong>the</strong> existence of <strong>the</strong> cadet and his <strong>family</strong> in New<br />
Ne<strong>the</strong>rland after June 1660. As a result, we have a catch-22 situation - we cannot prove that he<br />
got on <strong>the</strong> ship nor can we claim he did not. Whatever <strong>the</strong> case, <strong>the</strong> fact remains that <strong>the</strong>re is no<br />
record of his existence anywhere in New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland after De Bonte Koe dropped anchor off<br />
Manhattan Island in June 1660 leaving us in a genealogical no man’s land. Ei<strong>the</strong>r he:<br />
Was a no-show and his <strong>family</strong> did not sail on <strong>the</strong> ship; or<br />
Boarded <strong>the</strong> ship with his <strong>family</strong> and <strong>the</strong>y settled in an unknown location in <strong>the</strong><br />
expansive New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland colony.<br />
In ei<strong>the</strong>r scenario we are faced with a black hole and <strong>the</strong>re is no doubt that <strong>the</strong> early <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
descendant-researchers struggled with this same information void and this was confirmed by a<br />
letter written by Emmett <strong>Ostrander</strong> to a Holland based researcher in August 1999 in which he<br />
stated:<br />
“I have seen some of <strong>the</strong> original writings of <strong>the</strong> De Bonte Koe’s [1660] arrival and<br />
realize <strong>the</strong>y offer no proof.”<br />
The OFA Big Book indicates that <strong>the</strong> information came from <strong>the</strong> records of <strong>the</strong> Dutch West India<br />
Company and includes <strong>the</strong> following statement regarding Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet:<br />
“<strong>the</strong> only known mention of his existence was an entry in <strong>the</strong> account book of Captain<br />
Pieter Lucasz showing <strong>the</strong> names of passengers and <strong>the</strong> fares <strong>the</strong>y were to pay for<br />
transport on his ship De Bonte Koe, departing 15 April 1660 from Amsterdam”<br />
followed by:<br />
“Pieter Pieters from Amsterdam 10 19 13.38, Adelborst with his wife and children of<br />
8, 4 and 2 years.” Presumably <strong>the</strong> first set of numbers is related to <strong>the</strong> fare for <strong>the</strong><br />
voyage. The OFA Big Book also has a note that “An Adelborst was a junior officer<br />
[cadet], in this case serving in <strong>the</strong> military forces of <strong>the</strong> Dutch West India Company.”<br />
As will be noted, <strong>the</strong> passenger manifest did not list <strong>the</strong> names of <strong>the</strong> cadet’s wife or his three<br />
children and <strong>the</strong>re is no clue as to <strong>the</strong> gender of <strong>the</strong> children. Never<strong>the</strong>less, from this sparse<br />
information one can make a number of reasonable assumptions regarding <strong>the</strong> cadet and his<br />
<strong>family</strong>.<br />
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For example, <strong>the</strong><br />
10<br />
military rank of cadet (a junior officer-in-training) suggests a young man, probably in his<br />
early twenties, who had recently enlisted in <strong>the</strong> Dutch military service for a term of,<br />
perhaps, two or more years;<br />
age of <strong>the</strong> eldest child (8) indicates that he or she was born c. 1652 and probably before<br />
April 15, 1652; and<br />
age of <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two children (4 and 2) indicate that <strong>the</strong>y (whe<strong>the</strong>r he or she) were born<br />
c1656 and c1658 respectively.<br />
In addition, <strong>the</strong> age of <strong>the</strong> eldest child suggests that if <strong>the</strong> cadet was his/her fa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>n it is<br />
likely he was in his mid to late twenties, say 26 to 29, i.e. about <strong>the</strong> same approximate age as<br />
his wife, and <strong>the</strong>y would have married c1651. However, it also raises <strong>the</strong> possibility that <strong>the</strong><br />
cadet was a young man who married a slightly older widow with one or more children of her<br />
previous marriage, in which case <strong>the</strong> cadet and his wife may have married later than 1651. In<br />
any event, in June 1660 we have a vague picture of a <strong>family</strong> of five consisting of:<br />
Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> cadet from Amsterdam aged 21-29;<br />
his unnamed wife (perhaps 26-29);<br />
An unnamed son or daughter, probably born before April 15, 1652; unnamed son or<br />
daughter, b. c1656; and unnamed son or daughter, b. c1658.<br />
The 18 Soldiers on De Bonte Koe<br />
At one point I attempted to track all of <strong>the</strong> passengers that arrived on De Bonte Koe and soon<br />
realized it was a mammoth task, but before abandoning <strong>the</strong> effort I had found evidence that<br />
several of <strong>the</strong> immigrants from Holland had taken up residence in or near New Amsterdam,<br />
which is understandable as it was <strong>the</strong> largest settlement in New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland. For a similar reason<br />
New Amsterdam also had <strong>the</strong> largest concentration of soldiers because of its militarily strategic<br />
location as <strong>the</strong> gateway to <strong>the</strong> Dutch colony.<br />
By 1660, New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland encompassed parts of what are now <strong>the</strong> states of New York, New<br />
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut and Delaware and <strong>the</strong> Dutch had established a<br />
series of trading posts, towns, and forts up and down <strong>the</strong> Hudson River and elsewhere.<br />
Consequently, <strong>the</strong> 18 soldiers may have been deployed individually or in groups at any one of a<br />
number of forts in <strong>the</strong> Dutch colony, although <strong>the</strong> two largest garrisons were at New Amsterdam<br />
(New York) and Fort Orange (Albany).<br />
A review of <strong>the</strong> records of <strong>the</strong> Reformed Dutch Churches in New Amsterdam, Esopus<br />
(Kingston) and Albany for <strong>the</strong> three Dutch soldiers Pieter Petersen (Adelborst), Claes Petersen<br />
(Adelborst) and Jan Pietersen, between 1660 and 1665, was unsuccessful. However, references<br />
of <strong>the</strong> third Adelborst (Claes Haŷen) that arrived on De Bonte Koe in mid-June 1660 turned up<br />
<strong>the</strong> following records in <strong>the</strong> New Amsterdam Reformed Dutch Church:<br />
1. Marriages – 12 February 1661, Claes Haŷen, j.m., van Breman, soldat (sic, soldaat –<br />
soldier in English) en Marritje Claes, j.d. van Amsterdam.<br />
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Evidently <strong>the</strong> bride had arrived in New Amsterdam almost three years earlier as she was<br />
listed in <strong>the</strong> records of Capt. Cornelis Maertsen, skipper of <strong>the</strong> Dutch ship De Bruynvis<br />
(The Brownfish) as follows:<br />
19 June 1658, Maria Claes, maiden, debt for passage and board, 36 guilders.<br />
2. Baptisms - 4 December 1661, Gerrit, s/o Claes Heŷnen and Marritje Claes (page 63)<br />
- 7 January 1663, Maria Cathryn, d/o Claes Heŷn and Marritie Claes (page 68)<br />
3. 25 February 1664 – “By order of <strong>the</strong> Lords Mayores. For as much as Claes Haey (her<br />
present husband) has agreed to pay and for this he has been debited, on <strong>the</strong> book of <strong>the</strong><br />
receiver Van Ruyven, 36 gilders” (Source: New York Historical Manuscripts – Dutch, No.<br />
K., page A). It seems likely that <strong>the</strong> debt is related to Maria (Marritje) Claes’ passage to<br />
New Amsterdam in 1658.<br />
No record was recovered to indicate that Claes Haŷen, <strong>the</strong> Dutch soldier was sent to Ulster<br />
County during <strong>the</strong> Second Esopus War in 1663, but it is apparent that he had been stationed in<br />
New Amsterdam upon his arrival and had probably resided in <strong>the</strong> area until 1664. As noted<br />
later, only three Dutch soldiers were killed during <strong>the</strong> concurrent attacks on Wildwyck<br />
(Wiltwyck) and New Dorp (Hurley) in <strong>the</strong> Second Esopus War (1663) and none of <strong>the</strong> reported<br />
names matched any of <strong>the</strong> military personnel that arrived on De Bonte Koe in 1660.<br />
No record was recovered to show that any of <strong>the</strong> 18 soldiers were sent to <strong>the</strong> Esopus area<br />
between 1660 and 1663 or later took up residence in Kingston or Hurley. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are numerous records that mention <strong>the</strong>ir civilian co-passengers - Roeloff Swartwout and<br />
Albert Heymans, as inhabitants and/or landowners in both of <strong>the</strong>se small Dutch settlements in<br />
Ulster County.<br />
Preliminary Summary<br />
There is little doubt that <strong>the</strong> early <strong>Ostrander</strong> descendant-researchers were proud of <strong>the</strong>ir Dutch<br />
heritage and that <strong>the</strong> efforts of <strong>the</strong>ir research were well-intentioned, thorough and sincere and for<br />
this we should be eternally grateful as <strong>the</strong>y provided us with a <strong>family</strong> <strong>history</strong> that is verifiably<br />
sound starting from <strong>the</strong> date of <strong>the</strong> January 1679 marriage of our ancestors Pieter (2) Pietersen and<br />
Rebecca Traphagen. As will be noted from <strong>the</strong> preceding paragraphs, <strong>the</strong> early <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
descendant-researchers struggled with <strong>the</strong> identity of our <strong>family</strong> patriarch’s parents as <strong>the</strong>y were<br />
working with nothing more than a single, vague entry in a ship’s log and <strong>the</strong>y all ultimately ran<br />
into <strong>the</strong> same insurmountable “BRICK WALL.” In any event, <strong>the</strong>y were also all aware of our<br />
ancestor Pieter (2) Pietersen’s Dutch origin and so it seems that at some point <strong>the</strong>y simply became<br />
convinced that he was <strong>the</strong> son of <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet, even though <strong>the</strong>re was (and still is) no<br />
evidence of a kinship. Apparently this key premise was based on <strong>the</strong> following tantalizing, yet<br />
genealogically inconclusive factors:<br />
Both Pieters’ came from Amsterdam, had <strong>the</strong> same patronymic and <strong>the</strong> chronology suggested<br />
that a fa<strong>the</strong>r-son kinship was plausible; and<br />
Our ancestor Pieter (2) Pietersen first surfaced in <strong>the</strong> records of <strong>the</strong> Kingston church in 1679<br />
(suggesting he may have settled in <strong>the</strong> area years earlier with his parents).<br />
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12<br />
As a result, when we combine <strong>the</strong> limited information from <strong>the</strong> ship’s log with <strong>the</strong> suppositions<br />
from <strong>the</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>family</strong> oral account, <strong>the</strong> records of <strong>the</strong> Kingston church and <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>oretical<br />
kinship featured in <strong>the</strong> works of <strong>the</strong> early <strong>Ostrander</strong> descendant-researchers we get a slightly<br />
clearer picture of <strong>the</strong> original hypo<strong>the</strong>sis articulated in Nathaniel’s handwritten manuscript.<br />
THE ORIGINAL HYPOTHESIS<br />
Nathaniel organized his account of <strong>the</strong> 1 st and 2 nd generations of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> as follows:<br />
Historical<br />
“List of list of soldiers who embarked in <strong>the</strong> ship called De Bonte Koe meaning<br />
