The Benson-Berck-Hun Families
An Armchair History of Dirck Bensing (Benson), his wife Catalina Berck, and their family.
This history also including Harmen Thomasz Hun, the second husband of Catalina Berck, and their children.
The genealogical and biographical information comes from James Riker’s REVISED HISTORY OF HARLEM, S. V. Talcott’s GENEALOGICAL NOTES OF NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND FAMILIES, Jonathan Pearson’s GENEALOGIES OF THE FIRST SETTLERS OF ALBANY, various volumes of THE NEW YORK GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, and other books and genealogical periodicals that will be cited at the appropriate places. Because most of the original documents dealing with the early settlers in Colonial New York are written in the Dutch Language, I have relied entirely on published articles, and English translations of the original documents. I have consulted no records nor microfilms written in the original Dutch. In the following genealogical path from Keziah Ketura to the Bensens, The bold face type indicates that the person named is a direct ancestor of Keziah Keturah van Benthuysen.
Dirck Bensing and Catalina Berck are 4th great-grandparents of Keziah Keturah Van Benthuysen.
Keziah Keturah Van Benthuysen was born 15 May 1796, Albany, N.Y. daughter of:
Mary Simonds, born about 1773, and
Jacobus (James) Van Benthuysen, baptised 26 June 1771, Albany, N.Y. son of:
Johannes Van Benthuysen, baptised 4 Aug. 1745, Albany N.Y., and:
Keziah Van Hoesen, born 10 Aug 1746, Albany, N.Y., daughter of
Catherine Wynantse Vandenberg, bap.27 Oct. 1716, Albany, N.Y. and
Hendrick Harmense Van Hoesen, b. 30 Aug. 1719, Albany, N.Y. son of:
Geesje Heermans born about 1687., and
Harmen Volkertse Van Hoesen, born Kinderhook, N. Y., 1683. son of
Volkert Janse Van Hoesen, born about 1658, Claverack, N.Y., and
Maria (Marytje) Benson, born 15 July 1659, Albany N.Y. daughter of
Dirck Benson and Catalina Berck
Catherine Wynantse Vandenberg, bap.27 Oct. 1716, Albany, N.Y. daughter of:
Wynant Willemse Van den Berg, and
Volkje Volkertse Van Hoesen, born 1680, daughter of :
Volkert Janse Van Hoesen, born about 1658, Claverack, N.Y., and
Maria (Marytje) Benson, born 15 July 1659, Albany N.Y. daughter of
Dirck Benson and Catalina Berck
Notice in the above, that Catherine Vandenberg and Hendrick Van Hoesen were first cousins; their parents Harmen Van Hoesen and Volkje Van Hosen being brother and sister; and that both were descendants of Dirck Benson and Catalina Berk. This leads to some redundancy in showing relationships in listing of families and parents both above and again later when the descendants of Dirck Bensen and Catalina Berck are given.
In the family records given later, an attempt has been made to include all the children and spouses of the children of the direct ancestors of Keziah Keturah Van Benthuysen. In some cases this information has not been found. In other cases much more information has been found and is included in this armchair history. An attempt has been made to provide references to printed histories where more information can be found if the reader would like to find more than is included herein.
There are two major books which contain histories about the Benson Family. The first is the REVISED HISTORY OF HARLEM by James Riker; The Frontspiece of which is given below. In his book Riker includes 253 descendants of Dirck Bensen and Catalena Berck in their proper family setting.
REVISED HISTORY OF HARLEM, (CITY OF NEW YORK) ITS ORIGIN AND EARLY ANNALS
PREFACED BY HOME SCENES IN THE FATHERLANDS:
OR NOTICES OF ITS FOUNDERS BEFORE EMIGRATION
ALSO
Sketches of Numerous Families
AND THE RECOVERED HISTORIES OF THE LAND-TITLES. WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS.
BY JAMES RIKER
Author of the Annals of Newtown: Life member of the New York Historical Society: Member also of the Massachusetts Historical Society; The New England Historical and Genealogical Society; The :New York Genealogical and Biogrpahi;cal Society; The Long Island Historical Society; The Pennsylvania Historical Society, etc. (1881)
NEW YORK: NEW HARLEM PUBLISHING COMPANY. 1904
Riker gave the most emphasis to those family lines who resided in and bought and sold land in New York City. Riker had the following to say about the family sketches in his book:
“These sketches do not claim to be complete genealogies, but are designed to preserve, in the case of each family, enough of its history to interest its living members, and to enable many of them to identify their connection with the parent stock; while others, wishing to perfect their line of descent, will here find a valuable beginning for such a work. As serving to elucidate the land titles, by showing the transmission of real property in the several families, and this by including all the patentees, necessarily embracing all the lands within the township or patent lines, these sketches have a special importance. The result of many years search among authentic records, they are believed to be substantially correct and reliable, whether as genealogies or other wise: any venerable hearsay or family tradition, so called, to the contrary notwithstanding.” [This is Riker’s footnote on page 426 the beginning of the family sketches in his book REVISED HISTORY OF HARLEM.]
The second book with extensive genealogical and biographical notes on the Benson Family and related families is GENEALOGICAL NOTES OF NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND FAMILIES, first published the 1800's, by S. V. Talcott and reprinted in 1973 by Genealogical Publishing company of Baltimore.
GENEALOGICAL NOTES OF NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND FAMILIES
COMPILED BY S. V. TALCOTT
COMPILER OF THE TALCOTT PEDIGREE PUBLISHED IN 1876
GENEALOGICAL PUBLISHING CO., INC.
BALTIMORE 1973
Talcott had access to Riker’s HARLEM, and quoted from Riker frequently. Talcott includes 150 descendants of Dirck Bensen and Catalina Berck in the Bensen section. He includes 113 descendants of Catalina Berk and Thomase Harmense Hun in the Hun section. And many more descendants in other sections where the descendants had other family surnames.
In these early colonial times, spelling was not yet standardized and Dirrick Bensingh’s and Catalyntie Berx’s (Berck) names are spelled in various ways; Riker uses the English spellings of the names, Talcott tends to use Dutch spellings. Mark Twain said he felt sorry for anyone who could spell a word in only one way. In quotation from documents, I will use the spelling used in the document being quoted.
Riker says this about those who emigrated from Holland:
“Amsterdam, as the great commercial mart of Holland, and the seat of the principal business chamber of the Dutch West India Company [which controlled the emigration from Holland to the New Netherlands], had become the great point of embarkation for colonists going to New Netherland. They came from all parts of the country: not only the native Dutch, and fugitives from France and the Catholic Netherlands, but also refugees from the German and Scandinavian countries. ... The fugitives were not criminals escaped from justice, speculators lured by the hope of plunder, nor idlers coming thither to enjoy the luxuries which their own country did not afford: they were generally men persecuted on account of their love of civil liberty, or for their devotion to their religious tenets. Had they been content to sacrifice the one or the other to their present ease and interest, they might have remained unmolested where they were; it was by their activity, integrity and resolution that they rendered themselves obnoxious to the tyrannical and bigoted governments which drove them from their native land; and these virtues they carried with them to their adopted country, peopling it, not with vagabonds or indolent voluptuaries, but with brave, intelligent and useful citizens.” Riker’s Revised History of HARLEM, Page 92
“Dirck Benson, the ancestor, though himself from Goningen [in Denmark] had lived in Amsterdam where he married Catalina, daughter of Samson Berk and Tryntie van Rechteren; whence came the name Samson, so common in the Benson family. Benson came out about 1648". Riker’s Revised History of HARLEM, Page 93.
On page 526, Riker has this to say about Dirck Benson: “Dirck Bensingh, as commonly called, was not a Hollander, but a Swede, according to the tradition in the family, as old Lawrence Benson used to say: and this was borne out by the original form of the name. Perhaps, to be more exact, Dirck was a Dane. We have traced his from Groningen [in Denmark] to Amsterdam, and thither with his wife, Catalina Berck, to New Amsterdam. Here he bought a house and a lot near the fort. August 23, 1649, and the next year another on Broadway. On June 29, 1654, at his desire, the Director and Council, allowed him “to leave this place to promote his own affairs.” Going to Fort Orange [in Beaverwyck, now Albany] he built upon a lot granted him October 25, 1653, and proved himself an industrious and worthy citizen. He worked as a carpenter on the new church built in 1656; in 1658 he loaned the deacons 100 guilders. He died February 12, 1659. Three years later Dirck’s widow married Harman Tomaz Hun.” [REVISED HISTORY OF HARLEM, 1904, p. 526][Actually she married in the second year after Dirck died]
The document that confirms what Riker said concerning Dirck Benson’s move to Albany is reproduced below.
Page 151 [289] Anno 1654, 29 June, New Amsterdam.
Dick Bensich submits a petition at the session of the honorable director general and high council, which is acted upon as follows:
The Petitioner is permitted to return upriver and attend his business. Done in New Amsterdam dated above
[NEW YORK HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS: DUTCH. Vol 5; COUNCIL MINUTES 1652-1654. Page 151]
Dirck Benson first shows up in the Court records of Fort Orange [now Albany] on May 14, 1652; which is two years before he approached the court in Manhattan to allow him to ‘return upriver and attend his business’.
During the seven years, from 1652 when he first appeared in the Fort Orange records until his death in 1659, there are a number of references to the Bensons in the various early records of Albany. These records are presented at this point in the story.
Entries Pertaining to Dirck Benson (Bensingh) and Catalina Berck husband and wife From the
MINUTES OF THE COURT
OF
FORT ORANGE AND BEVERWYCK
1652-1656
Translated and edited
by
A. J. F. VAN LAER
archivist, Division of Archives and History
Volume I
ALBANY
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
1920
PREFACE
The court of Fort Orange and the Village of Beverwyck, whose minutes are published herewith, was erected by proclamation issued by Director General Peter Stuyvesant on April 10, 1652. By virtue of this proclamation the main settlement of the colony of Rensselaerswyck was taken out of the jurisdiction of the patroon [Rensselaer] and created into an independent village by the name of Beverwyck, which afterwards became the city of Albany. The erection of the court was the final act in the high-handed proceedings whereby Director Stuyvesant brought to a close the long standing controversy between the Dutch West India Company and the authorities of the Colony of Rensselaerwyck regarding the jurisdiction of the territory around the fort. [Fort Orange] ...
The newly created court, which was termed a Kleine Banck van Justitie, an inferior bench of judicature, was a court for the trial of civil and minor criminal cause, ... . The court was composed of commies, or commissary of the fort, afterwards bearing the title of vice director, and a variable number of commissarissen, or local magistrates, often designated in English documents of the period as “commissaries”. Of these the commies, who acted as prosecuting officer and who represented the company, was appointed for an indefinite term of years directly by the Director General and Council of New Netherland, while the magistrates, at least in theory represented the people and were appointed annually from a double number chosen by the inhabitants. When sitting as a criminal court, the officer presided and demanded justice of the magistrates, who not only found whether the accused was guilty, but also determined the penalty that should be imposed on him.
The Jurisdiction of the court comprised Fort Orange, the village of Beverwyck, Schenectady, Kinderhook, Claverack, Coxsackie, Catskill and also the region around Kingston until May 16, 1661, when a court was established at the Esopus. Excluded from the Jurisdiction was the colony of Rensselaerswyck, which maintained its own court, side by side with that of Fort Orange and the village of Beverwyck until 1665, when by order of Governor Richard Nicolls the two courts were consolidated.
A numeral in square brackets, [33], indicates the page number in the original Dutch documents. “Page 33" indicates the page number in the 1920 edition of the English translation from which this copy is taken.
Page 20 [6] Ordinary Session, May 14, 1652
Present: J: Dyckman J: Labatie A: Herbertsz
A: Staets V: Jansz C: T: V: Westbroeck
The request of Dirrick Bensingh, corporal, to have provisionally a garden next to Ariaen Van Alckmaer and to fence the same with palisades, is granted on condition that in case hereafter other arrangements are made, he shall have to give up the same, and the bounds thereof shall be shown him by Mr Abraham Staets and Jan Labtie, appointed for that purpose
page 32 [17] Extraordinary Session, August 20, 1652
page 33 Dirrick Bensinck, corporal here in Fort Orange in the service of the West India Company, having last year resided at the Manhatans in New Amsterdam and at that time sold to the Reverend Domine Joannes Megapolinsis a certain house and garden situated there, has appeared before this court and acknowledged that he has been satisfied and paid therefor in full, the first penny with the last. In order that they may be mutually at ease and to prevent all further demands, he requests that this may be entered in the court record and that an extract therefrom be given him, the more so as he, Bensingh, can neither read nor write; which request is hereby granted him.
Page 58 [46] Ordinary Session, Tuesday, March 18, 1653
Jan van Hoesem, plaintiff, against Merten, the mason, defendant
Parties’ first default.
Dirrick Bensingh, plaintiff, against Merten, the mason, defendant.
[no other details given. I assume that since Merten the mason was not at court to answer Jan van Hoesem’s complaint, that he was not there to answer Dirrick Bensingh’s complaint]
A petition having been read from the prospective bakers residing in Beverwyck, whereby they request permission to sell some white bread to the Indians. Especially cake, for reasons more fully set forth in the petition, it is decided that as the president and some of the members of this court are to leave for the Manhatans, they may discuss the matter with the Hon. General, the report whereof shall be awaited. Until such time the petitioners must have patience and shall not be allowed to sell either stuff to the Indians.
Page 64 [51] Ordinary Session, Tuesday, April 29, 1653
The Reverend Domine Gideon Schaets having appeared before the court requests to have a garden heretofore drawn by lot by Dirrick Bensingh, [marked] No. 24.
[52] The said Dirrick Bensingh having appeared, has offered to relinquish the same and it is therefore given to his Reverence.
Dirrick Bensinck is granted a garden behind the fort, No. 11, with the consent of the Hon. Jacob Janse Schermerhoren, who gets No. 16 in place thereof.
The garden heretofore provisionally given to Dirrick Bensingh, next to Adriaen from Alckmaer, it is decided to give it to Hendrick Jochemsz, upon the condition that he, Hendrick Jochemsz, shall compensate Dirrick Bensinck for the palisades, carting of brick, etc., it being left to the discretion of the Hon. Andries Herpertsz and the Hon. Jan Verbeeck to indicate to said Bensingh how much he is entitled to claim therefore. [note how many ways the spelling of names vary in one entry.]
Page 65 Dirrick Bensingh, plaintiff, against Merten, the mason, defendant, for fl. 104:- for goods delivered.
Defendant admits the debt.
The court orders defendant to pay plaintiff the aforesaid sum of fl. 104:- on the first of August next ensuing, on pain of execution.
Page 71 [55a] Ordinary Session, June 17, 1653
Page 72 Elmerhuysen Kleyn, plaintiff, against Thomas Jansz defendant, bout the purchase of 34 schepels of maize, @ 30 stivers.
Parties appeal to Dirrick Bensinck. Case adjourned until the next court day.
Page 92 [78] Tuesday, January 6, 1654
Page 93 Jacob Jansz Flodder, plaintiff, against Dirrick Bensingh, defendant, on account of the purchase of a half interest in a yacht called the Princess Royale, according to the bill of sale executed before Commissary Dyckman on the first of this month, bought by the defendant of Jacob Jansz Stoll.
The arguments on both sides having been heard, it is decided to refer parties to Volckert Hansz and Pieter Hertgers, referees, who are to bring about an agreement if they can and to report their findings to this court.
Page 117 [104] Tuesday, March 3, 1654
Present: J: Dyckman J: J: Schermerhoren J: Verbeeck Jan Thomasz
Abraham Pietersz Vosburgh declares that having some time or some days ago been called upon to survey the lot of Dirck Bensingh and being busy therewith and things not going as he Bensingh, liked he said to the aforesaid surveyor: “The stake which stands there is more trustworthy than you are and if you do not survey according to the stakes which stand there, you survey falsely,” and other similar remarks. The aforesaid surveyor maintaining that the above written statements were made it is resolved and decided to have the said Dirrick Bensingh and both the surveyors summoned again to appear on the next court day.