Spotted Cow, from Amsterdam, Holland, April 15 1660. Pieter Pietersen, wife and<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir three children, <strong>the</strong>y were probably <strong>the</strong> parents of <strong>the</strong> persons below<br />
mentioned” – [see Lineage below].<br />
They are believed to have “settled at Esopus and we have no fur<strong>the</strong>r information as to<br />
<strong>the</strong> parents, but <strong>the</strong>re is a strong presumption that <strong>the</strong>y fell victims to <strong>the</strong> savagery<br />
and treachery of <strong>the</strong> Indians in <strong>the</strong> continual warfare between <strong>the</strong>m and <strong>the</strong><br />
Dutch settlers. The son survived and we find his marriage recorded in <strong>the</strong><br />
Reformed Dutch church in Kingston [in January 1679].” Nathanial made no reference as<br />
to <strong>the</strong> source of <strong>the</strong> parents alleged slaying, but <strong>the</strong> similarity of <strong>the</strong> wording suggests it might<br />
have come from <strong>the</strong> biographical sketch of William B. <strong>Ostrander</strong> of Ulster County, <strong>family</strong> oral<br />
traditions record, “…<strong>the</strong> parents fell victim to <strong>the</strong> barbarity of <strong>the</strong> Indians during <strong>the</strong> warfare<br />
between that race and <strong>the</strong> Dutch…” [Source: Commemorative Biographical Record of Ulster County, NY<br />
(published c1879), pg. 1259-61].<br />
Lineage<br />
1 st Generation<br />
Pieter <strong>Ostrander</strong> [i.e. Pieter Pietersen] and his wife Tryntje (Catrina) came from<br />
Holland. April 1660 . . . They had three children – Pieter 2 Jr., Tryntje 2 (Ca<strong>the</strong>rine)<br />
and Geertje 2 (Gertrude). This pioneer and his wife were cruelly murdered in <strong>the</strong><br />
Esopus War by <strong>the</strong> Indians. Their children:<br />
2 nd Generation<br />
Note - modified to reflect <strong>the</strong> children’s approximate year of birth according to <strong>the</strong> ship’s log.<br />
1. Pieter (2) Pietersen, b. c1652, married 19 January 1679 in Kingston, Rebecca<br />
Traphagen.<br />
2. Tryntje (2) Pieters[en], b. c1656, married Hendrick Albertse Ploeg [c1672/73 -<br />
no marriage record, but <strong>the</strong>y were recorded as <strong>the</strong> parents of ten children that <strong>the</strong>y<br />
presented toge<strong>the</strong>r for baptism in <strong>the</strong> Kingston church].<br />
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3. Geertje (2) Pieters[en], b. c1658, married in Kingston Jan Pier (no date indicated<br />
and no marriage record found).<br />
The third daughter was reported, by an unknown source, to have had ten children (no<br />
baptism record was found for any of <strong>the</strong>se alleged children). This daughter was later<br />
reported in <strong>the</strong> OFA Big Book as Geestje (2) Pieters[en] but <strong>the</strong>re was no explanation<br />
provided for <strong>the</strong> name change.<br />
No tangible evidence was provided to support this <strong>the</strong>ory and it seems to have been based on a<br />
series of scenarios that suggest what might have happened to <strong>the</strong> alleged parents of Pieter (2)<br />
Pietersen during <strong>the</strong> information void spanning almost two decades. Apparently some of <strong>the</strong><br />
presumptions seem to have become part of <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> oral traditions record and over time <strong>the</strong>se<br />
uncontested narratives became embedded in <strong>the</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> <strong>history</strong> that was<br />
ultimately accepted by many as de facto, although it was never proven. There is an unexplained<br />
gap between <strong>the</strong> arrival of De Bonte Koe in June 1660 and a Kingston marriage in 1679, as<br />
reflected in <strong>the</strong> following table.<br />
Pieter Pietersen from<br />
Amsterdam – arrived in New<br />
Amsterdam on De Bonte Koe<br />
in mid-June 1660<br />
No o<strong>the</strong>r record of his existence<br />
after his presumed arrival<br />
THE INFORMATION GAP<br />
June 1660 – January 1679<br />
Pieter Pietersen of Amsterdam,<br />
resident of Westquansengh, m.<br />
19 July 1679 in Kingston,<br />
Rebecca Traphagen<br />
A sincere debt of gratitude is owed to <strong>the</strong> work of <strong>the</strong> early <strong>Ostrander</strong> descendant-researchers in<br />
general and Nathaniel J. <strong>Ostrander</strong> in particular as <strong>the</strong> combined fruits of <strong>the</strong>ir labors were likely<br />
precursors to <strong>the</strong> founding of <strong>the</strong> OFA and <strong>the</strong> publication of <strong>the</strong> Big Book.<br />
The Origin of <strong>the</strong> Names of <strong>the</strong> Wife and <strong>the</strong> Three Children<br />
The records of <strong>the</strong> Old Dutch of Kingston confirm that Pieter (2) Pietersen, who married Rebecca<br />
Traphagen, had a sister named Tryntje (2) Pieters and this indisputable kinship has never been<br />
questioned, although upon close scrutiny <strong>the</strong> church records suggest that Tryntje (2) was probably<br />
<strong>the</strong> older sibling, by a year or two. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, <strong>the</strong> works of <strong>the</strong> six early <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
descendant-researchers reviewed provide very little insight regarding <strong>the</strong> wife’s name (most<br />
often reported as Tryntje or Catrina) or how <strong>the</strong>y determined that <strong>the</strong> third child was a daughter<br />
named ei<strong>the</strong>r GEERTJE or GEESTJE.<br />
According to <strong>the</strong> Dutch naming system, <strong>the</strong> patronymic Pietersen (i.e. Pieter’s son) indicates that<br />
Pieter (2) was <strong>the</strong> son of a fa<strong>the</strong>r named Pieter and although it was presumed that he was <strong>the</strong> son<br />
of <strong>the</strong> cadet of <strong>the</strong> same name, it is conceivable he was simply <strong>the</strong> son of a fa<strong>the</strong>r named Pieter<br />
with a different patronymic, such as:<br />
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14<br />
Pieter Jansen (i.e., <strong>the</strong> son of a fa<strong>the</strong>r baptized Jan);<br />
Pieter Albertsen (son of a fa<strong>the</strong>r named Albert);<br />
Pieter Hendricksen (son of a fa<strong>the</strong>r named Hendrick); or etc.<br />
Dutch Naming Patterns and Baptismal Customs<br />
The genealogical information given in <strong>the</strong> marriage and baptism registers is often sufficient in<br />
itself to assemble a skeleton <strong>family</strong> pedigree, because of <strong>the</strong> following helpful Dutch customs:<br />
1. A couple was betro<strong>the</strong>d in <strong>the</strong> Dutch Reformed Church and <strong>the</strong>n married after three<br />
banns had been read. The betrothal (marriage intentions) and/or marriage record<br />
ordinarily gives marital status and place of origin (which is usually place of birth).<br />
2. A woman normally (but not always) continued to use her maiden name after marriage.<br />
3. The first two children of each sex were usually (but not always) named for <strong>the</strong> four<br />
grandparents.<br />
4. Children were baptized shortly after birth and usually had relatives as godparents.<br />
(Source: The New York Genealogical & Biographical Newsletter, Summer 1996)<br />
It was customary for Dutch couples to name children after <strong>the</strong>ir own respective parents,<br />
alternating between paternal and maternal grandparents, sometimes in an orderly fashion, but not<br />
always. If <strong>the</strong> eldest child was a son he would typically be named after his paternal grandfa<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
<strong>the</strong>n usually <strong>the</strong> first daughter would be named for <strong>the</strong> maternal grandmo<strong>the</strong>r, but once again not<br />
necessarily. Since <strong>the</strong>y also tended to have large families, it was not unusual to find a child<br />
named for each of <strong>the</strong> four grandparents and not always in some preordained order. Usually<br />
male children later added an “s, sen, szen or zen” to <strong>the</strong>ir fa<strong>the</strong>r’s first name so a son of Jan<br />
baptized Pieter was known as Pieter Jansen (Jans, Janszen or Janzen). Since <strong>the</strong> prefix “sen”<br />
denoted “son of” female children used <strong>the</strong> simpler patronymic of <strong>the</strong>ir fa<strong>the</strong>r’s name plus an “s”,<br />
e.g., Jans or Pieters.<br />
Because <strong>the</strong>re is no documented record of <strong>the</strong> name of <strong>the</strong> cadet’s wife (who was presumed to be<br />
<strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r of Pieter (2) Pietersen and Tryntje (2) Pieters), perhaps it was derived from <strong>the</strong> baptismal<br />
records of her alleged grandchildren. Starting with <strong>the</strong> first four children of Pieter (2) and Rebecca<br />
we get <strong>the</strong> following likely connections.<br />
2.1 Pieter (3) , b. c1680, no baptism record was found (which is unfortunate as <strong>the</strong> names of <strong>the</strong><br />
witnesses or sponsors often help and most likely would have been one or both of <strong>the</strong><br />
paternal grandparents). It is most likely <strong>the</strong> child was named after his paternal<br />
grandfa<strong>the</strong>r, who was originally thought to be Pieter Pietersen, <strong>the</strong> deceased Dutch cadet.<br />
2.2 Willem (3) , bpt. 24 September 1682, doubtless named after his maternal grandfa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Willem Jansen Traphagen. The witnesses were Johannes Traphagen (bro<strong>the</strong>r of Rebecca)<br />
and Geesje Pieterz (perhaps <strong>the</strong> sister of <strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r who was recorded as “Pieter Pieterz,”<br />
although it was subsequently noted that this is <strong>the</strong> only mention of a Geesje Pieters in <strong>the</strong><br />
Kingston church records between 1660 and 1699).<br />
2.3 Arent (3) , bpt. 5 October 1684 (namesake unknown, but <strong>the</strong> first two sons had already been<br />
named after <strong>the</strong>ir paternal and maternal grandfa<strong>the</strong>rs respectively.<br />
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Therefore, Arent was probably named after a friend or relative of his fa<strong>the</strong>r. The<br />
witnesses were Hendric Albertz (bro<strong>the</strong>r-in-law of <strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r) and his wife Tryntje (2)<br />
Pieters (<strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r’s sister).<br />
2.4 Catrina, bpt. 5 September 1686 (namesake uncertain). Traditionally, <strong>the</strong> rotation would<br />
have <strong>the</strong> first daughter named after her maternal grandmo<strong>the</strong>r “Joosje Willems”, but<br />
obviously this does not appear to be <strong>the</strong> case. It seems, however, that it may have been<br />
presumed by some that <strong>the</strong> child was named after her paternal grandmo<strong>the</strong>r and Catrina is<br />
a synonym of Tryntje, so when you consider <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r had a sister named<br />
Tryntje <strong>the</strong> assumption seems logical, ergo <strong>the</strong> cadet’s wife was, perhaps, also named<br />
Tryntje or Catrina. The witnesses were Hans Burhans and Lena (Helena) Traphagen.<br />
The baptismal records for <strong>the</strong> children of Tryntje (2) Pieters and Hendrick Albertse[n] are less<br />
definitive as none were found for three of <strong>the</strong> older children, a daughter Annetje (Anna) who<br />
appears to be <strong>the</strong> firstborn so perhaps, she was named after her unknown paternal grandmo<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
No baptism records were found for sons Albert (presumably <strong>the</strong> eldest and probably named after<br />
his paternal grandfa<strong>the</strong>r Albert (whose patronymic is unknown). The son Albert was sometimes<br />
reported as Allert. The next son for which no baptism record was found was Pieter, who could<br />
have been named after his presumed grandfa<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet. Although <strong>the</strong> year of Pieter<br />
Hendricksen Ploeg’s birth is uncertain, he appears in most <strong>family</strong> trees as <strong>the</strong> third son.<br />
The second daughter of <strong>the</strong> couple was baptized Geesje (6 April 1679) suggesting her maternal<br />
grandmo<strong>the</strong>r was also named Geesje. Although Tryntje (2) Pieters and Hendrick Albertse[n] had<br />
four o<strong>the</strong>r daughters none were baptized Tryntje or Catrina suggesting <strong>the</strong> possibility that <strong>the</strong><br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r of Pieter (2) Pietersen and Tryntje (2) Pieters was, perhaps, not named Tryntje or Catrina,<br />
but instead was named Geesje. In any event, <strong>the</strong> four o<strong>the</strong>r daughters were:<br />
Geesje Hendricks Ploeg, bpt. 22 July 1683 (indicating <strong>the</strong> first daughter baptized with<br />
this name in 1679, probably died young);<br />
Maria Hendricks Ploeg, bpt. 28 February 1686;<br />
Rebecca Hendricks Ploeg, bpt. 3 February 1689; and<br />
Geertje Hendricks Ploeg, bpt. 8 June 1694<br />
When we compare <strong>the</strong> female children of siblings Pieter (2) and Tryntje (2) we get <strong>the</strong> following.<br />
Daughters of Pieter (2) Pietersen &<br />
Daughters of Tryntje<br />
Rebecca Traphagen<br />
(2) Pieters &<br />
Hendrick Albertse[n]<br />
2.4 Catrina (1686) 3.1 Annetje (Anna) – no baptism record, b.<br />
about 1673, m. c1691/92<br />
2.9 Lea (Leah) – 1698 (a twin) 3.5 Geesje (1679), d.y.<br />
2.10 Rachel – 1698 (a twin) 3.7 Geesje (1683)<br />
2.11 Geesje – 1700 3.8 Maria (1686)<br />
2.12 Rebecca (no baptism record, reported<br />
as born c1702 – might have been <strong>the</strong><br />
eldest daughter of Pieter (3) Pietersen<br />
& Rachel Dingman, bpt. 1706)<br />
3.9 Rebecca (1689)<br />
3.11 Geertje (1694)<br />
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The only two female names common to both sides of <strong>the</strong> table are Geesje and Rebecca, although<br />
it was noted that <strong>the</strong>re is no record of <strong>the</strong> baptism of a daughter Rebecca of Pieter (2) Pietersen and<br />
Rebecca Traphagen. However, <strong>the</strong>ir eldest son Pieter (3) Pietersen <strong>Ostrander</strong> and his wife Rachel<br />
Dingman baptized <strong>the</strong>ir first child 6 Rebecca, a daughter who was likely named after her paternal<br />
grandmo<strong>the</strong>r Rebecca Traphagen. It was noted that <strong>the</strong> OFA Big Book contained no o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
information on Rebecca (4) <strong>Ostrander</strong> (Pieter (3) , Pieter (2) , Pieter (1) ) and it is plausible that she was<br />
inadvertently assigned to <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> of her grandparents (Pieter (2) Pietersen and Rebecca<br />
Traphagen). This issue is currently under review.<br />
It seems quite probable that Geesje was <strong>the</strong> only common name and suggests that perhaps, <strong>the</strong><br />
first name of <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r of Pieter (2) Pietersen and Tryntje (2) Pieters was GEESJE and, if so, this<br />
certainly would explain why Tryntje (2) Pieters baptized a second daughter Geesje after <strong>the</strong><br />
probable infant death of <strong>the</strong> first daughter between July 1683 and February 1686. Whatever <strong>the</strong><br />
case, we can see from <strong>the</strong> above table, potential clues that led <strong>the</strong> early researchers to consider<br />
<strong>the</strong> third child of <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet was a daughter named ei<strong>the</strong>r Geestje or Geertje.<br />
THE INFORMATION GAP<br />
It is important to note that <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> descendant-researchers of <strong>the</strong> 18 th , 19 th and early 20 th<br />
centuries had less than a handful of records to work with, while struggling to verify a perceived<br />
kinship. They held in one hand, documented proof that <strong>the</strong>ir ancestor Pieter Pietersen who<br />
married Rebecca Traphagen was born in Amsterdam. In <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, <strong>the</strong>y held a record from<br />
a ship’s log indicating that Pieter Pietersen, a cadet from Amsterdam presumably arrived on De<br />
Bonte Koe in 1660 with his wife and three children. On <strong>the</strong> surface, a genealogical connection<br />
was certainly plausible and <strong>the</strong> circumstantial historical evidence truly enticing, so it must have<br />
been very frustrating to <strong>the</strong>m not to be able to find any records to substantiate a kinship<br />
connection between <strong>the</strong> two Pieters from Amsterdam.<br />
In hindsight, it must have been truly perplexing not being able to find any record of <strong>the</strong> existence<br />
of <strong>the</strong> cadet and his <strong>family</strong> in Kingston or Hurley between 1660 and 1679, particularly when <strong>the</strong><br />
Dutch settlements at <strong>the</strong>se two locations were so small and concentrated. As a result, a detailed<br />
review of <strong>the</strong> <strong>history</strong> of colonial Ulster County was undertaken to see if <strong>the</strong>re was anything that<br />
might explain <strong>the</strong>:<br />
Uncertainties of <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong>’s whereabouts after June 1660 and <strong>the</strong> parents’ unreported<br />
death; and<br />
Problematic identification of <strong>the</strong> names of <strong>the</strong> cadet’s wife and three children.<br />
The primary period of focus was between mid-June 1660 when <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> is said to have arrived<br />
at New Amsterdam and mid-June 1663 when <strong>the</strong> parents were allegedly slain in Hurley (or<br />
Kingston) during <strong>the</strong> Second Esopus War. Emphasis was placed on <strong>the</strong> detailed accounts<br />
leading up to and including <strong>the</strong> concurrent attacks on New Dorp (Hurley) and Wildwyck<br />
(changed to Wiltwyck and later Kingston by <strong>the</strong> British) as well as <strong>the</strong> aftermath.<br />
6 Rebecca, of Pieter Van Oostrande, Jr., and Rachel Dingmans, bpt. 13 January 1706. Wit.: Adam and Aaltje<br />
Dingmans, Reformed Dutch Church of Albany, Part 2, 1700 – 1724, Baptism Register, page 38.<br />
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17<br />
In addition, <strong>the</strong> Dutch records of <strong>the</strong> Kingston court were scrutinized for a mention of <strong>the</strong>:<br />
Appointment of a guardian (or guardians) for three underage Pieters[en] children,<br />
tragically orphaned by <strong>the</strong> alleged massacre of <strong>the</strong>ir parents; and<br />
Net proceeds from <strong>the</strong> sale of <strong>the</strong> deceased fa<strong>the</strong>r’s estate (house, property, possessions)<br />
that would have been placed in trust for <strong>the</strong> care and upbringing of <strong>the</strong> three children<br />
(ranging in age from 5 to 11 in 1663) in accordance with Dutch law and custom.<br />
The research centered on <strong>the</strong> following specific uncertainties stated in <strong>the</strong> OFA Big Book:<br />
1. The only known record of <strong>the</strong> existence of Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> cadet from Amsterdam<br />
was an entry in <strong>the</strong> account book of <strong>the</strong> captain of De Bonte Koe that made mention of<br />
an unnamed wife and three unnamed children of unknown gender - aged 8, 4 and 2;<br />
2. No record exists to tell us where Pieter Pietersen settled his <strong>family</strong> in <strong>the</strong>ir new<br />
homeland, never<strong>the</strong>less <strong>the</strong>y are presumed to have gone early to Esopus (later Kingston.<br />
NY);<br />
3. <strong>Family</strong> tradition says that Pieter Pietersen and his wife were killed by Indians, but <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
names appear nowhere in <strong>the</strong> list of those individuals killed, wounded or captured in <strong>the</strong><br />
Second Esopus War nor in <strong>the</strong> military accounts of soldiers sent in pursuit of <strong>the</strong> Indians;<br />
4. The answer appears lost forever in <strong>history</strong>, but ano<strong>the</strong>r more fortunate part of <strong>the</strong><br />
mystery is that, somehow, <strong>the</strong>ir three children managed to survive; and<br />
5. Nothing is known of where Pieter and his sisters lived until an entry in <strong>the</strong> marriage<br />
register of <strong>the</strong> Dutch Church at Kingston states that on 19 January 1679 Pieter Pieterzen<br />
and his bride Rebecca Traphagen were both residents of Westquansengh,” ... “an Indian<br />
name for a locality believed to be in <strong>the</strong> Hurley area.<br />
BRIEF HISTORY OF NEW NETHERLAND AND COLONIAL ULSTER COUNTY, N.Y.<br />
New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland was a Dutch colony in North America along <strong>the</strong> Hudson and lower Delaware<br />
Rivers and it encompassed parts of what are now <strong>the</strong> states of New York, New Jersey,<br />
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut and Delaware. Although <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands only controlled<br />
<strong>the</strong> Hudson River Valley from 1609 until 1664, in that short time, Dutch entrepreneurs<br />
established New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland, which consisted of a series of trading posts, towns, and forts up and<br />
down <strong>the</strong> Hudson River (and elsewhere) that laid <strong>the</strong> groundwork for towns that still exist today.<br />
Fort Orange was <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rnmost of <strong>the</strong> Dutch outposts and is known today as Albany; New<br />
York City’s original name was New Amsterdam, and <strong>the</strong> New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland’s third major<br />
settlement, Esopus (later Wiltwyck), is known today as Kingston. Unlike New York City and<br />
Albany where <strong>the</strong> traces of colonization can be difficult to find, in Kingston, <strong>the</strong> documented<br />
<strong>history</strong> of New York’s Dutch colonization is more abundant and better preserved. Never<strong>the</strong>less<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are some gaps in <strong>the</strong> records of Kingston and Hurley.<br />
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18<br />
Little research was done on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Dutch forts outside of <strong>the</strong> area that became New York State<br />
and it is quite conceivable that <strong>the</strong> cadet Pieter Pietersen could have remained in/near New<br />
Amsterdam or been sent to Fort Orange or stationed at ano<strong>the</strong>r garrison in New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland<br />
outside of <strong>the</strong> area that became New York State. Although <strong>the</strong>y provided no evidence, it seems<br />
that <strong>the</strong> early <strong>Ostrander</strong> descendant-researchers believed that <strong>the</strong> cadet first settled in Wildwick<br />
when it was still known as Esopus and later relocated to New Dorp (Hurley) where it was<br />
thought his alleged son Pieter lived when he married in January 1679.<br />
Significant Dates - an Ulster County Chronology<br />
1652/53 - Permanent settlers arrive (mostly from Albany) and first name <strong>the</strong>ir village Esopus<br />
1659 - The Reformed Dutch Church of Esopus is organized<br />
1659/60 – First Esopus War<br />
1660 – The first wooden church is built in Esopus (later named <strong>the</strong> Old Dutch Church of Kingston)<br />