Page 130 [116] Tuesday, March 31, 1654
Commissary Dyckman, plaintiff, against Dirrick Bensingh, defendant, on account of abusive words spoken to the surveyors, which being further investigated by the court, it is decided to condemn him to pay a fine of twelve guilders to the officer before sundown.
Page 131 Dirck Bensingh, having appeared before the court, requests a strip of ground in the rear of his lot. The magistrates, or some of them, are requested to make an inspection of the same.
Page 144 [ 129] Tuesday, May 12, 1654
Wynant Gerritson [van der Poel] is ordered to pay a fine of fl. 25:-- to the officer for not having built upon his lot and fl. 6:-- for having fought; to be paid within 48 hours.
Resolved that the gardens which have been laid out shall this afternoon be distributed by lot or otherwise to those who have made request therefor.
Page 146 Abraham Pietersz Vosburgh being summoned by the commissary and officer to appear in court to settle as far as possible the disputes which have arisen among the burghers on account of the faulty surveying and also on account of some gardens which without the knowledge of this court are being fenced in or have been granted away, the said Vosburgh is ordered to deliver in to this court his surveyor’s book, which he, Vosburgh, said he would consider doing. However, it is decided that the court messenger shall immediately go with the said Vosburgh to his house, he, Vosburgh being ordered to give the aforesaid book to the court messenger; but as the court messenger reports to this court the said Vosburgh’s unwillingness in this matter, it is decided for the second time and per superabundance to send the court messenger to him, Vosburgh, with the same order as aforesaid. The said messenger reporting for the second time [Vosburgh’s] unwillingness, it is resolved that tomorrow, upon his refusal to deliver the aforesaid surveyor’s book kept by him, the officer shall take him into custody until further order of this court.
Page147 [132] Tuesday, May 19, 1654
[133] Whereas it is found by experience and brought to the attention of this court that some of the inhabitants of this jurisdiction venture to sail in canoes, rowboats, or other vessels from here to the Esopus and Katskil plain to sell brandy or liquor to the savages along the way, or at the aforesaid places, to the considerable detriment of the good inhabitants there, it is decided to have notices posted that no one residing within this jurisdiction and consequently belonging thereto shall be allowed to sail thither from here in any rowboats, canoes or other vessels without having the same inspected here by the officer and without having obtained proper consent to go thither from and in the name of this court, on pain of forfeiture by those who shall be found to have acted contrary hereto of the sum of fifty guilders for each offense for the benefit of the officer here.
Page 155 [141] Tuesday, June 16, 1654
Page 157 [142] Dirrick Bensinck, being summoned by the commissary and officer to appear before the court to testify in regard to the situation of his garden, drawn by lot by the Hon. Jacob Schermerhoren and with the leave and consent of this court transferred by him to the aforesaid Dirrick Bensingh, has declared as follows, to wit:
That last Whitsunday morning, while he Bensink was standing in front of his door, Andries de Vos and Abraham Pietersz Vosburgh came to him and asked him, Bensinck, first, whether he had complained about his garden to this court, whereupon he, Bensingh, said: “It is still my garden, although you people have inclosed it without my consent,” and that he had enough reason to complain because they had taken his garden away from him without his knowledge and that they knew that is was his garden was certain, for they had previously asked him to contribute his share in erecting the fences between them. Whereupon they replied that rather than have him, Bensinck, make much fuss about it, they would given him back his garden, provided that he would pay and reimburse them for the expenses incurred by them on the garden. Whereupon he , Bensinck, answered them that they had no power to give away the garden, but that the authority in the matter rested with this court, which had once granted it to him. He therefore requests that he may be continued by this court in the possession of this garden and be allowed to keep what was once given to him, he, Bensinck, declaring [143] further that Abraham Pietersaz Vosburgh, upon resurveying [the lots], found that on the side of his house between him and Willem Hap, there was more ground [than originally stated] and that he had allotted them each a few feet of ground.
Page 158 Interrogatories upon which the Hon. Andries Herpertsen and Cornelis Theunisz Van Westbrook, recently retired magistrates, have been examined
Whether they gave their consent to the giving away of the garden of Dirrick Bensinck, formerly owned by Jacob Schermerhoren? Answer, No.
Likewise of the Garden which Luykas Pietersen has inclosed and for which he received a ground brief without the knowledge of this court? Answer, No.
Likewise the Garden of Cornelis Vos, next to Mr. Rensselaer’s? They declare that they know nothing about it.
Likewise in regard to the extension of the lot of Abraham Pietersz Vosburgh, where he lives. They declare that they know nothing about the new extension and the Hon. Andries Herpertsen declares that Abraham Pietersen Vosburgh has without their knowledge , on his own authority, added a piece to Mr. de Hooges’s garden, given and allotted to him by the court. They offer if need be and required, to confirm the preceding declarations by oath.
Page 159 Post Meridiem
The Hon. Volkert Janz, formerly a magistrate, being legally summoned by this court to testify in regard to the lot of Abraham Pietersen Vosburgh, has testified as follows, namely: That he and other magistrates of this court had shown to the aforesaid Vosburgh [144] the length and breadth of the lot, [extending] to certain stakes that were driven into the ground, and that the said Vosburgh in first inclosing his lot had governed himself accordingly and that he is not aware that any additional land was afterwards granted to the said Vosburgh. Also as sworn surveyors ought to be trusted to make the survey, that he has not verified the rods of the survey..
The following quote, from the minutes of the court in New Amsterdam, was given earlier to confirm what Riker said concerning Dirck Benson’s move to Albany. It is given again, here, as this is the chronological order for the event. It would seem that Dirck Benson and family moved to Fort Orange (Albany), well before June of 1654 and perhaps as early as 1652. It may be that after he bought half-interest in the yacht, Princess Royale, in January 1654, that he frequently traveled between Albany and New York. The reason for his approaching the council to “return upriver to attend his business” is unclear. It may be that problems with the Indians between New York and Albany had restricted travel and commerce between the two places.
Page 151 [289] Anno 1654, 29 June, New Amsterdam. [now New York City]
Dick Bensich submits a petition at the session of the honorable director general and high council, which is acted upon as follows:
The Petitioner is permitted to return upriver and attend his business. Done in New Amsterdam dated above
[NEW YORK HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS: DUTCH. Vol 5; COUNCIL MINUTES 1652-1654. Page 151]
We return now to the minutes of the court in Fort Orange [now Albany]. The following quote is given to give the reader some understanding of the concern that Peter Stuyvesant, the Director General of all of New Netherlands, had about the Indian troubles that were occurring in the Esopus region between New Amsterdam and Fort Orange
Page 161 [147] Tuesday, June 23, 1654
Last Sunday a letter was received by this court from the Honorable director [ Peter Stuyvesant] wherein he advised the court of the bad news received from the north [Indian troubles] and that on that account, for the better defense of the Manathans [Manhattan or New Amsterdam, later New York City] they were not only busy repairing the old [defensive] works, but also obliged to begin some new ones. Complaining of the scarcity of money in the treasury, requests that the most prosperous of the burghers here lend a helping hand and that this court would be pleased to negotiate a loan of money, on the condition that it be returned within a year, either in duties, or otherwise, for which his honor and the honorable councilors offer their persons and property as security.
[Thirty men including Jan Frans Van Hoesen and Adries Herpertsz raised fl. 2225 consisting of 192 ½ Beavers and fl. 590 in Sewan (beads or Wampum) to send to New Amsterdam.]
Page 170. [154] Extraordinary Session, Friday, July 15, 1654
After mature consideration of the present juncture of time, this court has for various reasons thought it necessary to call some of the most favorably disposed of the citizens here before the court, to propose to them the necessity and the reasons which this court thinks it has to send a present to the Maquas: [the Indian tribe which lived in the area of Fort Orange and with which the Dutch did a great deal of trading] First because the savages, on account of the scarcity of merchandise, have been obliged to give much more than ordinarily for the gods which they bought by the measure. It is to be noted, however, that the good inhabitants themselves had to forego what was ought out of their own much needed supply, which was the cause and origin of the high cost of the same. However when the ships come here, [it is proposed] to promise them, according to the circumstances, to let them have the goods cheaper, on the old basis. Secondly, to renew the old alliance and friendship between both sides. Thirdly, in order that they shall in the future not kill our cattle, as has happened heretofore. Fourthly, that is case the savages should again make some presents, as they are accustomed to do, these shall be divided among the [present] givers, or their order, in proportion to the amount contributed by them. [next is listed the names of those and the goods provided to give to the Maquas as presents, totaling 44 fathoms of seawan, 4 kettles, 11 hatchets, and 10 pounds of gun-powder.].
The following quote comes from the seven volume collection, THE RECORDS OF NEW AMSTERDAM FROM 1653 TO 1674; Volume 1, MINUTES OF THE COURT OF BURGOMASTERS AND SCHEPENS 1653-1655. Page 400. The Dutch records from which these volumes were translated were much damaged in the Capitol Building fire of 1911. It seems that the Dutch language records were stored below some English language records and in the fire the shelving collapsed and the burning records from above fell atop the records below making one large heap. The tops of the pages of the 1655 records were destroyed making the date on each page unreadable. The outcome of this is that for the following quote, the year was 1655, but the month and the year are unknown. The court is the court of New Amsterdam.
Page 400 City Hall, Month and day unknown, 1655
Jacob Kip, pltf. V/s Dirck Bensigh def. In case of arrest. Deft. in default. Pltf. makes known that deft. departed despite the arrest.
We return now to Volume 1 Of the Minutes of the Court of Fort Orange and Beverwyck
Page 242 [240] Tuesday, December 14, 1655
Page 243 Dirck Bentsingh, plaintiff, against Michiel Tyckertsz, defendant.
He demands the restitution of fl. 250:-, received by the defendant on account of the sale of a certain lot, which the defendant is now unable to deliver in accordance with the provisions of the contract.
The court order the defendant to return the requested fl. 250:-, to the plaintiff.
The next quote is mostly for interest, and to show the extent to which the court was involved in the lives of the inhabitants of the colony.
Page 246 [243] Tuesday, February 1, 1656
Page 247 [245] Johan de Deckere, ex officio plaintiff, Against Tierck Claesen, defendant. He demands that the defendant be fined sixteen guilders for having fought last Sunday with Willem Tellier and killed a goat of Sander Leendertsz. The court having heard the defendant’s confession, condemns him to pay a fine of two and a half beavers.
Idem, plaintiff, against the same defendant, for having been found last Sunday in the company of the Lutherans, performing divine service, contrary to the ordinance issued against it. Demands therefore that he should be fined fl. 6. The court, having heard the confession of the defendant, condemns him to pay the fine demanded.
Page 248 Idem. Plaintiff, against Hendrick Jansz, the cowherd defendant. He demands that the defendant be put in irons and arbitrarily punished, because the defendant is suspected of having made and distributed some notorious lampoons or pasquils. The defendant admits having composed or helping to compose a lampoon or little verse, without having, as he says, injured any one’s honor or reputation. The court order the defendant to be provisionally put in irons and held for further examination.
Page 250 [247] Tuesday, February 8, 1656
Page 251 [249] Johan de Deckere, commissary and officer here, plaintiff, against Hendrick Jansz, the cowherd, defendant in detention. Whereas the defendant, or person in detention, acknowledges that he wrote and made a lampoon, which being read is found to be slanderous and defamatory, the plaintiff persists in his conclusion or else demands that the defendant be condemned to pay a pecuniary fine. The Court condemn the defendant to pay a fine or penalty of 20 guilders and in addition 6 guilders for jailer’s fee and other expenses.
Page 252 [250] Interrogatories upon which, at the request of Johan De Deckere, commissary and officer here, is heard and examined Lambert van Valckenburch, sergeant of the burgher company, being summoned by the court to give testimony of the truth.
Whether he, the witness, yesterday, a week ago, in the evening, was not molested on the public highway because he, as sergeant, by order of his captain, wanted to take one Willem Hap to the guard house? [Witness] Answer, yes.
Who the aforesaid persons were and how many there were of them?
[Witness] Declares that he saw but one person, without knowing who he was or being acquainted with him, only that he heard that it must have been a certain tailor, the brother-in-law of Dirck Bentsingh.
This is the only reference I have seen that indicates that either Dirck Benson or his wife Cataliena Samsonse Berk had a brother or sister living in the colony. There was a William Berk involved as a witness in a court case held one week later. It may be that he is a brother to Catalena Berk.
Several years after the death of Dick Benson and after the marriage of Catalena Berk to Harmon Thomase Hun, a Willem Berk is named as a brother of Catalena Berk. It seems that he did not stay long in the colonies and that he died in Holland.
Page 253 [251] Tuesday, February 15, 1656
Page 257 [256] Interrogatories on which at the request of Johan de Deckere, commissary and officer her, Jan Gou and Willem Berck are to [be] heard and examined under oath, they being legally summoned to give testimony of the truth.
Page 276 [278] The officer and commissary, Johan de Deckere, notifies Dirck Bentsingh that he will institute his action against him on account of the very abusive and villainous term used by him about the court before all the world, namely, that they were a pack of rascals, villains and dogs, where and in such way as he shall see fit.
Page 277 [278] Tuesday, June 27, 1656
Page 279 [281] Herman Bamboes, plaintiff, against Dirk Bentsingh, defendant, for payment of 5 beavers for canceling the purchase of a house. The court gives judgment for the plaintiff.
This concludes the entries in Vol 1. Of the Minutes of the Court of Fort Orange and Beverwyck that refer to the Dirck Benson or Catalena Berck. We present next, two identical Footnote Entries Pertaining to Dirck Benson (Bensingh) and Catalina Berck in
The University of the State of New York
New York State Library
History Bulletin 9
EARLY RECORDS
OF THE
CITY AND COUNTY OF ALBANY
AND
COLONY OF RENSSELAERSWYCK
VOLUME 2
(Deeds 3 and 4, 1678-1704)
TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL DUTCH
BY
JONATHAN PEARSON
LATE PROFESSOR OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY IN UNION COLLEGE
REVISED AND EDITED BY
A. J. F. VAN LAER, Archivist
ALBANY
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
1916
As a footnote to two different real estate transactions one in 1685 [recorded on page 284 and 285] the other in 1699 [recorded on page 385] the following footnote is given:
“On this date Jan Verbeeck received a confirmatory patent upon a conveyance made to him by Dirck Bensick and Harmans Jacobsen Bombus [Bamboes] bearing date the first day of May 1657, for a certain House and Lot of Ground lying in Beverwick at Albany containing in breadth on the west side fifty seven foot, and on the East forty seven foot and half wood measure with Fence as it then lay in breadth, & so to stretch along the Fence in Length as in the Groundbriefe is sett forth”
Next, are presented two entries Pertaining to Dirck Benson (Bensingh) and Catalina Berck from:
The University of the State of New York
New York State Library
History Bulletin 11
EARLY RECORDS
OF THE
CITY AND COUNTY OF ALBANY
AND
COLONY OF RENSSELAERSWYCK
VOLUME 4
(mortgages 1,1658-1660, and wills 1-2, 1681-1765)
TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL DUTCH
BY
JONATHAN PEARSON
LATE PROFESSOR OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY IN UNION COLLEGE
REVISED AND EDITED BY
A. J. F. VAN LAER, Archivist
ALBANY
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
1919
page 32 EARLY RECORDS OF ALBANY, Vol. 4, (Mortgages 1, 1658-1660)
Conditions of public sale of a small house belonging to Dirck Benson
[280 blank; 281] Terms and conditions on which Dirck Bensich 50 proposes to sell at public sale his small house standing in the village of Beverwyck.
First, the small house standing by said Dr. Benesich’s large house shall be delivered to the buyer with all that therein is fast by earth and nail, together with a lot in breadth, front and rear, 15 feet and 10 rods in length.
Delivery shall be made on the 11th of June of this year 1658.
Payment shall be made in two instalments, both in whole, merchantable beavers, the firs on delivery, the second on the 11th of July of the coming year Anno. 1659.
The buyer shall be holden to furnish two sufficient sureties to the satisfaction of the seller.