1661 – The Dutch build a fort at Esopus and <strong>the</strong> name of <strong>the</strong> village is changed to Wildwyck<br />
1662 - A new village is established southwest of Wildwyck and is first called New Dorp<br />
1663 – Second Esopus War, New Dorp is destroyed, Wildwyck is attacked and partially burned<br />
1664 – The Dutch surrender New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland to <strong>the</strong> British and Wildwyck becomes Wiltwyck<br />
1669 – The British rename <strong>the</strong> two villages Kingston (Wiltwyck) and Hurley (New Dorp)<br />
When <strong>the</strong> British seized <strong>the</strong> New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland colony in 1664 <strong>the</strong>re were only about 55 to 70<br />
families living in <strong>the</strong> Dutch settlements at Kingston (40 to 50) and Hurley (15 to 20).<br />
Old Dutch Church of Kingston<br />
The church played an integral part in <strong>the</strong> early generations of <strong>the</strong> Pietersen (<strong>Ostrander</strong>) <strong>family</strong> in<br />
America. Organized in 1659, "The Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Kingston, NY"<br />
familiarly known as <strong>the</strong> "Old Dutch Church", is <strong>the</strong> 6th oldest Reformed Church in America,<br />
having a continuous ministry and worship on practically <strong>the</strong> same ground. The baptism and<br />
marriage records of <strong>the</strong> Old Dutch Church, dating from 1660 (recorded in Dutch until 1810), are<br />
<strong>the</strong> most complete and among <strong>the</strong> oldest in <strong>the</strong> country still in existence. All services were in<br />
Dutch until 1809 and it was <strong>the</strong> only church in Kingston for 170 years. 7<br />
7 Excerpts from <strong>the</strong> History of The Old Dutch Church of Kingston by James W. Werner<br />
http://home.att.net/~jwwerner51/OldDutchChurch.html<br />
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Ulster County under Dutch Rule<br />
19<br />
There were only three small settlements of interest to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> <strong>history</strong> during <strong>the</strong><br />
brief Dutch era of Kingston, Hurley and Foxhall (Fox Hall Manor). The common focal points<br />
were <strong>the</strong> Old Dutch Church in Kingston and Kingston itself, which was <strong>the</strong> largest settlement, as<br />
well as <strong>the</strong> functional capital of colonial Ulster County. In 1661, Peter Stuyvesant, <strong>the</strong> Director-<br />
General of New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland established a local court at Esopus, and it was at this time that he<br />
gave <strong>the</strong> name Wildwyck to <strong>the</strong> settlement. He also recognized <strong>the</strong> strategic practicality of a fort<br />
located halfway between New Amsterdam and Fort Orange. In <strong>the</strong> aftermath of <strong>the</strong> First Esopus<br />
War he had <strong>the</strong> soldiers he sent up from New Amsterdam to crush <strong>the</strong> Esopus Indians help build<br />
a stockade at Wildwyck with 40 houses for <strong>the</strong> settlers.<br />
Board by board, <strong>the</strong> settlers took <strong>the</strong>ir barns and houses down, and carted <strong>the</strong>m uphill to a<br />
promontory bluff overlooking <strong>the</strong> Esopus Creek flood plain. They reconstructed <strong>the</strong>ir homes<br />
behind a 14-foot high wall made of tree trunks pounded into <strong>the</strong> ground that created a perimeter<br />
of about 1200 x 1300 feet 8 based on a town plan that looked something like <strong>the</strong> illustration<br />
below.<br />
8 http://www.nps.gov/<strong>history</strong>/nr/travel/kingston/colonization.htm<br />
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20<br />
After <strong>the</strong> fortifications were completed <strong>the</strong> men left <strong>the</strong>ir walled village during <strong>the</strong> day to go out<br />
and farm <strong>the</strong>ir fields, leaving <strong>the</strong> women and children largely confined within <strong>the</strong> stockade.<br />
When you exclude <strong>the</strong> normal disputes that arose over land and financially related matters<br />
(unpaid debts) <strong>the</strong> two communities were typically close knit and caring, bound toge<strong>the</strong>r by<br />
families, friends and <strong>the</strong> natural instinct for survival. As a result, <strong>the</strong> inhabitants of <strong>the</strong> larger<br />
community in Kingston likely knew everyone else very well, at least by face and probably by<br />
name as <strong>the</strong>y resided within <strong>the</strong> walls of <strong>the</strong> stockade at Kingston. They probably also knew<br />
most of <strong>the</strong>ir neighbors in Hurley as many of <strong>the</strong> families that settled in <strong>the</strong> new village came<br />
from Kingston and doubtless <strong>the</strong>re were numerous intermarriages between families from <strong>the</strong>se<br />
two tiny settlements as <strong>the</strong>y were in close proximity.<br />
Wildwyck (Wiltwyck)<br />
As noted earlier, in 1661 Wildwyck consisted of 40 <strong>family</strong> dwellings and a wooden church all<br />
cloistered within <strong>the</strong> protective walls of a stockade. While some new settlers probably arrived in<br />
Wildwyck prior to <strong>the</strong> outbreak of <strong>the</strong> Second Esopus War on June 7, 1663, <strong>the</strong> community was<br />
still quite small even by 1689. More than 50 years after <strong>the</strong> Second Esopus War, Kingston had<br />
only grown to about 175 families. 9<br />
New Dorp (Hurley)<br />
The first European settlement began in June of 1662 when five businessmen in Albany, NY<br />
petitioned Governor General Peter Stuyvesant, head of <strong>the</strong> Dutch New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland Colony, to<br />
establish a second village to <strong>the</strong> southwest of Kingston, allowing more of <strong>the</strong> Esopus Valley to<br />
be cultivated. It was given a temporary Dutch name, Nieuw Dorp, (new village) until a better<br />
name could be chosen. By mid-1663 only eight (8) <strong>family</strong> dwellings had been built in New Dorp<br />
when <strong>the</strong> village was destroyed by fire by <strong>the</strong> local Native Americans during <strong>the</strong>ir attack on June<br />
7, 1663 10 and all eight houses were lost.<br />
The Second Esopus War 1663/64<br />
“On <strong>the</strong> 7th of April, 1663, Albert Heymans (Roosa) and his fellow commissaries reported to<br />
Governor Stuyvesant that <strong>the</strong> savages would not allow <strong>the</strong> building of palisades or fortifications<br />
at <strong>the</strong> new village, because <strong>the</strong> land was not included in <strong>the</strong> treaty made with <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> year<br />
1660, and had not been fully paid for; and praying that <strong>the</strong> gifts promised <strong>the</strong> savages <strong>the</strong><br />
previous autumn be sent at once, and that <strong>the</strong> new place and village be assisted with a few<br />
soldiers and ammunitions of war, at least, until <strong>the</strong> new settlement should be put into a proper<br />
state of defense and inhabited by a good number of people; that 'your humble and faithful<br />
subjects may remain without fear and molestation from <strong>the</strong>se barbarous people, and with some<br />
assurance for <strong>the</strong> peaceful, undisturbed and unhindered continuation of <strong>the</strong> work begun, for if<br />
rumors and warnings may be believed, it would be too anxious, if not too dangerous an<br />
undertaking for your humble petitioners and faithful subjects to continue and advance <strong>the</strong>ir work<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rwise." (Source: Colonial History of N. Y., Vol. XIII., pages 242-3).<br />
9 Tax Assessment List for <strong>the</strong> County of Ulster, 1716/17, Kingston<br />
http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/archives/exhibits/burning/TaxAssessment.html<br />
10 A Brief History of Hurley, by David Baker, Town of Hurley Historian, 2005, viewable online at:<br />
http://www.hurleyheritagesociety.org/Pages/HHistory.htm<br />
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21<br />
These warnings were not heeded and <strong>the</strong> requests for additional troops were not complied with<br />
and on June 7th, 1663, <strong>the</strong> Indians attacked <strong>the</strong> New Village and Wildwyck. At Wildwyck <strong>the</strong>y<br />
burned twelve dwelling houses;<br />
killed eighteen persons (three soldiers, nine o<strong>the</strong>r men, four women and two children),<br />
and carried away ten persons as prisoners.<br />
The civil and military reports of <strong>the</strong> attack on Hurley were detailed and surprisingly thorough as<br />
noted in <strong>the</strong> right hand column in <strong>the</strong> table below.<br />
JOURNAL OF THE SECOND ESOPUS WAR 12<br />
1662 LAND PATENTS 11<br />
NEW DORP Inhabitants June 1663 Taken Prisoner<br />
Blanshan, Mattys (Ma<strong>the</strong>u) Blanshan, Mattys (Ma<strong>the</strong>u) 2 children<br />
Crispell (Crupel) Anthony Crispell (Crupel) Anthony 1 woman, 1 child<br />
De Bois, Lewis du Bois, Louwis 1 woman, 3 children<br />
Gerrets, Gosen Ariaensen, Derrick – slain<br />
Hall, Thomas Barents, Jan 1 woman, 1 child<br />
Huyberts, Lambert Huyberts, Lambert 1 woman, 3 children<br />
Kool, Lambert Ferre, Michiel (perhaps Freer)<br />
(his house in Kingston was burned)<br />
2 children<br />
Roosa, Albert Heymans Heymans, Albert 2 children<br />
Schuyler, Petrus Gerritsen, Jan 1 man (himself)<br />
Swartwout, Roelof<br />
(resided in Kingston)<br />
Harmensen, Barent 1 woman, 1 child<br />
Thomassen, John Harmensen, Marten - slain 1 woman, 4 children<br />
Varlett, Nicholas Jochems, Hendrick 1 child<br />
Volkert, Jan Joosten Jan 1 woman, 2 children<br />
Martensen, Hendrick<br />
Tyssen, Jacques – slain<br />
1 child<br />
Westercamp, Grietje 1 woman, 3 children<br />
It appears that some of <strong>the</strong> individuals that were in New Dorp when it was attacked and<br />
destroyed in 1663 were residents of Wildwyck. Since <strong>the</strong> new village was only established a<br />
year earlier it seems logical that some settlers were in a transitional phase, probably farming and<br />
building houses prior to taking up permanent residency in Hurley. According to a report prepared<br />
by Roelof Swartwout and o<strong>the</strong>r officials of Wildwyck following <strong>the</strong> attack, <strong>the</strong> surviving men<br />
from New Dorp took refuge in <strong>the</strong> larger fortified village and when mustered in <strong>the</strong> evening of<br />
June 7 th numbered “69 efficient men, both qualified and unqualified.”<br />
In all it appears that <strong>the</strong>re were, perhaps, 50 to 75 families in <strong>the</strong> two settlements on that fateful<br />
day, but <strong>the</strong>re is no mention of <strong>the</strong> tragic death of Pieter Pietersen and/or his wife and <strong>the</strong>re is no<br />
mention of <strong>the</strong>ir three orphaned children in <strong>the</strong> various reports of <strong>the</strong> attacks, as well as in <strong>the</strong><br />
records of <strong>the</strong> aftermath.<br />
11 History of Ulster County, Nathaniel Sylvester, page 146<br />
12 http://www.hudsonrivervalley.net/colonialAmericaLesson/esopusjournal1863.php<br />
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22<br />
There was also no reference to <strong>the</strong> three orphaned Pieters[en] children in <strong>the</strong> records of <strong>the</strong><br />
Wildwyck (Kingston) court, suggesting that <strong>the</strong>re was no evidence that <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet and his<br />
<strong>family</strong> were anywhere in <strong>the</strong> area during <strong>the</strong> attack. Similarly, <strong>the</strong>re is no church, land or court<br />
record to substantiate that <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> had ever settled in Kingston or Hurley. Surely with so very<br />
few families in <strong>the</strong> two small settlements <strong>the</strong>re should have been something to place <strong>the</strong> Dutch<br />
cadet and his <strong>family</strong> in ei<strong>the</strong>r Kingston or Hurley, but sadly this was not <strong>the</strong> case and no record<br />
of <strong>the</strong>ir existence in Ulster County has been found in <strong>the</strong> past two to three and a half centuries.<br />
According to Sylvester’s History of Ulster County (page 146) – just how soon “after <strong>the</strong><br />
destruction of <strong>the</strong> village <strong>the</strong> settlers rallied and rebuilt <strong>the</strong>ir homes is not clear but it seems<br />
probable that it was within a few months. Only three residents were killed (as reflected in <strong>the</strong><br />
preceding table). The majority of <strong>the</strong> village’s population was taken prisoner, but later rescued<br />
and few families were broken up.”<br />
Ulster County Under British Rule<br />
It appears that little changed in <strong>the</strong> three small settlements in <strong>the</strong> first two decades after <strong>the</strong><br />
British takeover, so it was basically business as usual with Dutch being <strong>the</strong> predominant<br />
language. Growth was slow and came primarily from within. By 1700, some 37 years later “<strong>the</strong><br />
population of Hurley was only 174 so <strong>the</strong> growth of <strong>the</strong> village had been slow and <strong>the</strong>re could<br />
hardly have been more than 30 families in <strong>the</strong> village in 1700” (Sylvester). By 1716/17 <strong>the</strong>re<br />
were about 42 families residing in Hurley. 13<br />
In order of <strong>the</strong>ir permanent settlement, <strong>the</strong> five original towns of <strong>the</strong> county were Kingston and<br />
Hurley as highlighted above, followed by:<br />
Foxhall (a.k.a. Fox Hall and Fox Hall Manor)<br />
Located just north of Kingston, Foxhall was a small 330-acre manorial estate granted to Thomas<br />
Chambers about 1667. It is here we find reference to Westquansengh variously described as “a<br />
tract of land” and “certain farm names Wisquaemsickx” [Westquansengh]. The latter description<br />
comes from <strong>the</strong> KINGSTON PAPERS and is in reference to a Kingston court record of a contract<br />
between Capt. Thomas Chambers and Hendrick Albertsen, whereby Hendrick Albertsen leased<br />
certain farm names “Wisquaemsickx” from Chambers for 10 years (October 7, 1671 through<br />
October 7, 1681). [Source: Kingston Papers, Vol. 2, pages703-04 and 724].<br />
Marbletown<br />
The settlement of this locale only began as early as 1669.<br />
New Paltz<br />
New Paltz was founded in 1677 by French Huguenot settlers.<br />
13 Tax Assessment List for <strong>the</strong> County of Ulster, 1716/17, Hurley<br />
http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/archives/exhibits/burning/TaxAssessment.html<br />
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Pieter Pietersen of <strong>the</strong> Kingston Court Records (1665-1668)<br />
23<br />
The name Pieter Pietersen is mentioned a few times in <strong>the</strong> Kingston court records between 1665<br />
and 1668, where he most often appeared as a defendant in a law suit for non-payment of debts,<br />
suggesting he had financial difficulties on a number of occasions. For example, he was first sued<br />
by a woman for failing to pay her for washing. However, it raises <strong>the</strong> possibility that this<br />
individual could have been <strong>the</strong> cadet who somehow survived <strong>the</strong> 1663 massacre, and perhaps<br />
only his wife was slain. Even though <strong>the</strong>re is no mention of <strong>the</strong> wife’s death <strong>the</strong> possibility of<br />
<strong>the</strong> cadet’s survival suggests a plausible reason why <strong>the</strong>re is no reference to three orphaned<br />
children in <strong>the</strong> Kingston court records.<br />
It is not known what became of this Pieter Pietersen as <strong>the</strong> last mention of him in <strong>the</strong> Kingston<br />
court records was 1668. It is conceivable that as a result of his repeated failure to pay his debts<br />
he may have worn out his welcome in Ulster County and moved elsewhere or perhaps he died.<br />
Whatever <strong>the</strong> case, he was identified by at least two researchers as Pieter Pietersen, bpt. 7<br />
January 1642 in Amsterdam and he was <strong>the</strong> son of Pieter Claesz and Annetje Pieters. 14<br />
In 1998, Kurt Brown (an <strong>Ostrander</strong> descendant and past President of <strong>the</strong> OFA, 2006-08) visited<br />
<strong>the</strong> Gemeente Archief Amsterdam (Archives in Amsterdam, Holland) and it was here where Kurt<br />
discovered a notarized record confirming his identity and showing how and why <strong>the</strong> Pieter<br />
Pietersen, bpt. 7 January 1642 came to New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland in 1658 as an apprentice farmer, as<br />
follows:<br />
1 April 1658 – before Amsterdam Notary Jacobus Hellerus<br />
Jan Jacobs, a bombazinewerker (textile worker), in <strong>the</strong> name of his son Jacob Jabs, who<br />
lives in Groot Esopus in New Nethreland takes for him into service, Pieter Pieterss, 17<br />
years old, in order to work in agriculture <strong>the</strong>re. This for 5 years, with free board, room<br />
and transportation <strong>the</strong>re.<br />
Salary: The first two years 50 guilders per year. The 3 rd year 60 guilders per year. The<br />
4 th year 70 guilders per year. The 5 th year 80 guilders per year.<br />
The Jacob Jans living at Groot Esopus was Jacob Jansen Stol who was an early landowner in<br />
Esopus having signed <strong>the</strong> village charter in 1658, but he died in 1661. It seems likely that young<br />
Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> apprentice would have served out his agreement under Stol’s widow. In any<br />
event, at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> contract we begin to see a period of financial troubles for this Pieter<br />
Pietersen who was often sued by different individuals between 1665 and 1668 for non-payment<br />
of debt and <strong>the</strong>n he seems to have simply faded out of <strong>the</strong> picture.<br />
There is no genealogical connection between this Pieter Pietersen (<strong>the</strong> s/o Pieter Claesz), who<br />
arrived in Ulster County c1658 and <strong>the</strong><br />
Dutch cadet who came to New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland on De Bonte Koe in 1660; and<br />
Pieter Pietersen who married Rebecca Traphagen in 1679.<br />
14 Amsterdam Doopregisters, Bron 42, page 290, kind (child) - Pieter; vader (fa<strong>the</strong>r) - Pieter Claesz; moeder<br />
(mo<strong>the</strong>r) – Annetje Pieters; 7 januari 1642; Nieuwe kerk<br />
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Kingston 1670<br />
24<br />
List of Kingston Inhabitants – May 12, 1670<br />
History of Ulster County by Nathaniel Sylvester. Volume 1, page 68<br />
Adriaensen, Jacob Gerretsen, Jan Mattysen, Mattys<br />
Aertsy, Hendrick Gillesen, Peter (guard) Paeldin, Capt.<br />
Biggerstaf, Robert Hall, George Pond, Jan<br />
Blanshan, Ma<strong>the</strong>w Hendricksen, Derck Schepmoes, Dirck Jansen<br />
Brodhead, Mrs. Anna Hendrix, Harmen Swartwout, Roelof<br />
Broersen, Jan Hendrix, Roelof Teunisy, Sweer<br />
Chambers, Thomas (Capt., J.P.) Widow of Aert Jacobsen Tynhoudt, Cornelis<br />
Clasen, Claes Jansen, Albert<br />
Orphaned children of Gysbert<br />
Cornelissen, Jan Jochems, Hendrick<br />
van Imborch (see note 2 below)<br />
Widow of David Craflordt Keyser, Dirck Jansen Vernooy, Cornelis<br />
de Modt, Michael Koeck, Anthony Westphael, J<br />
Delba, Anthony Lamberts, Gerret Whitaker, Edward<br />
De Booys [De Bois], Lowies Lootman, Jan Willensen, Jan<br />
Du Mon, Wellerand Martensen, Aert Wynkoop, Cornelis<br />
Elmandorf, Jacob Martens, A.<br />
NOTES:<br />
1. Albert Heymans was also mentioned as a Kingston property owner but he resided in<br />
Hurley, where he first settled in 1662/63.<br />
2. Note <strong>the</strong> reference of <strong>the</strong> “orphaned children of Gysbert van Imborch.” Ulster County<br />
court records indicate that Gysbert van Imborch was predeceased by his wife and he died<br />
in 1665. It was Dutch law and custom that dictated that <strong>the</strong> Court appoint guardians for<br />
his underage children, which it did.<br />
The Orphaned Children of Gysbert Van Imborch of Kingston<br />
In <strong>the</strong> “History of Ulster County,” <strong>the</strong> author (Nathaniel Bartlett Sylvester) makes mention of a<br />
similar but far less traumatic set of circumstances that occurred in Wiltwyck in 1665, whereby<br />
<strong>the</strong> second of <strong>the</strong> parents died (Gysbert Van Imborch). A Jacob Kip and William de la Montagne<br />
were appointed guardians of <strong>the</strong> deceased parents’ three infant children (page 48). On 9<br />
September 1665, in Wiltwyck, <strong>the</strong> orphaned children’s guardians auctioned off <strong>the</strong> deceased<br />
fa<strong>the</strong>r’s possessions and among <strong>the</strong> numerous purchasers were found a number of familiar names<br />
such as Hendrick Albertsen [Ploeg], Thomas Chambers, Arent Teunissen [Pier], Albert Heymans<br />
and Roelof Swartwout.<br />
The proceeds of <strong>the</strong> 1665 auction are recorded on three full pages (26-28) of <strong>the</strong> Ulster County,<br />
NY, Probate Records translated and transcribed by Gustav Anjou and provide an excellent<br />
example of what would have happened had <strong>the</strong> children of Pieter Pietersen, <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet from<br />
Amsterdam, and his wife been killed in Ulster County and left three underage orphaned children<br />
in ei<strong>the</strong>r Wiltwyck or Hurley. There is no such record in <strong>the</strong> Ulster County records.<br />
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Nathaniel Jacob <strong>Ostrander</strong>’s Manuscript, Notes and Correspondence<br />
25<br />
In May 2008, Peter J. <strong>Ostrander</strong> visited <strong>the</strong> New York Genealogical and Biographical Society’s<br />
library to review Nathaniel J. <strong>Ostrander</strong>’s handwritten manuscript (<strong>the</strong> first comprehensive<br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> <strong>history</strong>), notes and correspondence directly related to <strong>the</strong> 1 st and 2 nd<br />
generations. The library was closed in June and its inventory was turned over to <strong>the</strong> Genealogy<br />
Department of <strong>the</strong> New York Public Library and it may be a year or two before this material is<br />
once again available for reference.<br />
The following is summary of <strong>the</strong> results Peter J. <strong>Ostrander</strong>’s visit.<br />
SYNOPSIS<br />
The focus was on information that made reference to Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet and his:<br />
wife reported by first name only as Tryntje, Catrina or Ca<strong>the</strong>rine;<br />
son Pieter (2) Pietersen;<br />
daughter Tryntje (2) Pieters[en]; and<br />
third child, a daughter variously reported as GEERTJE (Gertrude) or as GEESTJE.<br />
Nathaniel’s penmanship was excellent and very easy to read. The materials consisted of:<br />
a manuscript of about 1,200 hand written pages on 5” x 8” sheets of paper written on<br />
one side bound into 3 books with slip cases; and<br />
three large folders that contained notes and letters to and from Nathaniel <strong>Ostrander</strong> and<br />
many of his “cousins”.<br />
The folders contained a few hundred letters, notes and correspondence. The bottom line was<br />
that Peter J. <strong>Ostrander</strong> found nothing that was not already known and nothing outside of what<br />
<strong>the</strong> OFA had incorporated into <strong>the</strong> Big Book. There was little in <strong>the</strong> way of records with<br />