If the buyer can not furnish two sufficient sureties immediately, then the house shall be offered again at his charge and expense and whatever less it shall bring, he shall be holden to make good and whatever more it shall bring, he shall receive no profit therefrom.
The auction fee shall be charged to the buyer.
[282] After much bidding Jacobes Jansen remained the buyer for the sum of twelve hundred and ten Guilders according to the aforesaid conditions, for which sum as sureties the Honorable Rutger Jacobsen and Johannes Withart have bound their persons and estates, real and personal, present and future.
(33) Done in the village of Beverwyck, the 12th day of July Anno 1658 in presence of Lowyes Cobes and Aanderies Herperts.
This is the mark X of JACOBUS JANSEN, made with his own hand.
RUTGER JACOBSZ
JOAN WITHART
Ludouicus Cobes
Andries Herberts
Quod attestor
LA MONTAGNE, Commissary at Fort Orange
50. Written also Bensing and Bensingh, though he signs his name “Dirk Bensem”
51. Probably the house which Rutger Jacobsen on December 21, 1654, contracted to build for Dirck Bensem and which was conveyed to Cubus Jansen on October 19/Nov. 9 1665, by Harmen Thomassen Hun, who married Dirck Bensem’s widow. See Early Records of Albany 1:215, 394. [I do not have access to Vol. 1 of the Early Records of Albany.]
Page 83 EARLY RECORDS OF ALBANY, Vol. 4, (Mortgages 1, 1658-1660)
Bond and Mortgage of Dirck Bensem to Willem Fredericksen Bout
[373] Appeared before me, Johannes La Montagne, in the service of the General Chartered West India Company commissary at Fort Orange, in the presence of the Honorable Fransois Boon and Ariaen Gerrits. Magistrates of said jurisdiction, Dirck Bensich, inhabitant of the village of Beverwyck, who declared that he was truly indebted to Willem Fredricksen Bout in the number of ninety beavers which he promises to pay in the year of 1659 in the month of June, binding thereto his person and estate, real and personal, present and future, especially his house wherein he dwells at present, as special security by way of mortgage, promising to warrant the same against all claims and submitting the same to all courts and judges. Done in Fort Orange, the 5th of October 1658.
This is the mark X of DIRCK BENSICH, made with his own hand
Francoys Boon
Adriaen Geeretsen
Acknowledged before me, LA MONTAGNE, Commissary at Fort Orange
Footnote to the above Document: This bond was the result of a Judgment given against Dirck Bensem on August 26, 1658, in an action for debt brought by Willem Fredericksen Bout for money due on a Yacht. See Early Records of Albany, 1: 27-28.
The next references are from Volume 2 of the Minutes of the Court of Fort Orange and Beaverwyck
Entries Pertaining to Dirck Benson (Bensingh) and Catalina Berck husband and wife From the
MINUTES OF THE COURT
OF
FORT ORANGE AND BEVERWYCK
1657-1660
Translated and edited
by
A. J. F. VAN LAER
archivist, Division of Archives and History
Volume II
ALBANY
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
1923
Page 59 [95] October or November 1657 [Find date]
Pieter de Maecker, plaintiff, against Dirck Bensick, defendant.
The plaintiff demands payment of 23 beavers for wages. He declares that he has had four beavers in the hands of Dirck Janssen attached and asks that the attachment be declared valid.
The wife [Catalina Bercx] of Dirck Bensick appearing in the stead of her husband admits the debt and requests an extension of time until the return of her husband.
The plaintiff replies that he is about to leave and can not wait such an indefinite length of time.
The court orders the defendant’s wife to pay the sum demanded, or the balance thereof, within the space of six days, under penalty of execution.
In a list of disbursments and assessments for the new church the following are noted for Dirck Benson.
Page 85 [125] and page 87 [129]
1657, August 10 Paid by Dirck Bensick to Francoys Boon for freight of the pulpit and the bell fl. 32:-
1658, March 2. To the deaconry paid by Dirck Bensingh fl. 100:-:-
Page 89 [1] Ordinary session held in Fort Orange, January 8 Anno 1658
page 90 [2] Lowies Cobussen, plaintiff against Dirck Bensick and Pieter Bronck. Default
Page 94 [8] Ordinary session held in Fort Orange, January 15, 1658
Page 95 Lowies Cobussen, plaintiff against Dirck Bensick and Pieter Bronck. 2d Default
Page 96 [13] Ordinary Session held in Fort Orange, January 22, Anno 1658
Page 97 [13] Lowies Cobussen, plaintiff, against Pietr Bronck and Dirck Bensick, defendants.
The plaintiff, demands payment of his salary for taking at the request of the defendants an inventory of the effects of Hans Vosch, in Katskill, for which he claims he earned fl. 18:- in three days.
Pieter Bronk, defendant, appearing, admits that he Dirck [14] Bensick and Philip Hendericksz employed the plaintiff, but claims that Hans Vosch must pay the expenses.
The court orders the defendant to pay the aforesaid sum of fl. 18:- to the plaintiff, reserving his right to recover the amount from the person whom the court will designate to him.
Page 107 [27] Extraordinary Session held in Fort Orange, March 29 Anno 1658
Jan Harmensen, plaintiff, against Dirck Bensick, Defendant.
The Plaintiff complains that the defendant beat him in his own house with naked sword and shows the marks and streaks to the court.
The defendant denies that he did so.
The plaintiff produces as witnesses Cornelis Teunissen and Jacob Tyssen, who declare that they saw Dirck Bensick several times beat the plaintiff, to wit, Jan Harmsen, with his naked sword, but do not know the reason why.
The court, having heard the parties, and considered the matter, condemn the defendant to pay a fine of one hundred and fifty guilders and the costs of the trial.
Page 124 [54] Ordinary Session held in Fort Orange, July 9, Anno 1658
Page 126 Harmen Vedder, plaintiff, against Dirck Bensick, defendant.
The plaintiff gives notice of the attachment of the defendant’s house in the hands of Cobus, the tailor, who became the purchaser of the house for the sum of fl. 671:10:-.
Page 127 [57] The defendant admits the debt.
The court declares the attachment valid and orders the defendant to pay the plaintiff in proportion to other creditors out of the first payment.
Page 152 [89] Ordinary Session held in Fort Orange, August 26 Anno 1658
William Fredricksen, plaintiff, against Dirck Bensingh, defendant.
The plaintiff demands payment for his yacht, amounting to 88 beavers.
The defendant admits the debt, but says that he does not know where to get beavers.
The court, having heard the parties, orders the defendant to pay the plaintiff the 88 beavers demanded in the space of eight days, or to satisfy the plaintiff by giving security or otherwise.
Page 158 [[97] Ordinary Session Held in Fort Orange, October 1 Anno 1658
Page 159 Gerrit Reyersen, plaintiff, against Dirck Bensingh, defendant. Default.
Page 162 [101] Ordinary Session held in Fort Orange, October 15, Anno 1658
page 163 Gerrit Reyersn, plaintiff, against Dirck Bensingh, defendant. Default
“The following entry was copied by Dr. Thomas Hun, from the family Bible of Cornelius Van Beuren, who Married Maritie, Daughter of Harmen Hun.”
“A copy of the births of the children of Dirck Benson and his wife Catleina...
“Anno 1659, January 6, died my husband (1) Dirck Benson, on Sunday at 9 o’clock, and was buried at New Netherlands.” [These three quotes appear on page 426 of S. V. Talcott’s GENEALOGICAL NOTES OF NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND FAMILIES.]
Page 198 After April 1659 [Dirck Benson had by this time died]
[151] Mr Thomas Poulussen, plaintiff and arrestrant, against Cateleyn Samsons, [Berck] defendant.
The plaintiff demands of the defendant payment of fl. 230, which he caused to be attached in the hands of Lambert van Neck, and asks that he may be paid on the same basis as other creditors.
The honorable court declares the attachment valid.
Page 246 [141] Ordinary Session held in Fort Orange, April 20, Anno 1660
Thomas Pouly, Plaintiff, against Cathalyna Simpsons [Berck], defendant.
The plaintiff demands payment by the defendant of the sum of two hundred and fifty [guilders], arising from [the purchase of] a horse.
The defendant admits the debt, but says that she has put the matter into the hands of the orphan masters.
The plaintiff demands his rights.
The court, having heard the parties, order the plaintiff to wait until curators of the said estate are appointed.
Page 247 [143] Jan van Eckelen, plaintiff, against Cathalina Samsons [widow of Dirck Benson], defendant.
The Plaintiff demands of the defendant the sum of one hundred guilders in Seawan.
Page 248 The defendant admits the debt.
The honorable court order the plaintiff to wait also until curators of the said estate are appointed.
This ends the entries in the Fort Orange Court record that deal with Dick Benson.
Because Dirck Bensing leased land from the Patroon [Jan Baptist van Rensselaer] he is referred to twice in the following book.
CORRESPONDENCE
OF
JEREMIAS VAN RENSSELAER
1651-1674
Translated and edited
by
A. J. F. VAN LAER
Archivist, Archives and History Division
ALBANY
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
1932
PREFACE
The correspondence of Jeremias van Rensselaer forms part of the Van Rensselaer Papers which from time to time have been deposited in the New York State Library and which ...were turned over to the State on condition that they should be made available for purposes of historical research and those which were found to be of sufficient interest should be published as a supplement to the volume of Van Rensselaer Bowier Manuscripts, issued by the State Library in 1908.
The correspondence consists partly of original letters, ranging in date from 1651 to 1671, which for the greater part were received by Jeremias van Rensselaer from his relatives in Holland after he came to the colony of Rensselaerswyck, and partly of copies, some on loose sheets and others in the form of a Letter Book, of letters written by him from 1656 until his death in 1674, during the last 16 years of which period he was director of the colony.
...after having been carefully preserved in the hands of the family for more than 250 years, they were shortly after their transfer to State Library severely damaged by the Capitol fire of March 29, 19ll, which destroyed a large part of the State Archives as well as many of the Van Rensselaer Papers, so that at present hardly a single one of the letters is intact.
Page 150,151 FROM JAN BAPTIST VAN RENSSELAER, dated April 25, 1659.
“Let Dirck Bentsingh carefully observe the contract of the pasture and pay for it [several lines destroyed] [Footnote p.203; His widow Catalina Bercx, married Harmen Thomassen Hun. In their will, dated May 26, 1663 (Early Records of Albany, 3: 216-218), she states that her former husband, Dirck Bensingh, left her “with a much incumbered estate.”]
Page 203,204 FROM JAN BAPTIST VAN RENSSELAER, [March 9, 1660]
...Whereas from a letter of Sander Leendertsz I have learned of the death of Dirck Bentsinck and also the bad condition of his affairs, as a result of which the contract which I made with him about the pasture behind the [fort] could not take effect, but Sander [and ] had leased the pasture. I do not know upon what conditions they took over the contract of Dirck Benssingh, deceased, or [whether you] made a contract with them. I should like to hear about this from you. When the contract with Bentsingh expires, [you might try?] to lease my pasture again for two or three years, and, [if it is possible?] for beavers, even if I should get a little less...
After the death of Dick Benson and the remarriage of his wife Catalina Berck to Harman Thomasz Hun, it was necessary for Catalina and Harmen to clear up the financial problems which were left by the death of Dirck Benson. About this time also occurred the death of Catalina Berck’s mother who had remained in Holland, and also the death of Harmen Thomas Hun’s aunt. The following documents show some of the history of these eventful times. They come from Vol. 3 of The Early Records of Albany. The Frontspiece of which is given below.
The University of the State of New York
New York State Library
History Bulletin 10
EARLY RECORDS
OF THE
CITY AND COUNTY OF ALBANY
AND
COLONY OF RENSSELAERSWYCK
VOLUME 3
(Notarial Papers 1 and 2, 1660-1696)
TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL DUTCH
BY
JONATHAN PEARSON
LATE PROFESSOR OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY IN UNION COLLEGE
REVISED AND EDITED BY
A. J. F. VAN LAER, Archivist
ALBANY
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
1918
Pages 79-80, of The Early Records of Albany, Vol. 3.
EARLY RECORDS OF ALBANY NOTARIAL PAPERS I AND 2, 1660-1696 79
Power of attorney from Harmen Thomassen Hun and his wife to Adriaen van Laer
[103] On this day, the 5th of July 1661, appeared before me, Dirck van Schelluyne, notary public, and before the hereinafter named witnesses, Harmen Thomasz [Hun} from Amersfort, master shoemaker, dwelling in the village of Beverwyck near Fort Orange, and Catelyntie Berck, his wife, late widow of Dirck Bensingh, deceased, (known to the undersigned witnesses), and declared that they constituted and appointed by these presents Adriaen van Laer, also a shoemaker, dwelling at Amsterdam in New Netherland, proposing to depart for Holland, their special attorney to demand, collect and receive from Angenietie Cornelis's daughter, dwelling on the Stroomart (Straw market) at Amsterdam in Holland the sum of seventy Carolus guilders remaining in her hands, as well as what shall be found at the Orphan Chamber of said city, belonging to, said Catelyntie Berck by virtue of the inheritance which came to her by the death of Tryntie Jansz van Rechter, her mother, late wife of Cornelis Stoffelsz Bul, deceased at Amsterdam aforesaid in the year 1656; also from her brother Hendrick Berck the sum (80) of one hundred and fourteen guilders, according to obligation dated the 8th of March 1656. Likewise to represent them at the settlement of the estate of the late Wendeltie Harmens, aged spinster, aunt or father's sister of said Harmen Thomasz, who died at Alckmaer in Holland aforesaid, and there to demand and to receive his lawful inheritance and portion of her estate coming to him whether ab intestato or under her will (if one was made) ; acquittance to [104] grant for receipts and in case of refusal payment to obtain by legal proceedings and the rigor of the law; to this end all legal steps to observe to judgment and final execution thereof; with power one or more persons ad lites to substitute in his place; also to compound, contract and agree and furthermore all things to do, transact and perform which may be needful and may seem proper to him; [the principals] promising at all times to hold as valid whatever may be done and performed by said attorney, or by his substitute, in the above matters without any contradiction, provided that the attorney be holden a proper return to make of his said transactions and receipts when required.
Thus done and executed in Beverwyck in New Netherland, in presence of the Honorable Frans Barentsz Pastor, commissary of Fort Orange, and Hendrick Hendricxsz, baker, as witnesses hereto called.
HARMAN THOMANSZ
This mark X was made by CATELYNTIE BERCK, aforenamed
Frans Barensz Pastoor Hendrick, Hendricksen
D. V. SCHELLUYNE, Not. Pub. 1661
Bond of Harmen Thomassen Hun to Adriaen van Laer
Harmen Thomasz acknowledges that he is well and truly indebted to Adriaen van Laer in the sum of seventy Carolus guilders, Holland money, to be received in Holland according to power of attorney to him granted, growing out of merchandise to his content received; promising, in case of his failure to receive the aforesaid sum in Holland according to said power, to pay the said sum here in the year 1662 in good beavers, reckoned at eight guilders apiece: In good faith, these are subscribed in Beverwyck the 5th of July 1661.