documented source citations, but <strong>the</strong>re was some interesting correspondence between<br />
Nathaniel and o<strong>the</strong>r’s doing research at <strong>the</strong> same time. The common thread of knowledge was<br />
of Pieter (2) Pietersen and Rebecca Traphagen and <strong>the</strong>re were a few variations on his possible<br />
parents. Unfortunately many of <strong>the</strong> notes were those sent to Nathaniel and not his reply. But<br />
by subsequent letters to Nathaniel from <strong>the</strong> same person one could see that he always pointed<br />
<strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> direction of <strong>the</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> story of Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet and Tryntje<br />
(Catrina) but without any substantiated facts or references.<br />
During his visit Peter J. <strong>Ostrander</strong> made photo copies of <strong>the</strong> pages or parts <strong>the</strong>reof that show<br />
Nathaniel’s relevant findings, assumptions and conclusions which were incorporated into <strong>the</strong><br />
final version of his <strong>history</strong> of Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet and later generations. Of<br />
particular interest were notes from Dr. George A. <strong>Ostrander</strong> of Brooklyn and notes that matched<br />
those of Emmett <strong>Ostrander</strong> when he conducted an earlier review of Nathaniel’s materials at <strong>the</strong><br />
NYG&BS library while compiling and writing <strong>the</strong> OFA Big Book.<br />
It is not known when or who first looked into <strong>the</strong> records of <strong>the</strong> Dutch West India Company that<br />
were used to compile passenger lists for <strong>the</strong>ir ships from Holland to New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland, but it<br />
seems <strong>the</strong> recovery of <strong>the</strong> entry in a ledger related to <strong>the</strong> April-June voyage of <strong>the</strong> ship De<br />
Bonte Koe in 1660 was seen as a major breakthrough.<br />
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26<br />
From this discovery it is apparent that <strong>the</strong> early <strong>Ostrander</strong> descendant-researchers presumed that<br />
<strong>the</strong> cadet was somehow <strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> Pieter Pietersen that married Rebecca Traphagen in<br />
Kingston in 1679 and over time <strong>the</strong> original hypo<strong>the</strong>sis became generally accepted as de facto.<br />
The Mysterious Geertje or Geestje Pieters[en]<br />
According to Nathaniel’s materials, <strong>the</strong>re was obviously much agonizing and speculation over<br />
<strong>the</strong> identity of <strong>the</strong> third child and it is here that we see suggestions that <strong>the</strong> early <strong>Ostrander</strong><br />
descendant-researchers attempted to find and fit data into a pre-established <strong>the</strong>ory.<br />
Pieter J. <strong>Ostrander</strong> found a single page, typewritten note circa 1910 among Nathaniel’s papers.<br />
The author is unknown and <strong>the</strong>re is no clue as to <strong>the</strong> origin of <strong>the</strong> information, but it was noted<br />
that Nathaniel communicated and exchanged information with his cousin Dr. George A.<br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong>, M.D. of Brooklyn, and some of <strong>the</strong> data matches George’s older biography, which<br />
was published in 1890 and indicated <strong>the</strong> third daughter, Geertje Pieters married Jan Pier. 15<br />
Whatever <strong>the</strong> case <strong>the</strong> old note reads (verbatim):<br />
FIRST GENERATION IN AMERICA<br />
Pieter <strong>Ostrander</strong> and his wife Tryntje (Catrina) came to America in <strong>the</strong> vessel called <strong>the</strong><br />
Bontecoe (spotted cow) April 16, 1660 with <strong>the</strong>ir three children. He was a cadet in <strong>the</strong> army of<br />
<strong>the</strong> King of Holland and was a native of Amsterdam. After his arrival here he settled in<br />
Kingston, Ulster County, New York. Their children were –<br />
Pieter Pietersen, born 1650 married January 19, 1679 at Kingston, N.Y.,<br />
Rebecca Traphagen<br />
Tryntje Pietersen, born 1652, married at Kingston, N.Y., Albertse Ploeg and had<br />
ten children (see notes below)<br />
Geertje Pietersen, born 1654 married at Kingston, N.Y. John Pier and had ten<br />
children<br />
It will be noted that <strong>the</strong> years of birth for <strong>the</strong> children don’t match later accounts, such as <strong>the</strong><br />
ship’s log. In addition, Tryntje’s husband was reported as Albertse Ploeg ra<strong>the</strong>r than Hendrick<br />
Albertse[n] or Hendrick Albertse Ploeg as recorded by Nathaniel (and o<strong>the</strong>rs).<br />
The bottom line is that <strong>the</strong>re is no record of a Jan Pier or any documented evidence of a <strong>family</strong> of<br />
Jan Pier and Geertje (or Geestje) Pieters in Ulster County, New York between 1660 and 1700.<br />
Since <strong>the</strong>re was no reference for <strong>the</strong> source of this information, Geertje (or Geestje) Pieters<br />
remains a mystery and several attempts in <strong>the</strong> past decade have failed to substantiate her<br />
existence or <strong>the</strong> existence of her alleged marriage and/or her many children.<br />
15 American Ancestry: giving <strong>the</strong> name and descent, in <strong>the</strong> male line, of Americans whose ancestors settled in <strong>the</strong><br />
United States previous to <strong>the</strong> Declaration of Independence, A.D. 1776. (Joel Munsell's Sons, Publishers), American<br />
Ancestry, Volume 5, 1890, pages 95-96: - OSTRANDER, George A.<br />
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27<br />
Perhaps a similar unsuccessful search led <strong>the</strong> compilers/authors of <strong>the</strong> OFA Big Book to revise<br />
<strong>the</strong> number of children from ten to “several children,” but <strong>the</strong>re is no explanation as to why <strong>the</strong>y<br />
finally opted for GEESTJE as <strong>the</strong> name of <strong>the</strong> third daughter versus <strong>the</strong> older <strong>traditional</strong> reports<br />
that she was named GEERTJE (Gertrude).<br />
AMSTERDAM RESEARCH 1993<br />
In 1993, <strong>the</strong> OFA arranged with a Dr. J. A. J. Krijnen of Leiden, Holland to seek whatever might<br />
be found of Pieter Pietersen with a wife named Tryntje (Catrina) and three children - a son<br />
named Pieter and daughters baptized Tryntje and Geestje, in <strong>the</strong> records in Holland.<br />
The Big Book (page 2) reports that an intensive search of documents in Amsterdam, Leiden and<br />
The Hague revealed first <strong>the</strong> birth of a son Pieter of Pieter Pieterzen in Amsterdam on 11 May<br />
1653 and <strong>the</strong> name of <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r, Tryntje van de Lande [see note 1 below]. From this lead, a<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r search in <strong>the</strong> Amsterdam Municipal Archives brought to light <strong>the</strong> announcement of banns<br />
on 26 October 1652 for <strong>the</strong> marriage of Pieter Pieterzen and Tryntje van de Lande [see note 2<br />
below]. The announcement of banns usually preceded <strong>the</strong> wedding ceremony by a few weeks.<br />
Note 1 – According to <strong>the</strong> Amsterdam Doopregisters (Baptism Registers) <strong>the</strong> son “Pieter” was<br />
baptized in <strong>the</strong> Nieuwe kerk (New Church) in Amsterdam on 11 May 1653. The fa<strong>the</strong>r was<br />
recorded as “Pieter Pietersz” and <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r was reported as “Trijntje van de Lande.”<br />
Note 2 – According to <strong>the</strong> more detailed record of <strong>the</strong> Amsterdam Marriage Intentions<br />
(Aangiften van Trouwen) <strong>the</strong> intended bride and groom were reported as “Pieter Pieterss” and<br />
“Trÿntie vande Lande.”<br />
Dr. Krijnen reported that he sought all variations of <strong>the</strong> spelling of a Pieter Pietersen (e.g.,<br />
Pieters, Pietersz, Pieterszen, etc.) who married a woman named Tryntje 16 between 1648 and<br />
1658 and this produced some surprising results. Specifically:<br />
A total of 25 men named Pieter Pietersen married a woman named Tryntje during this ten<br />
year period, but out of <strong>the</strong>se 25 marriages only ONE COUPLE presented a son Pieter for<br />
baptism in Amsterdam and that was on 11 May 1653 and <strong>the</strong> parents were <strong>the</strong> Pieter<br />
Pieterss and Trÿntie van de Lande who had married 6 months earlier in November 1652;<br />
and<br />
None of <strong>the</strong> 25 married couples, including Pieter Pieterss and Trÿntie van de Lande,<br />
presented a daughter named Tryntje or a daughter named Geestje for baptism.<br />
As a result, Dr. Krijnen presumed that <strong>the</strong> Pieter Pieterss who married Trÿntie vande Lande in<br />
November 1652 and presented a son Pieter for baptism in May 1653 was <strong>the</strong> only candidate that<br />
offered a potential match to <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> of <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet Pieter Pietersen that boarded De<br />
Bonte Koe in April 1660. Unable to find baptism records for <strong>the</strong> cadet’s two daughters, Dr.<br />
Krijnen also suggested <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> may have left Amsterdam after <strong>the</strong> birth of <strong>the</strong> first child, but<br />
subsequently sailed from Amsterdam in 1660. In any event, it is obvious that he was aware of<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> tradition of Pieter Pietersen, <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet and De Bonte Koe.<br />
16 Four page letter/report, dated May 28, 1993 from Dr. Krijnen to Mr. C.B. <strong>Ostrander</strong> of South Glen Falls, NY.<br />
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THE 2 ND HYPOTHESIS (1993)<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> two records recovered by Dr. Krijnen, he <strong>the</strong>orized that<br />
28<br />
1. The groom Pieter Pieterss who married Trÿntie vande Lande in November 1652 was<br />
<strong>the</strong> same individual as Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> passenger listed as a cadet among <strong>the</strong><br />
group of 18 soldiers who were to sail on De Bonte Koe eight years later;<br />
2. Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet and Trÿntie van de Lande were <strong>the</strong> progenitors of <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> in colonial America; and<br />
3. It was <strong>the</strong>ir son Pieter, bpt. 11 May 1653, who married Rebecca Traphagen in<br />
Kingston in 1679.<br />
The revelations from this research were evidently seen as a second major breakthrough and<br />
triggered revisions to <strong>the</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> rendition of <strong>the</strong> first generation of <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> tree as<br />
reflected on page 2 of <strong>the</strong> OFA Big Book:<br />
1. PIETER PIETERZEN 1 m. Amsterdam, banns posted 26 Oct 1652, Tryntje van de Lande.<br />
Children:<br />
2. Pieter (2) , b. 11 May 1653 (Correction note – should read bpt. 11 May 1653).<br />
3. Tryntje (2) Pieterzen, b. c1656, Holland, m. Kingston, Ulster County, NY,<br />
Hendrik Albertse Ploeg and had 10 children.<br />
4. Geestje (2) Pieterzen, b. c1658, Holland, m. Jan Pier and had several children.<br />
As a result, <strong>the</strong> genealogy presented in <strong>the</strong> OFA Big Book is based on <strong>the</strong><br />
1. Original hypo<strong>the</strong>sis of <strong>the</strong> early <strong>Ostrander</strong> descendant-researchers, which presumed that<br />
<strong>the</strong> Pieter Pietersen who married Rebecca Traphagen in 1679 was <strong>the</strong> son of <strong>the</strong> Dutch<br />
cadet from Amsterdam who was listed among <strong>the</strong> soldiers who were to sail on De Bonte<br />
Koe in 1660; and<br />
2. Dr. Krijnen’s 1993 hypo<strong>the</strong>sis that presumed that <strong>the</strong> Pieter Pietersen who married<br />
Tryntje van de Lande in Amsterdam in November 1652 was <strong>the</strong> same person as <strong>the</strong><br />
Dutch cadet named Pieter Pietersen listed as a passenger on De Bonte Koe in 1660 and<br />
it was his son Pieter, bpt. 11 May 1653 in Amsterdam, who married Rebecca Traphagen<br />
in 1679.<br />
THE OSTRANDER FAMILY LEGEND<br />
The first and second generations of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> as presented in <strong>the</strong> OFA Big Book are<br />
based on several individual documented records, all of which have been verified, including:<br />
two records from <strong>the</strong> Amsterdam Archives – <strong>the</strong> announcement of banns in 1652 for <strong>the</strong><br />
marriage of a Pieter Pietersen and a Tryntje van de Lande and <strong>the</strong> baptism of <strong>the</strong>ir son<br />
Pieter in 1653;<br />
an entry in a Dutch ship’s log in 1660, which lists a cadet named Pieter Pietersen from<br />
Amsterdam as a passenger accompanied by his unnamed wife and three unnamed<br />
children of 8, 4 and 2 years of unknown gender;<br />
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29<br />
<strong>the</strong> marriage of a Pieter Pietersen of Amsterdam and Rebecca Traphagen in Kingston in<br />
1679; and<br />
multiple baptismal records from <strong>the</strong> registers of <strong>the</strong> Kingston church, which confirm that:<br />
Pieter Pietersen, <strong>the</strong> groom of 1679, had a sister named Tryntje;<br />
Tryntje Pieters married c1672/73, Hendrick Albertse[n] and <strong>the</strong>y had several<br />
children who all adopted <strong>the</strong> surname PLOEG around <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> 17 th century;<br />
and<br />
Pieter Pietersen, <strong>the</strong> groom of 1679 adopted <strong>the</strong> surname OSTRANDER in <strong>the</strong> early<br />
18 th century (as did his eight sons).<br />
The names and chronology obviously suggested that a fa<strong>the</strong>r-son kinship was quite conceivable,<br />
but unfortunately <strong>the</strong>re was (and still is) no evidence to substantiate a biological connection. At<br />
least none that meet <strong>the</strong> Genealogical Proof Standard established by <strong>the</strong> American Society of<br />
Genealogists, which created <strong>the</strong> Board for Certification of Genealogists as a professional<br />
accrediting body for genealogists in 1964.<br />
The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS)<br />
Genealogical research is a complex process that uses historical records to establish biological,<br />
genetic, or familial kinship. The validity and reliability of conclusions are based on <strong>the</strong> quality<br />
of sources, ideally original records; <strong>the</strong> information within those sources, ideally primary or<br />
firsthand information; and <strong>the</strong> evidence that can be drawn, directly or indirectly, from that<br />
information. Genealogists insist that any and all assertions (genealogical or historical claims)<br />
must have a precise source citation before <strong>the</strong>y can be accepted. However, genealogists must<br />
often assemble indirect or circumstantial evidence to build a case for identity and kinship and in<br />
those instances of uncertainty <strong>the</strong>y must provide a rationale for each uncertain identification or<br />
assumption.<br />
Amsterdam Research (1997 – 2008)<br />
A few years after <strong>the</strong> results of <strong>the</strong> research conducted in Amsterdam in 1993 became public, it<br />
was thought by some that <strong>the</strong> new information seemed to be limited and, perhaps, inconclusive.<br />
This precipitated a verification of <strong>the</strong> new revelations by three interested parties with links to <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong>, Pier and Traphagen families (who are all inextricably genealogically connected).<br />
Between 1997 and 2000, <strong>the</strong> following three individuals ventured into <strong>the</strong> records of <strong>the</strong> various<br />
archives of Amsterdam:<br />
Chris Brooks, a descendant of Willem Jansen Traphagen (<strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r of our maternal<br />
progenitor, Rebecca Traphagen);<br />
Kurt Brown, a descendant of Pieter (2) Pietersen <strong>Ostrander</strong> and Rebecca Traphagen; and<br />
Lorine McGinnis Schulze a descendant of <strong>the</strong> Pier <strong>family</strong> of Holland and colonial<br />
America (and creator/administrator of <strong>the</strong> Olive Tree Genealogy website at:<br />
http://www.olivetreegenealogy.com/index.shtml).<br />
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30<br />
It was <strong>the</strong> uncertainty of <strong>the</strong> supposition that <strong>the</strong> groom of 1652 in Amsterdam (Pieter Pieterss)<br />
was also <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet (Pieter Pietersen) who was reported on <strong>the</strong> passenger list of De Bonte<br />
Koe in 1660, that led Chris Brooks (who was <strong>the</strong>n researching his Willem Jansen Traphagen<br />
ancestry) to undertake his own independent investigation in 1997 with <strong>the</strong> belief that:<br />
“… if correct, <strong>the</strong> 1993 findings “could be substantiated at least in part by <strong>the</strong><br />
baptismal and marriage records” of Amsterdam.<br />
The various forays into <strong>the</strong> records of <strong>the</strong> Amsterdam Archives have shed significantly more<br />
light on <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> of Pieter Pieterss and Trÿntie van de Lande. They included Chris Brooks’<br />
1997 quest and an investigation of <strong>the</strong> records of <strong>the</strong> Amsterdam Archives conducted by Kurt<br />
Brown in 1998. Kurt also arranged for <strong>the</strong> Amsterdam Municipal Archives [Gemeentearchief<br />
Amsterdam] to undertake some research on his behalf. More recently, I ventured into <strong>the</strong><br />
Amsterdam Archives’ baptism registers (in 2007/08), which are now accessible on-line via <strong>the</strong><br />
Internet. The combined information collected by <strong>the</strong> separate searches over <strong>the</strong> past decade<br />
showed that <strong>the</strong> 1993 Amsterdam research was restricted, incomplete, inconclusive and in <strong>the</strong><br />
final analysis, seriously flawed.<br />
The total pool of data now consists of five Amsterdam records that clearly show that <strong>the</strong> Pieter<br />
Pieterss who married Trÿntie vande Lande in 1652 was a bontwerker (fur worker or furrier by<br />
trade), lived among Amsterdam’s middle class, was a widower and fa<strong>the</strong>r of a daughter at <strong>the</strong><br />
time of his second marriage and he was born in Amsterdam in 1625, as summarized below (in<br />
chronological sequence).<br />
1625 20 th April, New Church, Amsterdam – Pieter son of Pieter Henrixsz and Maritje Martes<br />
was baptized (Amsterdam Doopregisters – Bron 40, pg. 300) 17<br />
1650 15 th May, Amsterdam Marriage Intentions (per Kurt Brown) – Pieter Pieters from<br />
Amsterdam, bontwerker (fur worker), 25 years old, assisted by his mo<strong>the</strong>r, Marij Martes,<br />
living on <strong>the</strong> Prinsegracht (Prince Canal) and Luijtie Janss van Stapel, 28 years old,<br />
living on <strong>the</strong> Leidsekade, assisted by her mo<strong>the</strong>r, Griet Egbers. The inclusion of <strong>the</strong><br />
name of <strong>the</strong> groom’s mo<strong>the</strong>r (Marij Martes) plus <strong>the</strong> groom’s age ties Pieter Pieters (<strong>the</strong><br />
furrier) to his baptism record and confirms <strong>the</strong> name of his fa<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
1651 30 th April, Old Church Amsterdam – “Lijntie <strong>the</strong> daughter of Pieter Pieters and Luijtie<br />
Jans” was baptized (Amsterdam Doopregisters – Bron 8, page 316). This baptism record<br />
connects <strong>the</strong> parents of <strong>the</strong> child to <strong>the</strong> bride and groom of 1650.<br />
1652 26 October, Amsterdam Marriage Intentions 18 - “Pieter Pieterss from Amsterdam,<br />
bontwerker (fur worker or furrier), widower of Luytie Jans, living on <strong>the</strong> Fluweelen<br />
Burgwal, and Trÿntie vande Lande from Amsterdam, living on <strong>the</strong> Bloedstraat, age 35<br />
years, having no parents [living in Amsterdam], assisted by Jan vande Lande her<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r.”<br />
17 Amsterdam Doopregisters (Baptism Registers) 1564 – 1811 are now accessible online via <strong>the</strong> Internet at:<br />
https://stadsarchief.amsterdam.nl/archieven/archiefbank/indexen/doopregisters/zoek/index.nl.html<br />
18 The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, July 1999, pages 163-173, “PARENTAGE OF PIETER<br />
PIETERSEN OSTRANDER AND HIS SISTER TRYNTJE PIETERS,” by Chris Brooks, page 164.<br />
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[A note in <strong>the</strong> margin beside <strong>the</strong> record of <strong>the</strong> betrothal indicates] “He (Pieter Pieterss)<br />
satisfied <strong>the</strong> Orphan Court he has completed proof – 6 November 1652” (this refers to<br />
<strong>the</strong> child of his first marriage as he was required to appear before <strong>the</strong> Orphan Court and<br />
present an account of <strong>the</strong> child’s inheritance, if any, before he could remarry).<br />
From this record we learn that <strong>the</strong> furrier’s first wife died some time before October<br />
1652, she was only 29 or 30 when she passed away and <strong>the</strong> daughter from <strong>the</strong> first<br />
marriage was about 1 ½ years old when her fa<strong>the</strong>r remarried. It seems likely <strong>the</strong> second<br />
marriage took place in <strong>the</strong> middle of November, say on or about <strong>the</strong> 16 th of November.<br />
1653 11 th May, New Church Amsterdam – “Pieter <strong>the</strong> son of Pieter Pietersz and Trijntje van<br />
de Lande” was baptized (Amsterdam Doopregisters – Bron 43, page 248).<br />
Note: Kurt Brown’s research also indicated that Pieter Pietersen, <strong>the</strong> furrier, enjoyed “Burgher”<br />
status in Amsterdam (a member of <strong>the</strong> middle class, typically a prosperous solid citizen)<br />
and that “burghers” usually conformed to <strong>the</strong> proper customs, including baptizing <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
children. Therefore, if <strong>the</strong> furrier had two daughters with Trijntje van de Lande, namely<br />
Tryntje and Geestje, one would expect <strong>the</strong>y would have also been baptized as was <strong>the</strong><br />
case of <strong>the</strong> daughter of his first marriage. No baptism records were recovered for any<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r children of Pieter Pieterss’ marriage to his second wife Trÿntie vande (van de)<br />
Lande during searches conducted in 1993, 1997, 1998, 2007 and 2008.<br />
The <strong>Family</strong> of Pieter Pieterss, <strong>the</strong> furrier of Amsterdam (1660)<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> additional information, <strong>the</strong>re is now a more complete profile on Pieter Pieterss, <strong>the</strong><br />
furrier of Amsterdam who married Trÿntie vande Lande, which meets <strong>the</strong> Genealogical Proof<br />
Standard. Not only is <strong>the</strong>re nothing to connect he and his <strong>family</strong> to <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> on De Bonte<br />
Koe, but <strong>the</strong> likelihood of such a match is fur<strong>the</strong>r diminished by <strong>the</strong> following two critical<br />
factors:<br />
1. According to <strong>the</strong> OFA Big Book an ““Adelborst - in English, a cadet, was a title given a<br />
gentleman volunteer in <strong>the</strong> Army, usually a younger son who, barred by primogeniture<br />