HARMAN THOMANSZ
Pages 216-218, of The Early Records of Albany, Vol. 3
Page 216 Will of Harmen Thomassen Hun from Amersfoort and his wife
[333] In the name of God, Amen: Know all men that on this day, the 26th of May 1663, about 5 o'clock in. the afternoon, before me, Dirck van Schelluyne, notary public, and before the afternamed witnesses, personally came and appeared the honorable Harmen Thomasz van Amersfort,2 master shoemaker, and Catalina Bercx, husband and wife, to me, the notary, and the undersigned witnesses known; both being sound in body, standing and walking, having full possession and use of their faculties, reason, memory and understanding, as outwardly seemed, and without one being able to observe anything to the contrary; which appearers, considering the shortness and frailty of human life, the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the hour thereof, and wishing therefore to anticipate the same by a proper disposition of all such temporal estate as after the decease of the first of the two it may be found that Almighty God has granted them, declare that deliberately and after mature consideration, without inducement, persuasion, or misleading of any persons, they have made, ordained and decreed this their present joint last will and testament, in form and manner following:
(217) First and before all commending their immortal souls, whenever they shall be separated from their bodies, to the gracious hands of God, their Maker and Redeemer, and their bodies to a Christian burial, and revoking, canceling and annulling hereby all and every such testamentary dispositions, bequests or last wills as they jointly or separately may have made and executed [334] heretofore, and now deposing anew they, the appearers and testators, have nominated and instituted, as by these presents they do mutually and reciprocally nominate and institute, the survivor of them both as the sole and universal heir of all the estate, real and personal, claims and credits, gold and silver, coined and uncoined, jewels, clothing, woolen and linen, household furniture and other things, nothing excepted nor reserved, which the first deceased of them both on his or her death shall vacate and leave behind, to do therewith as with his or her own absolute property, without opposition or contradiction of any persons, save nevertheless and with this express restriction and condition that the survivor shall remain holden to nourish and bring up in an honest and godly way, until they shall come to maturity or marriage estate, the five children by the testatrix procreated with her former husband, Dirck Bensingh, deceased, namely, Dirck aged 13 years, Sampson aged about 11 years, Johannes aged 8 years, Catarina aged 6 years, and Maria Dircxsz Bensingh aged about 4 years, alone, or with the child or children (since she, testatrix, is at present pregnant, or with child), which they, the testators, may also have in wedlock; and then to fit out the same as the survivor in his or her conscience shall think proper, without nevertheless the outfit being in any manner obligatory; which nourishment and bringing up they, the appearers, intend and desire that the survivor shall undertake and that their children shall be holden to be content therewith, in place of and for their legitimate portions (belonging to them by law [335] from their deceased parents' estates), and that in consideration of these weighty reasons, to wit, that her said former husband, Dirck Bensingh, deceased, left her, the testatrix, in her widowhood with a much incumbered estate and that her said present husband with the labor of his own hands has earned, cleared off and paid the greater part of her debts and charges upon said estate. It is furthermore stipulated that in case the testatrix die before the testator, and he, the testator, shall marry again, or leave the country during the minority of said children of the first marriage, then he shall be holden to arrange with the hereinafter named authorized and solicited guardians respecting the children interested herein as they may jointly find just and proper; (218) to which end [the testators] hereby solicit and appoint as associate guardians, Mr Adriaen van Ilpendam and Jan van Aecken for the oversight of said children and carrying out of the contents of this will, which they hereby accept and undertake according to their ability; and on the departure or decease of one of them the survivor may choose, take and accept another [to act] with him. Finally, in case the said survivor dies without remarriage, the said children of the first marriage with the child or children which they shall beget together shall inherit and divide equally, share and share alike, the property which the survivor shall leave behind. All that is hereinbefore written, they, the appearers and testators, declare to be their joint last will and testament, willing and desiring that the same after the death of the first of them shall have full force and effect, whether as testament, codicil, donation, gift in anticipation of death, or otherwise, as may be most suitable, notwithstanding that certain formalities demanded by law or rules of court may not herein have been fully observed; desiring that the utmost benefit hereof may be enjoyed, and that one or more instruments hereof [336] in proper form may be made and delivered by me, the notary, to be used, according to the exigencies of the case.
Thus done and executed in Beverwyck near Fort Orange in New Netherland, at the dwelling of the testators, in presence of said guardians, Adriaen van Ilpendam and Jan van Aecken, together with Jan Verbeeck, neighbors of the testators, called and bidden as witnesses hereto.
HARMEN THOMANSZ
This mark X was made by CATALYNTIE BERCX,
aforenamed, with her own hand
ADRIAEN VAN ILPENDAM
JAN KOSTER VAN AAKEN
Jan Verbeeck D. V. SCHELLUYNE, Not. Pub.
1663
Page 235, of The Early Records of Albany, Vol. 3
Power of attorney from Harmen Thomassen Hun to Adriaen van Laer (incomplete)
On this day, the 2d of August 1663, appeared before me, Dirck van Schelluyne, notary public, and before the afternamed witnesses, Harmen Thomasz of Amersfort,' master shoemaker, husband and guardian of Catalina Bercx, last widow of Dirck Bensem, deceased, dwelling in the village of Beverwyck, near Fort Orange, and declared in that capacity that he hereby constituted and appointed Ariaen van Laer, also master shoemaker, being about to depart for Holland by the ships now ready to sail, his special attorney to demand, collect and receive from his said wife's brothers deceased, to wit, Willem Berck and Hendrick Berck, by the hands of Mr Gryp, secretary of the orphan chamber at Amsterdam in Holland, a certain sum of one hundred and fourteen Carolus guilders, which his wife furnished and lent to her said brothers according to obligation of date the 8th of March 1656, placed in the hands of the attorney, which said sum of fl. 114 her said brothers deceased placed in [360] the hands of said Mr Gryp to be put out at interest for the behoof of their said sister, Catalyna Bercx, until she or some one else on her behalf should demand the same again, as said attorney being the last time in the fatherland ... [not finished and canceled].
Pages 254-255, of The Early Records of Albany, Vol. 3
454 EARLY RECORDS OF ALBANY
Power of attorney from Harmen Thomassen Hun and his wife to Jan van Dorp and Baeyken Adriaens
On this day, the lst of October 1663, appeared before me, Dirck van Schelluyne, notary public, and before the afternamed witnesses, Harmen Thomassz van Amersfort1, master shoemaker, dwelling in the village of Beverwyck near Fort Orange, and Catelyntie Berck, his wife, formerly widow of the late Dirck Bensinck, to the undersigned witnesses known, and declared that inasmuch as Adriaen van Laer and Jan Cloete are to remain for the present in this country, whom the subscribers constituted [388] their respective attorneys, to wit, Van Laer by power of date the 5th of July Anno 16612 executed before me the notary, and certain witnesses, and Cloete by power executed the 26th of August Anno 1662,3 before Notary Salomon Lachair, deceased, and certain witnesses in Amsterdam in N: Netherland, both of these powers are hereby revoked, canceled and annulled and in place thereof the subscribers have constituted, authorized and appointed, as hereby they do constitute, authorize and appoint their brother-in-law, Jan van Dorp van Elsloo, dwelling at Sittert in the land of Gulick 4 and Baeyken Adriaens, mother of said Van Laer, dwelling in the Cappel steech at Amsterdam in Holland, jointly and severally their special attorneys to demand, collect and receive at the Orphan chamber in said city of Amsterdam a certain just portion inherited by and devolved upon her, Catalyntie Bercq, by the death and decease of Tryntje Jan's daughter van Rechter, her deceased mother, late wife of Cornelis Stoffelsz Bul, who died at Amsterdam aforesaid in the year 1656; which said portion is entrusted to said Orphan chamber, according to the letter from her said brother-in-law, Jan van Dorp van Elsloo, dated the 15th of April last; likewise the amount due her from the honorable chartered East India Company; therefore, acquittance for receipts to execute; for all subsequent demands to become personally responsible or to offer sufficient sureties to the satisfaction of the honorable orphan masters and directors of the East India Company respectively, at Amsterdam aforesaid, or elsewhere as may be fitting; and furthermore [389] in the matter aforesaid all things to do, transact and perform, which may be needful and seem to him proper for the best interests of the subscribers; promising at all times to hold as just whatever may be done and performed in the matter aforesaid by said their attorneys either jointly or severally, without any gainsaying, provided that the attorneys be holden a proper return to make of his or their transactions and receipts when requested. Thus done and delivered in Beverwyck in N: Netherland, in presence of Leendert Phillips and Jan Harmensz Windorp, neighbors of the subscribers, called as witnesses hereto.
HARMAN THOMASZ
This mark X was made by CATARINA BERCK, aforesaid
Leendert Phyles
Jan Harmensen Weendorp
D. V. SCHELLUYNE, Not. Pub. 1663
1 Harmen Thomassen Hun, from Amersfoort.
2 See pages 79-80.
3 See Holland Society of New York, Year Book, 1900 p. 147-48, where the name of the attorney is given as Jan Knoet of Nuwenroo.
4 The Dutch name for the duchy of Julich Sittert, or Sittard, formerly belonged to the dutchy of Julich, but is at present included in the province of Limburg, Netherlands. Elsloo is a village on the Maas, a few miles north of Maastricht and about the same distance southwest of Sittard.
The following paragraphs from Riker gives a summary of the Benson family history for the next 40 years.
“Dirck Benson’s children were Dirck born 1650; Sam son, born 1652 , Johannes born 1655, Catrina, born 1657, who married Doctor Reynier Schaets and Johnathan Dradhurst; and Maria, born 1659, and who married Volchert van Hoesen. The three sons of Benson grew up in Albany much respected, and all became church members. Samson set up a pottery, and was known as the “pottebacher.” Dirck became a skipper on the Hudson, sailing the sloop Eendraght between Albany and New York [At Albany, the tide raised the level of the Hudson River one foot]. Johannes was probably an Innkeeper, for in 1689, when apprehensions existed of a French and Indian invasion from Canada, a committee of safety, of which Lieutenant Johannes Benson was a member, Directed “that the people of Patcook do make their retreat to Johannes Bensing’s upon occasion”. Raised to a captaincy soon after, he performed useful service during these fearful times. The Midnight Massacre at Schenectady, February 8, 1690, in which their Brother-in-law, Doctor Schaets, then a justice of the peace at that place, was slain, together with one of his sons, and the continuance of French and Indian hostilities, quite unsettled the Bensons and their families (for the three brothers were now married), and they finally transferred their residence to New York, Dirck in 1693, and Samson and Johannes in 1696, when the public alarm became so great as to cause many such removals. [Charles R. Benson, in his book, ABRAHAM VAN DEUSEN and many of his descendants says Johannes moved to New York in 1690]
Dirck and Samson remained in the city, while Johannes came to Harlem.... In the meantime, his brother-in-law [Volkert Janse] Van Hoesen, was also quitting Albany, and had settled as a farmer and innkeeper at the Indian Sappokaniken, just without the city on the North River side; otherwise called by the Dutch, New Nordwyck, and also from Gerrit Bas, a proprietor there, Bassen Bouwery, a contraction of “Bas syn bouwery.” It has since been known as Greenwich village.” [Riker’s Harlem pages 427-429]
Dirck Benson and Catalina Berck had 5 children:
1. Dirck Dirckse Benson, born November 9, 1649; in New Amsterdam.
2. Samson Dirckse Benson, born July 4, 1652, possibly in Beaverwyck
3. Johannes Dirckse Benson, born 8 February 1655.
4. Cateryna Dirckse Benson, born 12 February 1657.
5. Maria Dirckse Benson was born 15 July 1659. She married Volkert Jansz Van Hoesen, the son of Jan Franse Van Hosen and Volkie Jurriaanse.
Dirck Benson died on Sunday 6 January 1659 and was buried at New Netherlands.
In the second year after the death of Dirck Benson, Catalina married, before July 5,1661, for on that date “Harmen Thomasz from Amersfort, master shoemaker, dwelling in the village of Beverwyck near Fort Orange, and Catelyntie Berck, his wife, late[ly] widow of Dirck Bensingh, deceased, (known to the undersigned witnesses), “ [Early Records of Albany, vol. 3 Notarial Papers 1660-1696, pages 79-80.]
Harmen Thomase Hun and Catalina Berck had 4 children.
6. Weintie, born 9 February 1662; died 19 February 1662
7. Weintie Harmense Hun, born 29 October 1663;
8. Thomas, born 1 November 1666; died 9 November 1667
9. Thomas Harmense Hun, born 2 October, 1668;
Harmen Thomas Hun was living as late as 1703. Catalyntje Berck died 14, April 1693.
We know the dates of the births of the children of Dirick Bensing and Catalina Berck because Catalina Berck recorded, in a Bible, the dates of some of the important events in her family’s history. It seems that at some time later date one of her children or grandchildren copied the information from a Bible of Catalin’s to their own bible. We thank S. V. Talcott for locating and recording the information.
S. V. Talcott in his book GENEALOGICAL NOTES OF NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND FAMILIES, 1876, gives us the following:
“The following record was copied by (61) Dr. Thomas Hun, from the bible of Cornelis Van Buren, who married (28) Martie, daughter of (15) Harmus Hun.”
“A copy of the births of the children of DIRCK BENSON and his wife CATLEINA.
My sister Catleina was born in December, 1625. (Supposed to mean Catalina Berex, wife of [1] Dirck Benson--S. V. T.)
In 1649, November 9, was my son (2)Dirck Benson born.
In 1652, July 4, was my son Samson Benson born.
In 1655, February 8, was my son (4) Johannes born.
In 1657, February 12, was my daughter (5) Catrina born.
Anno 1659, January 6, died my husband (1) Dirck Benson, on Sunday at 9 o’clock,
and was buried at New Netherlands.
In 1659, July 15, my daughter (6) Maria was born.
In 1662, February 9, my daughter (3 Hun) Weintie Harmosson (Hun) was born Thursday about 10 o’clock, and died on Saturday evening February 19
[GENEALOGICAL NOTES OF NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND FAMILIES, 1876. Numbers in Parentheses indicate the number assigned by Talcott in the Benson and Hun histories included in the book.]
“My sister Catleina was born in December, 1625" is interpreted by Talcott to give the date of Catleina Berck, the wife of Dirck Benson. There is another plausible explanation of the meaning of that sentence. It was often the case, among the Dutch, that when a child died young the next child of the same sex as the dead child was given the same name. Catalen Berck could well have intended to record that she had an older sister born in December of 1625. If that is the case, them Catleina, the wife of Dirck Bensingh may have been born in 1626 or 1627.
The following are documents from various Early Records that refer to the children of Dirck Benson and Catalina Berck.
Page 346 Contract of Claes Jensen to build a house and two hay ricks for Dirck Bensen at Claverack
[570] On this 20th day of June 1676, appeared before me Adriane van Ilpendam, notary public residing in New Albany, Dirck Bentsingh, [jr] of the first part and Claes Jansz van Baeren, of the second part, who hereby acknowledge that in all love and friendship they have agreed in manner following, to wit: Dirck Bentsingh acknowledges that he has let the contract and Claes Jansz that he has agreed to build a house at the Claverrack of twenty feet square, and to make therein two casement windows (Cruys Coosyns), a door frame, a cloister window frame (clooster coosyn), together with a back door, two end bents with corabels, a cellar to be boarded up, to lay a floor therein 20 feet in breadth and 15 feet long, cellar stairs and stairs to the garret, to make the doors as well of the cellar as of the house, to cut to right length and dress the boards both of the floor and the garret, to hang the windows and doors, to make the wooden hinges to the doors; the aforesaid work must all be well and properly done. Furthermore, to make also two good and substantial square hay ricks near the house, except the roofs; but said contractor must properly cover the roof of the house with boards. The owner promises to deliver all the materials and to furnish the contractor with board, on condition that the contractor shall begin the work now immediately and not cease from work until it is completed; for which the owner promises to pay the contractor or his order twenty whole, mechantable beaver skins, but may pay for the same in good wheat or peas at market price, delivered at Albany free, to wit, four beavers or the value thereof as aforesaid next harvest time, and six in the month of July 1677, and the remaining ten beavers or the value therof in the month of July 1678. The aforesaid contracting parties (with God’s help) mutually promise to execute and perform what is hereinbefore written, binding thereto their persons and estates, nothing excepted, subject to all lords, courts tribunals and judges. In witness whereof they have without craft or gule subscribed this with their own hands, dated as above.
As Witnesses Claes Hans
G: Swartt Dirck Bensem
Johannes Clutten Quod Attestor: Adriaen van Ilpendam, Not. Pub.