from inheriting <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> estate, entered <strong>the</strong> service of his country as a means of making<br />
his living.” The rank of cadet denotes a junior officer-in-training and suggests <strong>the</strong><br />
Adelborst, Pieter Pietersen, was probably a younger man in his early to mid-twenties, but<br />
based on <strong>the</strong> age of <strong>the</strong> eldest child perhaps he was older, say 26 to 29.<br />
2. Amsterdam in <strong>the</strong> mid-17 th century was a major hub of industry and commerce and it did<br />
not seem reasonable that a 35 year old furrier and member of <strong>the</strong> city’s burgher class<br />
would abandon his career in <strong>the</strong> prosperous fur industry in Holland’s booming economy<br />
for <strong>the</strong> vast wilderness and uncertainty of New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland.<br />
The probability lessens fur<strong>the</strong>r when you factor in <strong>the</strong> inherent dangers of a soldier’s duties,<br />
particularly one with a 42 year old wife, 9 year old daughter and 6 year old son. So when we<br />
convert <strong>the</strong> profile of <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> of Pieter Pieterss <strong>the</strong> furrier to 1660 and compare it to <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong><br />
of Pieter Pietersen, <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet we get too many disparities as shown in <strong>the</strong> table on <strong>the</strong><br />
following page.<br />
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32<br />
De Bonte Koe - 1660 Passenger Manifest Pieter Pieterss, <strong>the</strong> furrier of Amsterdam<br />
Pieter Pietersen from Amsterdam, Adelborst, age<br />
unknown, perhaps aged 21 to 29 (born anywhere<br />
between 1630 and 1640), possibly m. c1651,<br />
perhaps later (but <strong>the</strong>re is no record of his<br />
marriage or existence in Amsterdam prior to<br />
April 1660)<br />
Wife (unnamed, perhaps aged 26 to 29. Given<br />
<strong>the</strong> age of <strong>the</strong> eldest child it is conceivable that<br />
she may have been a widow with a child or<br />
children, who, perhaps, remarried between 1653<br />
and 1659/60)<br />
Unnamed child aged 8 (gender not recorded),<br />
b. before April 1652 (probably)<br />
Unnamed child aged 4 (gender not recorded),<br />
b. c1656<br />
Unnamed child aged 2 (gender not recorded),<br />
b. c1658<br />
There is nothing to indicate that any of <strong>the</strong><br />
children was a son named Pieter and no<br />
evidence that any of <strong>the</strong> three children were<br />
male.<br />
1660 - Pieter Pieterss, aged 35 years (born April<br />
1625), married twice:<br />
- 1 st in May 1650, to Luytje Jans and <strong>the</strong>y had<br />
one child<br />
- 2 nd in November 1652, Trÿntie vande Lande<br />
and apparently <strong>the</strong>y only had one child<br />
Wife – Tryntje van de Lande, aged 42, b. c1617<br />
Lijntie Pieters, daughter of <strong>the</strong> first marriage,<br />
aged 9, b. April 1651, Amsterdam<br />
Pieter Pieterss (Pietersz), son, aged 6, b. May<br />
1653, baptized 11 May 1653 in Amsterdam<br />
No baptism records between 1654 and 1660<br />
were recovered for any o<strong>the</strong>r children of <strong>the</strong><br />
2 nd marriage.<br />
No o<strong>the</strong>r records were found for any one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> four <strong>family</strong> members (i.e., Pieter Sr.,<br />
Tryntje van de Lande, Lijntie and Pieter Jr.)<br />
It is evident that we have two distinctly different families and no record for <strong>the</strong> marriage of <strong>the</strong><br />
Dutch cadet has ever been recovered. Similarly, no record of <strong>the</strong> name of his wife or <strong>the</strong> names<br />
and gender of any of his three children has ever been found and <strong>the</strong>re is no record of <strong>the</strong><br />
existence of Pieter Pietersen, <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet and his <strong>family</strong> in:<br />
Holland prior to April 15, 1660; and<br />
New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland after mid-June 1660.<br />
The Dutch cadet and his <strong>family</strong> were only a brief, faint blip on <strong>the</strong> genealogical radar screen in<br />
1660, that literally faded somewhere into <strong>the</strong> e<strong>the</strong>r of New Ne<strong>the</strong>rland.<br />
Pieter (2) Pietersen of Amsterdam and Hurley, Ulster County, New York<br />
In September 1687, our ancestor Pieter (2) Pietersen was one of several residents of <strong>the</strong> small<br />
village of Hurley to take on oath of allegiance in Ulster County. The basic information reported<br />
at that time indicated <strong>the</strong> individual’s name, occupation, place of residence and age. From this<br />
record we learned that he reported that he was 29 years old in 1687 (i.e., he was born 1657/58),<br />
but as will be noted below that <strong>the</strong> wording of <strong>the</strong> colonial 17 th century records is peculiar and<br />
unclear by today’s standards.<br />
The following oath of allegiance records were found in <strong>the</strong> Earliest English Deeds of Ulster<br />
County, New York, Liber BB, Volume II, which were reviewed to ensure that <strong>the</strong> record for<br />
Pieter (2) Pietersen was interpreted correctly:<br />
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“These are to Certifie that Pieter Petersen of hurley, ffarmer, 29 years Inhabitant,<br />
appeared before me Major Thomas Chambers of ffoxhall <strong>the</strong> 1 st September and <strong>the</strong>re did<br />
take <strong>the</strong> oath of allegiance. Signed December 2, 1687, Thomas Chambers.”<br />
“These are to Certifie that Arien Roos of Hurley, ffarmer, 42 years Inhabitant appeared<br />
before me Major Thomas Chambers of Foxhall, 1 st September, and <strong>the</strong>re did take <strong>the</strong><br />
oath of allegiance…. Signed 2 Dec. 1687, Thomas Chambers;” 19 and<br />
“These are to Certify that Heyman Roos of Hurley, Shoemaker, 45 years Inhabitant<br />
appeared (as above) and did take <strong>the</strong> oath of allegiance.” (Signed, etc as above). 20<br />
The latter two individuals Arien Roos [sic] and Heyman Roos [sic] were bro<strong>the</strong>rs and sons of<br />
Albert Heymans [ROOSA] who arrived with <strong>the</strong>ir fa<strong>the</strong>r on De Bonte Koe in 1660 and first<br />
settled in Kingston before relocating to New Dorp (Hurley) in 1662/63. Therefore, we know that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were both inhabitants of Ulster County for a maximum of 27 years and <strong>the</strong> peculiar wording<br />
“42 years Inhabitant” and “45 years Inhabitant” actually meant that <strong>the</strong>y were 42 years of age<br />
and 45 years of age respectfully and residents of Hurley. Therefore, we have among <strong>the</strong><br />
inhabitants of Hurley in September 1687 who took <strong>the</strong> oath of allegiance:<br />
Our ancestor and <strong>family</strong> progenitor Pieter (2) Pietersen, farmer, 29 years of age.<br />
Thus, we have yet ano<strong>the</strong>r piece of evidence showing that <strong>the</strong> son Pieter of Pieter Pietersz <strong>the</strong><br />
furrier of Amsterdam and Trijntje van de Lande, who was baptized on 11 May 1653 in<br />
Amsterdam and would have been 34 in September 1687, was not <strong>the</strong> Pieter Pietersse who<br />
married Rebecca Traphagen. In contrast to <strong>the</strong> uncertainties of <strong>the</strong> <strong>traditional</strong> oral accounts and<br />
<strong>the</strong> limited results of Dr. Krijnen’s 1993 research in Holland is <strong>the</strong> convincing evidence<br />
presented in <strong>the</strong> GPS compliant genealogies of <strong>the</strong>:<br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong>-Traphagen <strong>family</strong> 21 and <strong>Ostrander</strong>-Pier <strong>family</strong>. 22 .<br />
Both articles have been audited and all relevant records have been confirmed. Additional<br />
research completed between October 2007 and August 2008 recovered information that<br />
augments <strong>the</strong>se published <strong>family</strong> histories and add fur<strong>the</strong>r weight to <strong>the</strong> verified evidence that:<br />
Our ancestor and <strong>family</strong> patriarch Pieter (2) Pietersen was <strong>the</strong> son of Pieter (1) Carstensen of<br />
Husum (or Nordstrand) and Geesje Jans of Norden and he came to colonial America on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Dutch ship De St. Jan Baptist with his mo<strong>the</strong>r, sister Tryntje (2) Pieters and<br />
stepfa<strong>the</strong>r Arent Teunissen in 1661; and<br />
The progenitors of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> of colonial New York are Pieter (2) Pietersen and<br />
Rebecca Traphagen.<br />
19<br />
Earliest English Deeds of Ulster County, New York, Liber BB, Volume II, page 87<br />
20<br />
Ibid, page 88<br />
21<br />
“PARENTAGE OF PIETER PIETERSEN OSTRANDER AND HIS SISTER TRYNTJE PIETERS,” by Chris Brooks, The New<br />
York Genealogical and Biographical Record, July 1999, pages 163-173.<br />
22<br />
“ORIGINS OF THE PIER FAMILY IN NEW NETHERLAND AND AN UPDATE OF THEIR CONNECTION TO THE OSTRANDER<br />
FAMILY” - The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, July 2000, pages 163-181.<br />
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34<br />
A detailed report entitled “THE VERIFIED ACCOUNT OF THE FIRST TWO GENERATIONS OF THE<br />
OSTRANDER FAMILY IN AMERICA” showing <strong>the</strong> corroborated GPS compliant genealogy is<br />
available on <strong>the</strong> OFA website at: www.<strong>ostrander</strong>.org<br />
GENERAL SUMMARY<br />
1. There is no connection between Pieter Pieterss <strong>the</strong> furrier who married Trÿntje van de Lande<br />
in Amsterdam in 1652 and Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet that presumably boarded De<br />
Bonte Koe with his <strong>family</strong> in April 1660.<br />
2. There is no connection between Pieter Pieterss <strong>the</strong> furrier and Trÿntje van de Lande and <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> and by extension, <strong>the</strong>re is no connection between <strong>the</strong>ir son Pieter Pietersz<br />
(who was baptized in Amsterdam in May 1653) and <strong>the</strong> Pieter (2) Pietersen of Amsterdam<br />
(born 1657/58) who married Rebecca Traphagen in Kingston in 1679.<br />
3. Pieter Pieterss <strong>the</strong> furrier and Trÿntje van de Lande probably remained in Holland and were<br />
not <strong>the</strong> progenitors of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> of Ulster County, NY.<br />
4. There is no genealogical connection between Pieter Pietersen <strong>the</strong> Dutch cadet and <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong>.<br />
5. There is no historical connection between <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ostrander</strong> <strong>family</strong> and <strong>the</strong> Dutch ship De Bonte<br />
Koe.<br />
The OFA Research Committee unanimously acknowledged and endorsed <strong>the</strong>se conclusions at<br />
<strong>the</strong> end of June 2008. The OFA Board of Directors unanimously accepted and endorsed <strong>the</strong>se<br />
conclusions at <strong>the</strong> end of July 2008.<br />
IMPORTANT NOTES<br />
1. The genealogical validity of <strong>the</strong> eight sons identified as children of our progenitors<br />
Pieter (2) Pietersen <strong>Ostrander</strong> and Rebecca Traphagen is indisputable.<br />
2. The <strong>Ostrander</strong> surname originated in colonial Ulster County, New York in <strong>the</strong> early<br />
18 th century and is unique to <strong>the</strong> descendants of <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong>’s progenitors.<br />
3. All <strong>Ostrander</strong>s descended from Pieter (2) Pietersen <strong>Ostrander</strong> and Rebecca Traphagen<br />
are also descendants of Willem Jansen Traphagen (Rebecca’s fa<strong>the</strong>r) of Lemgo, Lippe.<br />
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