[New York State Library, Histoy Bulletin 10, EARLY RECORDS OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF ALBANY and COLONY OF RENSSELAERSWYCK; Volume 3 (Notarial papers 1 and 2, 1660-1696) page346]
Contract of sale of a piece of land at Claverack from Gerrit Slichtenhorst to Dirck and Johannes Bensem
[250] On this 19th day of April 1675 appeared before me, Adriaen van Ilpendam, notary public (residing in New Albany) and before the afternamed witnesses, Mr Gerrit Slichtenhorst of one part and Dirck Bentsingh with his brother Johannes Bentsingh of the other part, who hereby acknowledge that in all love and friendship they have agreed to manner following, to wit:
The said Mr. Slichtenhorst acknowledges that he has sold and said Dirck and Johannes Bentsingh that they have bought a certain parcel of land lying in the Claverrack, to wit, arable land, comprising twenty-four morgens, lying on the east side of the formost land of Maerten Cornelisz, as said land came to said Mr Slichtenhyorst from the Honorable Jeremias van Renselaer; and if said land does not contain twenty-four morgens, than said seller shall assign and make over to the buyers land thereabout to make up the 24 morgens, but the calf pasture by the side of the house where Teeues dwells must be reckoned in: the said seller also delivers to the aforenamed buyers the fence which he and Maerten Cornelisz made together, to wit, his part, excepting the fence which Maerten Cornelisz this last winter built, for which said buyers shall be holden to make compensation to Maerten Cornelisz, if said Maerten Cornelisz makes a claim upon them therefore. The seller reserves to himself for this summer four morgens of land lying on the said flat of which he has promised the use this summer and not longer. The aforenamed seller delivers the same to said buyers immediately with the homestead, garden and little apple trees, where Teeuwes Abrahamsz now dwells, together with the use of the bridge, free and unincumbered (saving the patroon’s right). For which the buyers promise to pay to the seller or his order the sum of one hundred and ten good, whole, salable beaver skins at eight guilders apiece, in three instalments, namely: the first payment on the first of February 1676 of twenty-five whole beavers; the second payent on the first of February 1677 of forty-two whole beavers; and the third or last payment of forty-three whole beavers on the first of February 1678.
[251] The aforesaid buyers stipulate that they may pay a sixth part of said sum in oats at market price and a sixth part of said sum in white beans, together with fifty or sixty skipples of white beans more, at the option of the buyers, all salable and marketable, to be delivered to the seller free, here in Albany on the shore, so that about two-thirds must be paid in good beavers or good winter wheat at market price.
The aforesaid contracting parties hereto bind their respective persons and estates, having and to have, nothing excepted, subject to all lords, courts, tribunals and judges.
In confirmation whereof they have (with Harmen van Gansevoort and Jan Anriesz Douw, as witnesses hereof) subscribed this with their own hands, in Albany this 19th day of April 1675.
GERRIT VAN SLICHTENHORST
DIRCK BENSEM
Harmen Hermens Ganseuot JOANNIS BENSEM
Jan Andriesen Douw Quad attestor ADRIAEN VAN ILPENDAM, Not. Pub.
New York State Library, Histoy Bulletin 10, EARLY RECORDS OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF ALBANY and COLONY OF RENSSELAERSWYCK; Volume 3 (Notarial papers 1 and 2, 1660-1696) pages 426-428]
Contract of sale of Dirck Bensem’s half-interest in a farm at Claverack to his brother Johannes Bensem.
[434] On this 17th day of March 1682-1683 appeared before me, Adriaen van Ilpendam, notary public (residing in New Albany), and before the hereinafter named witnesses, Dirck Bentsingh of the one part and Johannes Bentsingh of the other part, who hereby acknowledge that in all love and friendship they have agreed and contracted in manner following , to wit: Said Dirck bentsingh acknowledges that he has sold to his aforenamed brother Johannes Bentsingh his half of a certain piece of land lying in the Claverrak as they together bought the same from Gerrit van Slichtenhorst, of date April 19, 1675; likewise he hereby sells to his said brother all of his rights in the house, barn, rick and all the farm utensils as they now are, nothing excepted, and delivers the same at once to him free and unincumbered (saving the patroons ritht); for which the buyer promises to pay to the seller or his order the sum of one hundred and sixty-five whole, deliverable beaver skins at eight gulders apiece, in three payments of a just third part each, whereof the first payment shall be due next October 1683, the second payment in October 1684 and the third (being the last payment) in October 1685, but the last two payments must be made one-half in October and the other half in December; and the buyer may give as part of every instalment four hundred merchantable boards in the month of May at market price and pay the remainder in merchantable wheat and peas; the two last instalments the buyer promises to help the seller to bring here to New Albany. The aforesaid contracting parties promise to perform the above-said conditions under pledge of their persons and estates, nothing excepted, subjenct to all lords, courts, tribunals and judges and have subscribed this with their own hands (in presence of Pieter Ariensz Mackelyck and Willem Hofmeyer, called as witnesses hereto); in New Albany , dated as aforesaid. DIRCK BENSEM
This is the mark X of Johannes Bentsingh, made by himself
As witnesses: Pieter Adriaensz
Willem Hoffmeyer Quod attestor ADRIAEN VAN ILPENDAM, Not. Pub.
New York State Library, Histoy Bulletin 10, EARLY RECORDS OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF ALBANY and COLONY OF RENSSELAERSWYCK; Volume 3 (Notarial papers 1 and 2, 1660-1696) page551]
MINUTES OF THE COURT
OF
ALBANY, RENSSELAERSWYCK, AND SCHENECTADY
1675-1680,
VOLUME II
Translated and edited
by
A. J. F. VAN LAER
Archivist, Division of Archives and History
ALBANY
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
1928
The next series of court records is quite interesting from a family History point of view. Dirck Benson jr. and Gerrit Visbeek had a series of disagreements that lasted quite a long time. Gerrit Visbeek married in (date) Volckje Juriaens, the widow of Jan Fransz Van Hoesen, who had bought in 1662 a large parcel of land in Claverak from the Indians. Jan Fransz van Hoesen and his family lived at Claverick from about 1665 until his death. After his death Volckje and her family lived in Calverack and continued to live there after her marriage to Gerrit Visbeek in about (date). Dirck Benson and his brother Johannes bought a farm in Claverack in 1675. It is interesting that even with the trouble between Dirck Benson and Gerrit Visbeek, which we read about next; that a romance blossomed between Dirck’s younger sister, Maria Benson and Volkert Jansz van Hoesen, the son of Volkie Jurianse and stepson of Gerrit Visbeek. Volkert Jansz was born about 1658, Maria Benson was born 15 July 1659. We dont have their marriage date but it seems that they must have married sometime from 1677 to 1679. Just about when these troubles were going on between Dirck Bensen jr. and Gerrit Visbeek. Maria Benson and Volkert Jansz Van Hoesen are ancestors of Keziah Keturah Van Benthuysen.
Page 356-360 [369] Ordinary session held in Albany, October 1, 1678
Dirk Bensingh, plaintiff, against Gerrit Visbeeck and his wife, defendants.
The plaintiff complains that the defendant and his wife assaulted him, it having been found that the defendants and their daughter, the three of them, attacked and beat him, not being willing to allow the plaintiff to use the ordinary road. They took the bits and bridles off the horses, so that they ran along without control, and threatened and swore tht if the plaintiff in returning from Albany again used that road, they would not allow it, so that the paintiff was forced to ask the sheriff to go with him to protect his life. He therefore complains of assault and battery and requests maintenance of justice and that he may use to public road in peace.
The honorable court adjourn the case until the next court day because the bench is not complete. Meanwhile the defendants are ordered to let everyone use the road in peace.
[371] Johannes Provost, in his capacity of sheriff, plaintiff, against Gerrit Visbeek and his wife, defendants.
The plaintiff presents a written complaint showing that the defendants have not hesitated to assault certain people living in the village near Swarte Martens, [Black Martne, or Marten Cornelissen van Ysselsteyn, a resident of Claverack], namely, Dirck Bensingh and his companions, who were sitting of a wagon with freight. Meanwhile the defendant and his wife and their daughter together attacked the said Bensingh and beat him, and took the bits and bridles off the horses, so that they ran away without control, so that Helena Abrahmse, who was still sitting on the wagon, was in danger of her life. They would not allow the said Bensingh to use the common road, yea, the public highway, threatening him with violent oaths that they would not allow the said Bensingh to use the road again, so that the plaintiff was forced to accompany him for his protection. As this is a case of assault and battery, yea, criminal in its nature and therefore can not be suffered in a place where justice prevails, but deserves in the highest degree to be punished by the payment by the defendants of damages as in a cival case, he therefore demands that the aforesaid defendants make proper compensation to the injured party, according to law. Furthermore, he demands that the defendants aforesaid be condemned to pay a fine of 500 guilders each for the benefit of the plaintiff, to be applied as is proper, all with costs.
The defendant [Gerrit Visbeeck] also presents a written answer, in which he admits that he beat the person of Dirk Bensingh and that his wife took the bridles off one of the horses. Furthermore, [he states] that he himself made the road which gave occasion for this suit and has possessed the land at least twenty years and that the farmers who drove across his farm afterwards came into the country. He says there is room to lay out another road without prejudice to him and he requests that the place may be viewed by impartial men.
[372] The honorable court put over the case of the parties to the next court day as the bench is incomplete and order that the witnesses produced by the plaintiff shall be heard under oath which is done.
Albert Jacobse Gardinier, being sworn, declares that at the request of the sheriff he walked behind the wagon of Dirk Benseingh and saw Gerrit Visbeek come out of his door and heard him say to Dirck Bensingh: “You shall not pass here.” Dirck answered: “Let me pass this time.” Gerrit Visbeeck replied: “You will not pass ther on your life.” Thereupon, Gerrit, Volkie and Catryn, her daughter, took hold of his head and pulled his hair and turned his head as if they wanted to twist it off. And he saw that Volkje took off the bridle of one of the horses and also that Volkie beat the said Dirk with a stick and when they had finished, Gerrit said: “Now go and complain about it.”
Takel Dirksen, bein sworn, declares at the request of the sheriff that in the harvest time he was at the house of Gerrit Visbeek and heard that there was a dispute about the road. Among other things Gerrit Visbeek said: “The devil take the first one who passes over this road, if I do not shoot him down.” Swarte Marte said; “Does this mean that I may not drive over it either?” Gerrit answered: “Yes, you may drive over it.”
Pages 364-365 [378] Ordinary session held in Albany, November 5, 1678
Johannes Provoost, in his capacity of officer, plaintiff, against Gerris Visbeek and Volkie Juriaense, his wife, defendants.
According to the preceding minutes, dated October 1st, about assault and battery committed by the defendants on the person of Dirk Bensingh on the public highway, as he was driving a loaded wagon to the strand, the plaintiff requests that the honorable court may be pleased once more to examine the documents and testimony and pronounce sentence. Likewise the defendants request a decision in the matter.
Marte Cornelise, at the request of the sheriff, declares that in the harves the was at the hourse of Gerrit Visbeek and that he heard Gerrit Visbeek say that no one was to drive on it as long as you live and I live. If they keep bothering me, I might take a gun from the wall and shoot them.”
The honorable court, having examined and read the documents and evidence of the parties, find that according to the testimony of albert Jacobse Gardinier the defendants and their daughter jointly attacked the complainant, Dirk Bensingh, and twisted his head as if they intended to break his neck. On the other hand, Takel Dirkse and Marte Cornelise testify that Gerrit Visbeek, the defendant , already in the harvest made threats about the use of the road, sayng that he would shoot them witha gun and presumed to give permission to use the road to one person but not to another, thus constituting himself to be his own judge. Finally the defendants admit themselves in their written answer that he, Visbeek, beat the siad Dirk Bensingh and that his wife Volkie took the bridle off one of the horses. All of which clearly shows that the defendandts are guilty of assault, so that the honorable court, wishing to maintain justice and therefore pronounceing judgemnt, hereby condemn the defendants jointly to pay a fine of 125 guildere in seawan, with costs, warning them hereby to let the people of the village use the path unmolested until the arrival of the Honorable Marte Gerritse and Marte Conelise, who are hereby appointed and authorized to view and inspect the place and to order where the road might most conveniently be laid out for the accommodation of the inhabitants of the village, wherewith everyone is to be satisfied without andy gainsay.
Thus done at the session of the court on the date above written.
Pages 380-384 [397] Ordinary session held in Albany, January 7, 1678/9
[400] Whereas Mr Marte Gerritse and Marte Cornelise Vlase have been appointed by their honors to view the road at Claverak, which is in dispute between Gert. Visbeek and Dirk Bensing; therefore, having been ther, they report as follows: The old road is to remain as before, but not closer to the house of the aforesaid Visbeek than they have laid it out. Mean while if they wish to make a road from the little village back in the country to the south bend (Suyder Bocht), They are free to do so. Marte Cornelise, alias Swarte Marte, [Black Martin] is appointed overseer of the aforesaid road for the coming year and ordered to see to it that the aforesaid road is repaired at least three times a year or more often if necessary.
Order
By the commissaries of Albany, Colonie Rensk: & ca.
Whereas we are informed that there are diverse Persones who Pretend not to know, where ther Quota, Pairt or Share of Stockadoes are, which they sett Round the Touns Fence, and Likeways ther being many new Comers who have no share at all to Repair of said Fence, We doe therefore hereby Publish and Declare that all ye inhabitants of Albanie aforesd, doe come in ye space of 3 days to ye Constaples,and shew there Pairt or Share which they had alotted to them, in the makeing of sd. Fence,and they which can give no account where ther Share lyes, or they which never had any Share, the Constaples shall shew them where they shall have a Lott which they are to keep in Pepair. Actum in Alb this 9th day of Jan. 1678/9 By Order of ye Court Rot: Livingston, Secr.
Page 384 [401] Ordinary session held in Albany, February 4, 1678/9
Page 389-390 Juffrouw Marie van Rensselaer requests their honors to be pleased to appoint two referees to go to Claverack to select a suitable place near Gert. Visbeek’s where those who live in the interior may erect a house for their accommodation near the strand. [strand, means shoreline, thus strand may refer to where the Hudson river shore was accessable to wagons]
The honorable court will take the matter under advisement and render a decision on the next court day.
Page 390 [407] Extraordinary session held in Albany, February 6, 1678/9
After deliberation it is decided and resolved that at the first opportunity the constaples are to measure the city stockade and make a new apportionment as to the number of posts which each citizen according to his station is to keep in repair, as the old list cannot be found. And they are to warn and notify the inhabitants at the first opportunity, in order that they may make peparations to comply with this ordinance. Actum at our session, datum ut supr.
Before the court appeared Dom. Gid[eon] Schaats, Jan Vinnagen, elder, and the two deacons, Mr Jan Janse Bleeker and Mr. Hend. Cuyler, representing the revered consistory, who voluntarily, without any inducement, promised to convey and to execute a proper deed for the hous now occupied by Domine Gideon Schaets, for the benefit of the congregation of the Reformed church here, since the house was built out of the poor fund. And as the said house in now out of repair, the honorable court promise to repair it and to deep it in proper repair, so as to be suitable for a minister’s residence, for which purpose it will be conveyed.
Page 391-393 [408] Ordinary session held in Albany, March 4, Anno Domini 1678/9
Jan van Loon, plaintiff, against Reynier Sachaets, defendant. [husband of Catrina Bensen]
The plaintiff asks of the defendant for work done by him the sum of 30gl. in seawan, cum expensis.
The defendant answeres that he owes no more than fl.28:10 in seawan and that last April he agreed with the plaintiff that he would pay him this winter with 6 schepels of wheat, which were delivered to him at Schinnectady in his sleigh by the defendant’s wife, but were refused by him.
The plainfiff in reply says that he never made any such agreement with the defendant.
The oath having been deferred to the defendant, he swears that the plaintiff made such an agreement with him. Their honors therefore adjudge that the defendant can satisfy the debt by means of 6 schepels of wheat and as the plaintiff has refused to accept them, he is condemned to pay the costs of this suit.
Gabriel Thomson, plaintiff, against Reynier Schaats, defendant.
The plaintiff demands of the defendant the sum of fl.127 in seawan for merchandise delivered to him.
The defendant admits the debt.
The honorable court condemn the defendant to pay the sum of fl.127 in seawan within the space of 14, cum expensis.
The next several quotations from the Ordinay court sessions held in Albany come from MINUTES OF THE COURT OF ALBANY, RENSSELAERSWYCK AND SCHENECTADY; 1680--1685; VOLUME III; 1932; Translated and edited by A. J. F. VAN LAER, and published by the University of the State of New York. Page numbers for each quote is given in Parentheses as in (412) for page 412. Square brackets give page numbers in the original Dutch language documents from which they were translated.
MINUTES OF THE COURT
OF
ALBANY, RENSSELAERSWYCK, AND SCHENECTADY
1680-1685,
VOLUME III
Translated and edited
by
A. J. F. VAN LAER
Archivist, Division of Archives and History
ALBANY
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
1932
[486] Ordinary session held in Albany by authority of his Royal Highness, James, Duke of York and Albany, etc. January 8, 1683/4
[491] (412) Dirck Bensing, appearing in court, declares to their honors that he built a lime kiln at Claverak and cut the wood for it, but that Gerrit Visbeek forbids him to cut wood and to gather stone, alleging that they are on his land, and as heretofore he has burnt lime there without hindrance and that the kiln is situated outside his fence, he requests that he may proceed with his work.
The honorable court order that me may proceed with his work without molestation, as he had already done much work before he was forbidden to go on, unless Gerrit Visbeek can produce sufficient reason that it tends to cause him considerable loss and damage. [MINUTES OF THE COURT OF ALBANY, RENSSELAERSWYCK AND SCHENECTADY; 1680--1685; VOLUME III; 1932, Page412] [
(Page 503) [623] Ordinary session held in Albany, January 6, 1684/5
Persons nominated by the Aldermen and appointed by the court to Road-masters in this county:
Here in town , Jacob Lokermans and Jan Cornelise Vyselaer
Up north, Hend. Van Ness and Barent Albertse Bratt ...
From Claverak to Kinderhoek and to the shore, Samson Bensingh and Cornelis Stevense
The warrent isssued severally to all of them read as follows
Whereas [Samson Bensingh] and [Cornelis Stevense] are by the court and common council chosen to be road-masters from [Claverak to Kinderhook and to the shore], the court Messenger [624] is ordered to summon them to appear before the court on February 2, 1684/5, to receive their instructions. Actum in Albany, January 14, 1684/5
(Page 509) Ordinary session held in Albany, February 3, 1684/5
(page 516) Whereas the honorable court have taken into consideration the necessity of building and keeping in pepair the king’s highways, which can not be effected without [642] authorizing competent persons to have supervision therof; therefore, the court, with the advice and consent of the common council, or aldermen, have chosen and authorized, as they do hereby Authorize and appoint, the persons of [Samon Bensingh] and [Cornelis Sevense] to be roadmasters from [Claverak to Kinderhook and to the shore] etc. with full power to order all persons to build their roads and bridges and to keep them in repair, and also to appoint the time and hour when all personsinterested in the highways are to repair the same; and further to do and to perform all that the office of roadmaster requires, in which their honors aforesaid will maintain you to the utmost. Actum in our session held on February 3, 1684/5. Like this are all the warrents to all the roadmasters.
(Page 517) Ordinary session held in Albany, March 3, 1684/5
[643] Gerrit Visbeek, plaintiff, against Dirk Bensing, defendant.
[644] The plaintiff declares that the defndant last winter caught a black mare of his, which is three years old, with a white spot on the nose. He requests restitution of the said mare, with costs.
The defendant denies that the horse belongs to the plaintiff and says that it is his, and he refers to the evidence.
Wherupon Frank Hardick and Volkert van Hoese, witnesses for the plaintiff, and Corn. Martense, Robert Matthewse and Hend. Hanse, witnesses for the defendant, are sworn, but plaintiff request delay until the next court day, as the Drent, his witness, is not present.
The honorable court, fiat, provided the plaintiff pays the costs of those proceedings.
[Frank Hardick is step-son-in-law of Gerrit Visbeek, Volkert van Hoesen is a step-son of Gerrit Visbeek and brother in law of Dirck Benson, having married Dirk’s sister Maria}
(Page 523) Ordinary session held in Albany, Aril 7, 1685
Jury of this Court
Aernout Cornelise Viele Jan And. D’Cuper Jan van Loon Luykas Gerritse
Teunis vander Poel Jacob Caspers Maes Cornelise Joh. Beekman
Hend. van Ness Hendrick Beekman Pieter Lokermans Marte Gerritse
[651] Gerrit Visbeek, plaintiff, against Dirk Bensing, defendant.
Case according to the preceding minutes. The plaintiff declares in writing that the [652] defendant last winter caught a black mare of his, 3 years old, with a white spot on the nose. He requests restitution of the said horse, with costs. The plaintiff requests that his witness may be heard.
Frederik Claese d’ Drent, being sworn, says that it is now about 3 years ago that he was in the woods with Volkert Van Hoese, who pointed out the mare and said; “That is Dirk Bensings’s mare. She has a filly and this filly has a small blaze on the forehead, a little to one side.”
The case between the parties having been placed into the hands of the jury, vis Arnout Corn., etc as above, they bring in their verdict and find for the defendant, namely, that the horse belongs to him.
The court approve the verdict of the jury and declare that Dirck Bensingh, the defendant, is the owner of the horse in question; therfore, they nonsuit the plaintiff, and condemn him to pay the cost of the suit.
[MINUTES OF THE COURT OF ALBANY, RENSSELAERSWYCK AND SCHENECTADY; 1680--1685; VOLUME III; 1932]
The Children and Grandchildren of Dirck Benson and Catalina Berck,
Dirck Benson and Catalina Berck had 5 children:
1. Dirck Dirckse Benson, born November 9, 1649; in New Amsterdam, was baptized 14 November 1649, in New Amsterdam. He married first, Tytje Claes Stevast, daughter of Claes Jansen Stevast of Albany, they had 6 children. Tyntje died about 1732. Dirk married second, Jannetje Barentse, of Albany, daughter of Barent Coeyman, who survived him. Dirck Dirckse Bensen died in New York 26 June 1717.
2. Samson Dirckse Benson, born July 4, 1652, possibly in Beaverwyck. He married first Tryntje Mattheuse van Duesen, born about 1654, daughter of Mattheus Abrahamsen Van Duesen and Helena ____. He married second, Greetje Kermer, daughter of Abraham Kermer, and widow of Capt. Jacobe Van Tilberg; Samson being her third husband, and surviving her. He died June 2, 1730 having had thirteen children
3. Johannes Dirckse Benson, born 8 February 1655. He married 1676, Lysbet Van Duesen, (Elizabeth), daughter of Mattheus Abrahamsen Van Duesen and Helena Robberts. Johannes and his brother Sampson married sisters.
4. Cateryna Dirckse Benson, born 12 February, married first, Reynier Schaets son of Domine Gideon Schaets. He was a Chyrurgion (Surgeon), and settled at Schenectady, where he was appointed a Justice of the Peace by Gov. Leisler in 1689. He and a son were killed on the 9th of February 1690, at the massacre and burning of the village by the French and Indians.
Cateryna Dirckse Bensen married 2nd Jonathan Broadhurst, a young man from Derington, England, 23 April 1696. He was Sheriff of Albany county from 1701 to 1703.
5. Maria Dirckse Benson was born 15 July 1659, seven months after her father died. She married Volkert Jansz Van Hoesen, the son of Jan Franse Van Hosen and Volkie Jurriaanse. Volkerts Jansz Van Hoesen was born, about 1658 in Claverack, on land his father had purchased from the Indians. He was 7 years old in 1665,
Dirck Benson died on Sunday , 6 January 1659 and was buried at New Netherlands.
In the second year after the death of Dirck Benson, Catalina Berck married, before July 5,1661, Harmen Thomasz Hun, who was a master shoemaker in Albany. Harmen Thomase Hun and Catalina Berck had 4 children.
The Children of Harmen Thomase Hun and Catalina Berck
6. Weintie, born 9 February 1662; died 19 February 1662
7. Weintie Harmense Hun, born 29 October 1663; married 11 September 1692, Rutger Melcherts Van Deusen, son of Melchert Abrahamse Van Duesen and Engeltje Rutgerse [daughter of Rutger Jacobsen van Schoedenwoert]. Rutger is a cousin to the wives of Sampson and Johannes
8. Thomas, born 1 November 1666; died 9 November 1667
9. Thomas Harmense Hun, born 2 October, 1668; married 20 November 1692, Mayeke Jansz Oothout, daughter of Jan Jansen Oothout and Hedrickie van Ness. They had 9 Children. Thomas died 12 Jan. 1716. Mayeke, died October 14, 1759.
The children of Catalina Berck have been assigned numbers one through nine (Benson one through five and Hun six through nine; The Grandchildren are assigned numbers 10 through 53. The great-grandchildren are assigned the number 100 through 299. Because this history centers on Ancestors of Keziah Keturah Van Benthuysen, the family of child 5, Maria Dirckse Benson who married Volkert Jansz Van Hoesen, the son of Jan Franse Van Hosen and Volkie Jurriaanse, will be listed first
5. Maria2 Dirckse1 Benson was born 15 July 1659, six months and 9 days after her father’s death. Her mother married Harman Thomas Hun before 5 July 1661. Four more little children came into the family in the years 1662, 1663, 1666, and in 1667. The first and third died young. Maria was raised with four older siblings and 2 younger siblings.
It may be interesting to know of some of the circumstances of the Colony of Rensselaerswyck about this time. The Indians in the Esopus Creek area between Beverwyck and New Amsterdam wherein rebellion, had attacked the settlement there and had killed some settlers and carried other away; there was great concern for the safety of Beverwyck. Yet they still had recreation and in the wintertime some of the well to do colonists passed their time racing on the Ice of the Hudson River with their horse drawn sleighs. In the winter of 1663-63 they experienced an earthquake, trade was bad, there was more trouble with the Indians in the Esopus and in May the Hudson river ran so high that it flooded the low lying farms of the Colony. In a letter to his Brother the patroon of the Colony of Rensselaerswyck, Jerimias van Rensselaer said “ I see little chance of getting together as much as I owe you, for the trade ceases so suddenly that one hardly sees a single Indian and this because the path is not safe for the Indians, for one says that the French Indians are coming and another that the English are coming with Indians, so that the Maquas are in quite a pinch. The Sinnekes are hard at war with the Minquas, so that they do not come except in troops, like one troop which has been here, which was so large that we had to keep watch night and day, as all the people from Lubberten land , as many as 18 families, had fled to my house and others had taken refuge in our little fort in the Green Bos, called Cralo.” [CORRESPONDENCE OF JEREMIAS VAN RENSSELAER, Page 326]
The family of Maria Dirckse Benson and Volckert Jansz Van Hoesen
5. Maria 2 Dirkse Benson married Volckert Jansz Van Hoesen, the son of Jan Franse Van Hosen and Volkie Jurriaanse. Volkerts Jansz Van Hoesen was born, about 1658 in Claverack, (where the city of Hudson now is), on land his father had purchased from the Indians. He was 7 years old in 1665, Volkert’s Father Jan Frans Van Hoesen died before 1667 and his mother, Volkie Jurriaens, married Gerrit Visbeek. Volkert farmed land in and lived in Loonenburg across the Hudson River from Claverack. He was an Ensign in 1700. He was a Elder in the Lutheran Church in 1707. And he inherited land in Claverack. They had 5 children, Volkje, born in 1680, Catalena, born in 1683, Harmen, also born in 1683, Jan born in 1685, and Reinier, born in 1692.
10. Volkje 3 Volkertse Van Hoesen, born 1680, married 4 December, 1700, Wynant Willemse Van den Bergh, Son of William Gysbert Van den Bergh, and Catrina Wynantse Van der Poel
11. Catalena3 Volckertse Van Hoesen, Born 1638. Married .... Geisbert.
12. Harmen3 Volckertse Van Hoesen, Born Kinderhook, 1683, died 28 August 1754, married 28 February 1708 Geesje Hermanse born Manhattan, died Albany 1746.
13. Jan3 Vorkertse Van Hoesen born 1685, Died 1730. Shoemaker in Claverack, married Albany, 25 November 1705, Engeltje Jansen. She married second at Hurley, 16 February 1713, Hannes Schepmoes.
14. Reinier3 Harmense Van Hoesen, baptised 10 January 1692, married first, at Jacob Kouwenhoven’s in Manhattans, 23 September 1710, Antje Stephens. Reinier married second, 26 January 1718, Lea Demarest
The Descendants of Maria Dirckse Benson and Volckert Jansz Van Hoesen
10. Volkje 3 Volkertse Van Hoesen, born 1680, married 4 December, 1700 at Albany Dutch reformed Church, Wynant Willemse Van den Bergh, Son of William Gysbert Van den Bergh, and Catrina Wynantse Van der Poel. Wynant’s grandparents were Gysbert Cornelus Van den Berg and his wife who settles early in Albany; and Wnyant Gerritse Van der Poel and his wife Tryntje Melgers [see the Van den Berg and Van der Poel Genealogies]. Volkje and Wynant lived in Albany. He died in 1759. She died 14 April 1747. [Van den Berg Genealogy, 1992, by E. C. Vandenburgh of Dubuque Iowa.] Their children were:
100. Catherina 4 Van den Bergh, baptized 26 October 1701,died young;
101. Volkert 4 Van den Bergh, baptized 17 Dec 1704; married Catharine Huyck; lived in Albany
102. Willem 4 Van den Bergh, baptised 3 October 1708, died young.
103. Maria 4 Van den Bergh, baptized 23 April 1710; married 23 January 1728, at Albany to Issac Van Alstyne. He was buried 6 July 1746. She was buried 24 October 1756.
104. Wilhelmus 4 Van den Berg, baptised 18 January 1713; probably married Isaac Van Alstyne.
105. Catherina 4 Wynantse Van den Bergh, baptised 27 October 1716, married 2 July 1744, to her cousin, 114. Hendrick Van Hoesen, born at Basen Farm, 30 August 1719, the son of Harmen Volckertse Van Hoesen and Geesje Hermans
106. Volkie4, baptised 27 November 1720, died young.
107. Volkie4, baptised 10 March 1723, buried 27 January 1743.
100. Catherina 4 Van den Bergh, baptized 26 October 1701, witnesses by Willem Gysbertse van den Bergh and Catharine van der Poel; died young;
101. Volkert 4 Van den Bergh, baptized 17 Dec 1704; married Catharine Huyck; lived in Albany N.Y.
300. Maycke Van den Bergh, baptized 2 August 1730.
301. Possibly Wynant Van den Bergh, baptized 7 May 1732
302. Volkie Van den Bergh, baptized 28 August 1734; died young
303. Volkie Van den Bergh, baptized 3 August 1735; married Adrian Quackenbush
304. Christina Van den Bergh, baptized 23 April 1738; married Hermanus A. Wendel
305. Burger Van den Bergh, baptized 3 August 1740
306. Catherine Van den Bergh, baptized 20 March 1743, married Louis Van Woert
307. Rachel Van den Bergh, baptized 5 July 1745, died young
308. Rachel Van den Bergh, baptized 15 May 1748; married Peter W. Wilbeck.
102. Willem 4 Van den Bergh, baptised 3 October 1708, died young.
103. Maria 4 Van den Bergh, baptized 23 April 1710; married 23 January 1728, at Albany to Issac Van Alstyne. He was buried 6 July 1746. She was buried 24 October 1756.
309. Jannetie Van Alstyne, baptised 10 November 1728, died young.
310. Jannetie Van Alstyne, baptised 18 June 1730
311. Volkie Van Alstyne, baptised 22 April 1733
312. Marten Van Alstyne, baptised 8 February 1736
313. Wynant Van Alstyne, baptised 23 April1738
314. Johannes Van Alstyne, baptised 19 December 1739
315. Willem Van Alstyne, baptised 21 July 1742
316. Maria Van Alstyne, baptised 19 April 1745. [VDB Genealogy (ECV 1992)
104. Wilhelmus 4 Van den Berg, baptised 18 January 1713; probably married Isaac Van Alstyne.
105. Catherina 4 Wynantse Van den Bergh, baptised 27 October 1716, married 2 July 1744, to her cousin, 114. Hendrick Van Hoesen, born at Basen Farm, 30 August 1719, the son of Harmen Volckertse Van Hoesen and Geesje Hermans [see the Van Hoesen Genealogy], Hendrick and Catherina had 2 children; Geesje born 1746 and Hendrick born 1748. [105. Catherina and 114. Hendrick Van Hoesen are both grandchildren of 5. Maria 2 Dirkse Benson and Volckert Jansz Van Hoesen. Catherina is a daughter of their daughter 10. Volkje; and Hendrick is a son of their son 12. Harmen. So we will meet this family again on page 26 when travel through Hendrick’s branch of the family tree. Because cousins married the Benson line and Van Hoesen line appears twice on the Pedigree chart of Kezial Keturah van Benthuysen and on that of all her descendents.]
317. Geesje 5 (Keziah) Hendrikse Van Hoesen, born in Albany 10 August 1746. Married in Albany, 23 December 1770, Johannes Johannese Van Benthuysen baptised 4 August 1745, son of Johannes Baltuse Van Benthuysen and Maria Barentse Van Wagenen. Geesje and Johannes had 6 children born in Albany.
500. Jacobus 6 (James) Johannesz Van Benthuysen, baptized 28 June 1771, married Mary Simonds, born about 1773. We do not know her parents. James is said to have died when he slipped on the ice and fell upon leaving a building in Albany. After the death of James. His widow Mary moved to Canada with her son Johns. Keziah and Elizabeth were reared by a Lima New York family named Guernsey or Garnsey, to whom they were give by their mother. These children later lived in Kirtland Ohio, Missouri and Nauvoo Illinois. The children of Mary and James born in Albany.
600. Keziah Keturah 7 Van Benthuysen, born 15 May 1798, died Horse Shoe Bend, Utah, 29 January 1878. She married first, John Porter Rollins, born Rutland, Vermont, drowned in Lake Ontario. Children born Lima.
700. James Henry 8 Rollins, born 27 May 1816, marries first Eveline Walker and married second, Hannah Hulmes.
701. Mary Elizabeth8 Rollins, born 9 April 1818, married Adam Lightner.
702. Caroline Amelia 8 Rollins, born 1 May 1820, married Nathaniel Kerr.
Keziah Keturah Van Benthuysen married second Zuriel Bunnell and had a son who died young.
703. _son_ Bunnell
Keziah Keturah Van Benthuysen married third, about 1835, John M. Burke. They had a daughter.
704. Phoebe Jane 8 Burke, born Clay County Missouri, 28 January 1836, married Edwin Bingham.
601. Henry 7 Van Benthuysen, born 24 November 1798, married Catherine (McClese?)
602. Elizabeth 7 Van Benthuysen, born 5 August 1800, died 1891 in Minersville Utah. Married, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, 21 September 1823, Algernon Sidney Gilbert, born New Haven Connecticut, 28 December 1789, Died, in Illinois, 29 June 1834. No children
603. John Henry 7 Van Benthuysen, born 19 October 1908, married Elizabeth Sherwood.
Children of Johannes Johannese Van Benthuysen and Geesje [Keziah] Van Hoesen continued
501. Alidia 6 Van Benthuysen, baptised 8 November 1773, married David Winne.
502. Sara 6 Van Benthuysen, baptised 14 September 1776.
503. Johannes 6 Van Benthuysen, baptised 1 May 1782, married Mary or Polly .
504. Volkert 6 Van Benthuysen, baptised 20 November 1785 (per record of his son James E.), married Dirkie Groot.
505. Annatie 6 Van Benthuysen, baptised 8 August 1790.
Children of Catherina Wynantse Van den Bergh, and Hendrick Harmense Van Hoesen continued.
318. Henrick5 Harmense Van den Bergh, baptised 6 November 1748
Children of Volkje Volkertse Van Hoesen and Wynant Willemse Van den Bergh continued.
106. Volkie4, baptised 27 November 1720, died young.
107. Volkie4, baptised 10 March 1723, buried 27 January 1743.
Children of Maria Dirkse Benson and Volckert Jansz Van Hoesen continued.
11. Catalena3 Volckertse Van Hoesen, Born 1638. Married .... Geisbert. We find no more record.
12. Harmen3 Volckertse Van Hoesen, Born Kinderhook, 1683, died 28 August 1754, married 28 February 1708 Geesje Hermanse born Manhattan, died Albany 1746. A son was buried 24 December 1731. Children:
108. Marietje4 Harmense Van Hoesen, baptised 17 November 1708.
109. Marietje4 Harmense Van Hoesen, twin baptised 8 March 1711, married Cornelius Mullur.
110. Eksje4 Harmense Van Hoesen, twin baptised 8 March 1711, married Philip Muller.
111. Vorckert4 Harmense Van Hoesen, born 21 January 1713, married 30 April 1738 Alida Marscelis, baptised 1715. Children
112. Ebbert4, Harmense Van Hoesen, born Greenwich on Manhattan, baptised 3 July 1715.
113. Reinier4 Harmense Van Hoesen, baptised 27 June 1717, buried 3 January 1749, married Cornelia Becker,
114. Hendrik4 Harmense Van Hoesen, born Basen Farm 30 August 1719; He married 4 December 1700, in Albany, his cousin [105] Catalyntje Wynantse Van den Bergh, baptised 27 October 1716, daughter of Wynant Willem Van den Bergh and [50] Volkje Volkertse Van Hoesen
115. Jan4 Harmense Van Hoesen, born 1722, Died 1754.
116. Marytje4 Harmense Van Hoesen, born 1724.
117. Lucas4 Harmense Van Hoesen, born in Albany 1726
108. Marietje4 Harmense Van Hoesen, baptised 17 November 1708.
109. Marietje4 Harmense Van Hoesen, twin baptised 8 March 1711, married Cornelius Mullur.
110. Eksje4 Harmense Van Hoesen, twin baptised 8 March 1711, married Philip Muller.
111. Vorckert4 Harmense Van Hoesen, born 21 January 1713, married 30 April 1738 Alida Marscelis, baptised 1715. Children
319. Harmen5, born 1738;
320, Brigje5, born 1740;
321, Myndert5, born 1743;
322. Geesje5, born 1745;
323, Reinier5, born 1750;
324, Johannes5, born 1754
325, Gerrit5, born 1754
112. Ebbert4, Harmense Van Hoesen, born Greenwich on Manhattan, baptised 3 July 1715.
113. Reinier4 Harmense Van Hoesen, baptised 27 June 1717, buried 3 January 1749, married Cornelia Becker, Children:
326. Volkje5, born 1740;
327. Volckert5, born 1743;
328. Harmen5, born 1746;
329. Sara5, born 1748;
330. Reinier5, born about 1750.
A READER ALERT ! We come next to a marriage we have seen before on page 24 under the name
105. Catherina 4 Wynantse Van den Bergh, who married 114. Hendrik4 Harmense Van Hoesen.
114. Hendrik4 Harmense Van Hoesen, born Basen Farm 30 August 1719; son of Harmen3 Volckertse Van Hoesen and Geesje Hermanse . He married 4 December 1700 in Albany, his cousin [105] Catalyntje Wynantse Van den Bergh, baptised 27 October 1716, daughter of Wynant Willem Van den Bergh and [50] Volkje Volkertse Van Hoesen.. :Hendrick and Catherina had children.
317. Geesje5 (Keziah) Hendrikse Van Hoesen, born in Albany 10 August 1746. Married in Albany, 23 December 1770, Johannes Johannese Van Benthuysen baptised 4 August 1745, son of Johannes Baltuse Van Benthuysen and Maria Barentse Van Wagenen. Geesje and Johannes had children born in Albany.
500. Jacobus 6 (James) Johannesz Van Benthuysen, baptized 28 June 1771, married Mary Simonds, born about 1773. We do not know her parents. James is said to have died when he slipped on the ice and fell upon leaving a building in Albany. After the death of James. His widow Mary moved to Canada with her son Johns. Keziah and Elizabeth were reared by a Lima New York family named Guernsey or Garnsey, to whom they were give by their mother. These children later lived in Kirtland Ohio, Missouri and Nauvoo Illinois. The children of Mary and James born in Albany.
600. Keziah7 Keturah Van Benthuysen, born 15 May 1798, died Horse Shoe Bend, Utah, 29 January 1878. She married first, John Porter Rollins, born Rutland, Vermont, drowned in Lake Ontario. Children born Lima.
700. James Henry Rollins, born 27 May 1816, marries first Eveline Walker and married second, Hannah Hulmes.
701. Mary Elizabeth Rollins, born 9 April 1818, married Adam Lightner.
702. Caroline Amelia Rollins, born 1 May 1820, married Nathaniel Kerr.
Keziah Keturah Van Benthuysen married second Zuriel Bunnell and had a son who died young.
Keziah Keturah Van Benthuysen married third, about 1835, John M. Burke. They had a daughter.
704. Phoebe Jane Burke, born Clay County Missouri, 28 January 1836, married Edwin Bingham.
601. Henry Van Benthuysen, born 24 November 1798, married Catherine (McClese?)
602. Elizabeth Van Benthuysen, born 5 August 1800, died 1891 in Minersville Utah. Married, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, 21 September 1823, Algernon Sidney Gilbert, born New Haven Connecticut, 28 December 1789, Died, in Illinois, 29 June 1834. No children
603. John Henry Van Benthuysen, born 19 October 1908, married Elizabeth Sherwood.
Children of Johannes Van Benthuysen (Johannes, Baltus2, Paoulus1) and Kesiah 5 (Geesje) Van Hoesen continued
501. Alidia 6 Van Benthuysen, baptised 8 November 1773, married David Winne.
502. Sara 6 Van Benthuysen, baptised 14 September 1776.
503. Johannes 6 Van Benthuysen, baptised 1 May 1782, married Mary or Polly ....
504. Volkert 6 Van Benthuysen, baptised 20 November 1785 (per record of his son James E.), married Dirkie Groot.
505. Annatie 6 Van Benthuysen, baptised 8 August 1790.
Children of Catherina Wynantse Van den Bergh, and Hendrick Harmense Van Hoesen continued.
318. Henrick5 Harmense, 1748
Children of [52] Harmen Volckertse Van Hoesen and Geesje Hermanse
115. Jan4 Harmense Van Hoesen, born 1722, Died 1754.
116. Marytje4 Harmense Van Hoesen, born 1724.
117. Lucas4 Harmense Van Hoesen, born in Albany 1726
Children of Volkert Jansz Van Hoesen and Marytje Benson continued.
13. Jan3 Vorkertse Van Hoesen born 1685, Died 1730. Shoemaker in Claverack, married Albany, 25 November 1705 Engeltje Jansen. : She married second at Hurley, 16 February 1713 Hannes Schepmoes. The Children of Jan and Engeltje were:
118. Maria4 Jansz Van Hoesen, born 11 March 1707
119. Volckert 4 Jansz Van Hoesen, baptised 4 April 1713.
120. Johannes4 Jansz Van Hoesen, born 1715.
121. Maria4 Jansz Van Hoesen, born 6 August 1718.
14. Reinier3 Harmense Van Hoesen, baptised 10 January 1692, marries first at Jacob Kouwenhoven’s in Manhattans, 23 September 1710 Antje Stephens,
122. Marietje4 Reinierse Van Hoesen, born 1711.
123. Jannecke4 Reinierse Van Hoesen, born 22 February 1712.
124. Volchert4 Reinierse Van Hoesen, born 1 October 1713.
Reinier Married second, 26 January 1718 Lea Demarest.
125. Volchert4 Reinierse Van Hoesen, born 12 September 1718.
126. Hanna4 Reinierse Van Hoesen, born N. Y. City 27 May 1721.
127. Reinier4 Reinierse Van Hoesen, baptised at Hackensack, 3 August 1729; three quarters of year old.
128. Volkje4 Reinierse Van Hoesen, born 16 August 1740.
129. Volchert4 Reinierse Van Hoesen, born 21 February 1743.
This finishes the families and descendants of Maria Dirckse Benson and Volckert van Hoesen
Dirck Bensingh and Catalina Berck had 5 children: The families of the four older children will now be given.
The family of Dirck Dirckse Benson
1. Dirck2 Dirckse Benson, born November 9, 1649; in New Amsterdam.
His baptism seems to have been recorded in 1649 in the Dutch Church in New Amsterdam as follows
OUDERS. KINDERS GETUYGEM [SPONSORS OR WITNESSES]
Nov. 14, 1649 Dirck Borsen Dirck Pieter Stoutenburg, Marritje Pieters.
1. Dirck Dirckse Benson, born November 9, 1649; in New Amsterdam, was baptized 14 November 1649, in New Amsterdam. He married first, Tytje Claes Stevast, daughter of Claes Jansen Stevast of Albany, they had 6 children.
15. Catalina3 [Tryntje], born 1683, married 1st John [Jan] F. Vandermeulen. Married 2nd John Kelly
16. Eve3, [Eva], baptized 3 July 1686, died young
17. Rachel3 Bensen, born 13 April 1689, died 1752, married Hans Michaelse Bergen, baptised 11March1689; Hans died 1731.
18. Eve3 Bensen. baptized in N.Y., 19 March 1693; married 4 May 1717, Anthony Duane, father (but by a 2nd wife) of Hon. James Duane:
19. Derrick3 Dirckse Bensen, baptized 5 July 1696 in N.Y.; Died August 30, 1734 [1729, Bergan]; as Derrick left no descendants, his uncle Samson becomes the family head of all the later New York Bensons not of the Harlem Branch.
20. Thysie3, baptized 13 Sept. 1699, married James Henderson of New York, merchant
Rachel died about 1732. Dirk married second, Jannetje Barentse, of Albany daughter of Barent Coeyman who survived him. Dirck Dirckse Bensen died in New York 26 June 1717.
Dirck Benson bought from Anna Wymans Kikebel, wife of Thomas Davidtsen Kikebel, the 21st of July 1682, “a certain house and lot standing and lying in this place over against the church next the house of Major Abraham Staets, Which lot extends northward to the fence of said Staets and southward in breadth as the house is long, in length as far as the fence stands and as the patent mention, together with garden over the town’s palisades lying in the rear thereof, as the same was inclosed:”. Kikebel had received that house and lot that very same day from Gerrit Visbeek who had Married Volkje Juriaens the widow of Jan Frans Van Hoesen [Early Records of Albany, Vol 2 Deeds 1678-1704 pages 162-164]
This house is later described as being between opposite the Church and “between the Houses of Abraham Staes and Gerrit Visbeek in breadth in front on the street and in the rear against the town posts thirty-nine wood feet and in length one hundred and fifty five feet.” Done on the 13th of August 1684. [Early Records of Albany, Vol 2 pages 235-236]
Pearson says Dirck was “in 1684, master of an open boat called the Eendraught plying between New York and Albany.” [First Settlers of Albany, page 18]
Dirck later moved to Claverack near where the Van Hoesens [his sister Maria married Volkert van Hoesen]. Sometime after the Schenectady massacre he moved to New York. [See the Talcott’s Benson Genealogy for more details of Dirck Dirckse Benson’s life]
“Dirck Benson, [Jr] born 1650, married Thysie Claes, Daughter of Claes Jansen Stavast, of Albany, by whom were all his children, and secondly, Jannetie, daughter of Barent Pietersen Coeymans, of Albany, who survived him “Resided first at Albany, and a member of Reformed Dutch Church at that place, removed to Claverack, from thence to the city of New York, and then to Brooklyn, where he resided in 1707 as per page 206 of Bergen Genealogy.” [Teunis G Bergen’s Register of the Early Settlers of Kings County, 1881 page 31]. Derrick became wealthy, owning among other property, 1,000 acres of Landon the Raritan, which he sold in 1697, to his father-in-law, Coeymans, and on which his son, Areries Coeymans, afterward settled. In 1701, Benson leased the ferry between New York and Brooklyn, for seven years at L 130 per year, but lost money at it. For additional items respecting Dirck Benson, see the Bergen Genealogy. He died June 26, 1717, having had children;
15. Catalina3 [Tryntje], born 1683, married 1st John [Jan] F. Vandermeulen. Married 2nd John Kelly
16. Eve3, [Eva], baptized 3 July 1686, died young
17. Rachel3 Bensen, born 13 April 1689, died 1752, married Hans Michaelse Bergen, baptised 11 March 1689; Hans died 1731. Hans and Rachel “joined the Reformed Dutch Church of New York in 1723. A store and livery-stable keeper most of his life at Brooklyn ferry, where he owned considerable property and also carried on a bakery. In 1742[?] was supervisor of Brooklyn. Will dated 18 Jan 1731, probated 1732. Signed his name “Hans Bergen” Children:
130. Annetje4, baptised 12 March 1710, died young.
131. Tiesje4, born 9 June 1711, died young.
132. Meighiel4, born 20 Dec 1712, married Catelyna, daughter of Hanse Jacobse Bergen, died prior August 1783
133. Femmetje4, b. 29 July 1715, mar. 18 April 1745 Sylvester Marius Groen, died 31 Oct 1793.
134. Derick4, born 28 Feb 1718, married 1749 Deborah Cotelyou, died 19 November 1759.
135. Hans4, born 12 July 1721, married Catherine daughter of Simon De Hart, died 28 April 1786
136. Tunis4, born 15 October 1730, married April 1760, Johanna or Annatie Stoothoff, died 2 May 1807.[Information on Rachel’s husband and family from Teunis G Bergen’s Register of the Early Settlers of Kings County, 1881. Pages 30, 31.
18. Eve3 Bensen. baptized in N.Y., 19 March 1693; married 4 May 1717, Anthony Duane, father (but by a 2nd wife) of Hon. James Duane:
19. Derrick3 Dirckse Bensen, baptized 5 July 1696 in N.Y.; Died August 30, 1734 [1729, Bergan]; as Derrick left no descendants, his uncle Samson becomes the family head of all the later New York Bensons not of the Harlem Branch.
20. Thysie3, baptized 13 Sept. 1699, married James Henderson of New York, merchant.”
[Riker’s Harlem, footnote page 427.]
Teunis G. Bergan says on page *** of his book EARLY SETTLERS OF KINGS COUNTY, 1881; Dirck Dirckz Benson “Resided at first at Albany, and member of the Reformed Dutch Church of that place; removed to Claverack, from thence to the city of New York, and then to Brooklyn, where he resided in 1707, ans per page 206 of Bergen Genealogy. The dates given above for the baptisms and marriages of Dirck’s children also come from the book EARLY SETTLERS OF KINGS COUNTY, 1881.
The family of Samson Dirckse Benson and Trytje Matheuse Van Duesen and of Greitje Kermer
2. Samson2 Dirckse Benson, born July 4, 1652, possibly in Beaverwyck. He married first Tryntje Mattheuse Van Duesen, born about 1654, daughter of Mattheus Abrahamsen Van Duesen and Helena __
Tryntje was the sister to the wife of his brother Johannes, and was the mother of all his children but one
21. Catalina3 Samsonse Benson, born 1675, died 1706, having married 28 November 1697, Theophilus Pels (Stoffel Pelts), baptized as “Crystoffel” 11 April 1676, son of Evert Evertszen Pels and Breidget (Brechie) Elsworth
22 . Derick3 Samsonse Benson, born 1677; also a potter, lived in Crown Street (now Liberty), and died in 1725. He married Elizabeth Radcliff, the daughter of Jan (or John) Radcliff and Rachel Lambertse Van Valkenburg, born 8 April 1683, who survived him. Dirick died in 1725
23. Teuwes3, or Matthew Samsonse Benson, born 1679; a mason, died 1721. He married 1706, Catrina, daughter of Jonathan Provoost [of Huguenot descent] and Catherine Van der Veen
24. Harman3 Samsonse Benson , born 1681, carpenter, married 1702, Aeltie, daughter of Victor Bicker, and surviving her six years, died October 7, 1743. .
25. Samson3 Samsonse Benson, born 1684, married 1710, Maria, daughter of Abraham Bokee, and died November 29, 1732. The sponsors or Witnesses at his baptism were Weintje Harmens (Hun) and Robbert Martens..
26. Robert3 Samsonse Benson, born 1686; married, 1708, Cornelia, daughter of Johannes Roos, but died in 1715, and the next year his widow married Anthony Rutgers
27. William3 Samsonse Benson, born 1687; died early.
28. Elizabeth3 Samsonse Benson, born 1689, married Egbert Van Borsum;
29. Johannes3 Samsonse Benson, 3 July 1692, died early.
30. Helena3 Samsonse Benson , baptized 14 February 1694, died early.
31. Maria3 Samsonse Benson, baptized 2 February 1696, died early;
32. Hendricus3 Samsonse Benson, baptized 17 August 1698, potter, married 1722, Catherine, daughter of Gerrit Van Laer.
Samson married second, Greetje, daughter of Abraham Kermer, and widow of Capt. Jacobe Van Tilberg:
Samson Benson being her third husband, and surviving her. Samson and Greitje had:
33. Catalina3 Samsonse Benson, baptized 3 August 1707, Witnesses: Theophilus Pels, Greitje h.v. van Evert Pels. [information on Trntie from NYG&BR, October 1930, The Carmer Family of New York] (She was given the name Catalina after the older child with the same name had died) and who was unmarried in 1726.” (At the administration of her fathers estate) Riker’s Harlem, footnote page 428]
We have not located Benson’s pottery, but he owned a house and lot on Smith Street (now William, below maiden Lane)...which his executors sold to his son Harman, February 4, 1732. He died June 2, 1730 having had thirteen children:
The Descendants of Samson Dirckse Benson
21. Catalina3 Samsonse Benson, born 1675, died 1706, having married 28 November 1697, Theophilus Pels (Stoffel Pelts), baptized as “Crystoffel” 11 April 1676, son of Evert Evertszen Pels and Breidget (Brechie) Elsworth [daughter of Theophilus Elsworth]. She must have died before 1707, because ‘Stoffel’ Pels married second, 18 October 1707, Elizabeth Blauvelt daughter of Gerrit Hendrickszen Blauvelt, and widow of Daniel Barkelo. [NYG&BR, V. 64, The Ellsworth Family of New York City, by Howard S. F. Randolph pp 158-159]
22 . Derick3 Samsonse Benson, born 1677; also a potter, lived in Crown Street (now Liberty), and died in 1725. He married Elizabeth Radcliff, the daughter of Jan (or John) Radcliff and Rachel Lambertse Van Valkenburg, born 8 April 1683, who survived him. Dirick died in 1725. On April 9 1754, the widow Elizabeth and her two daughters sold the Crown street residence for L 300. They had the following Children who were baptized in the New York Dutch Church..
137. Samson4 baptised 9 July 1712, married Catherine Peck;
138. Catherine4, born 1714, who married Capt. Abraham Eight;
139. Tryntje4, baptized 10 April 1714.
140. Rachel4, baptized 9 March 1716
141. Johannes4, baptized 23 March 1718;
142. Dirck4, baptized 28 May 1721;
143. Matthew4, baptized 6 February 1723;
144. Elizabeth4, baptized 1 September 1725.
[The baptism dates are given in NYB&GR Vol 80 page 68, Author William Laimbeer in the article “THE RADCLIFFE FAMILY OF NEW YORK STATE” April 1949]
23. Teuwes3, or Matthew Samsonse Benson, born 1679; a mason, died 1721. He married 1706, Catrina, daughter of Jonathan Provoost [of Huguenot descent] and Catherine Van der Veen; His will , made May 9, 1721, was proved December 9, 1755, on the oath of Henry Riker, one of the witnesses at that time Catherine and Catalina were “the surviving children”. Their children that reached maturity:
145. Samson4 born 1713, married, 1735, Jannetie Arment; children:
331. Matthew, born 1741
332. Johnathan, born 1744, appears to have settled in Montgomery county. In 1790 census had 2 sons and 7 females in his family.
333. Lucas, born 1746
334. Cornelius, born 1748. [Samson [137] family information from W. R. Cutler’s Genealogy and Family Histories of Centra New York 3 volumes. Page 103]
146. Catherine4, baptised 21May 1716, married Thomas Moore of the city of New York, weaver.
147. Catalina4, baptised 4 July 1719, listed as ‘spinster’ in 1755..
24. Harman3 Samsonse Benson , born 1681, carpenter, married 1702, Aeltie, daughter of Victor Bicker, and surviving her six years, died October 7, 1743. Their Children were:
148. Catherine4, born 1703, who married John Leake;
149. Claesie4, also called Cloe, born 1705, married David Scott and John Van Turnhem;
150. Samson4, born 1707;
151. Catalina4, born 1711, married John Walker;
152. Victor4, born 1714;
153. Annetie4, born 1716, married John Man;
154. Harmanus4, born 1719, who married, 1742, Judith Castang.
25. Samson3 Samsonse Benson, born 1684, married 1710, Maria, daughter of Abraham Bokee, and died November 29, 1732. The sponsors or Witnesses at his baptism were Weintje Harmens (Hun) and Robbert Martens. His children, except three that died early, were
155. Abraham4, born 1712, living, 1763, married Anna Tilly, 1739 and had a family.
156. Samson4, born 1714, was a mariner, married Elizabeth Williams, 1737, had a son Samson, born 1739 his widow was appointed Administratrix 1 June 1743.
157. Catherine4, born 1715, married James Taylor; and John, born 1725, who died before 1763, leaving his property, by will dated July 2 1754, to his brother Abraham and sister Catherine.
26. Robert3 Samsonse Benson, born 1686; married, 1708, Cornelia, daughter of Johannes Roos, but died in 1715, and the next year his widow married Anthony Rutgers. Robert and Cornelia had children,
158. Elizabeth4, born 1712, [from Tuenis G. Bergen’s GENEALOGY of the Lefferts Family, 1878, “ married Harmnus Rutgers;
159. Tryntie4, born 1710, died young;
160. Tryntie4, born 1712, married, 1733 Col Martinus Hoffman;
161. Robert4, born 27 November 1715, died 1762, was a brewer, married 18 August 1738, Catherine, (Tryntje), baptized 5 October 1718, daughter of Egbert van Borsum , became wealthy, served in the Common Council from 1740-1754.
340. Robert, born 30 October 1739, married Dinah Cowenhoven, aid-de-camp to Governor George Clinton in the Revolution, Clerk of the State Senate...[more] and died 25 Feb. 1823.
341. Henry, born 17 November 1741, died August 1823, no children.
342. Egbert, born 21 June 1746, dies 24 August 1833, no children
343. Cornelia, born 1748; died 1749
344. Anthony, born 1752; died 1794.
27. William3 Samsonse Benson, born 1687; died early.
28. Elizabeth3 Samsonse Benson, born 1689, married Egbert Van Borsum;
29. Johannes3 Samsonse Benson, 3 July 1692, died early.
30. Helena3 Samsonse Benson , baptized 14 February 1694, died early.
31. Maria3 Samsonse Benson, baptized 2 February 1696, died early;
32. Hendricus3 Samsonse Benson, baptized 17 August 1698, potter, married 1722, Catherine, daughter of Gerrit Van Laer. He died October 27, 1742. On December 29, 1737 Henricus sold a house deeded to him by his father. Three children named Gerrit, who died in infancy besides which he had
162. Gerrit
163. Gerrit
164. Gerrit
165. Tryntie4, born 1722,
166. Henricus4, born 1726;
167. Samson4, born 1729, and
168. Derick4, born 1737.
Tryntie Van Deusen, first wife of Samson Benson died sometime between 1698 and 1706 Samson married second Greitje Kermer baptized in New York 25 Sept. 1667. She married first in N.Y. 4 August 1687 Hendrick De Boog the son of Frederick Hedrickszen de Boog and Lysbeth Salomons; He was baptized in New Amsterdam 29 Dec 1658 and died in 1687 or 1688. After Samson’s death Greitje married second in New York, 30 October 1688, Captain Jacob Janszen Van Tilburg of Harlem, Maririner. He died before 3 Nov 1706, the son of Jan Theuniszen Van Tilburg and Tryntje Pieters Cronenberg. Greitje Kermer and Jacob Janszen Van Tilburg had 4 children. Tryntje, bapt 16 Feb 1690; Metje, bapt. 13 March 1692; Catharina, bapt 13 Dec 1696; and Abraham, bapt 21 July 1700. Samson Benson was made a Freeman of New York 26 May 1702, and was then called a yeoman. Samson and Greitjw had:
33. Catalina3 Samsonse Benson, baptized 3 August 1707, Witnesses: Theophilus Pels, Greitje h.v. van Evert Pels. [information on Trntie from NYG&BR, October 1930, The Carmer Family of New York] (She was given the name Catalina after the older child with the same name had died) and who was unmarried in 1726.” (At the administration of her fathers estate) Riker’s Harlem, footnote page 428]
The family of Johannes Dirckse Benson and Lysbet Van Duesen
3. Johannes2 Dirckse Benson, born 8 February 1655. He married 1676, Lysbet Van Duesen (Elizabeth), sister of Samson’s wife Tryntje, and daughter of Mattheus Abrahamsen Van Duesen and Helena Robberts. [In Riker’s Harlem, Riker has a great deal of information about Johannes and his family. Rikers traces the family through the extensive real estate transactions in which the family was involved.] Their children were:
34. Samson3 Johannese Benson, born October 15, 1680, at Albany, N. Y., married, 26 July 1699 Maria Meyer baptised 26 April 1679, daughter of Adolf Meyer and Marritje Ver Veelen
35. Helena3 Johannese Benson, born 8 October 1682; married 22 October 1703, Lawrence Korthright.and had two children
36. Dirck3 Johannese Benson, born 28 February 1686, married first on 16 October 1707, Jannetie Vandewater, daughter of Henrick Benjaminsz Van de Water and Greitje Vermeulen. Dirck married second in 1711, Catalina, daughter of Abraham Bokee
37. Catalina3 Johannes Benson, born 24 August 1688, married Jacob Sammon, 17 May 1706; had twelve children
38. Rachel3 Johannes Benson, born 29 August married Johannes Cownhoven of Bergen County, N. J. , 7 May 1707; had nine children.
39. Matthew3 Johannes Benson, born January 5, 1693, was by trade a cooper. Married first, 12 December 1716, Elizabeth, daughter of Arent Bussing, He married second on 9 December 1727, Hannah, daughter of John Edsall, and widow of Gerrit De Groot
40. Catharine3 Johannes Benson, born 27 August 1695, married 21 February 1718, Abraham Delamater, had four Children. [see Riker’s Harlem Delamater.]
41. Marritie3 Johannes Benson. Born 26 April, 1699, married 19 April 1718, Ryck Lydecker, of Bergen County N. J.
42. Johannes3 Johannes Benson, married 2 May 1724, Elizabeth Lydecker daughter of Gerrit Lydecker, of Bergen County N. J. In 1733 he and his wife moved to Bergen County N.
The Descendants of Johannes Dirckse Benson and Lysbet Van Duesen
34. Samson3 Johannese Benson, born October 15, 1680, at Albany, N. Y., married, 26 July 1699 Maria Meyer baptised 26 April 1679, daughter of Adolf Meyer and Marritje Ver Veelen, who were early settlers of Harlem. He died in 1740, at the time he was building a new mill. Their children were:
169. Johannes4 born 4 Feb.1700; married 17 Sept. 1722 Tanneke, daughter of Samuel Waldron.
170. Adolph4, born January 8, 1703, was made a constable in 1732; married first, Eve, daughter of Lawrence Korthright. Married second 28 Sept. 1768 Martha Van Dyck.
171. Benjamin4, born 3 October 1705; married Susannah, daughter of Peter Bussing.
172. Elizabeth4, born 13 October 1707, married 10 Dec. 1719, Johannes Waldron, Jr. and had two children. She Married second John Romer.
173. Mary4, born 4 July 1709; married 22 Jan. 1709, Samson Pelts, of New York, had five children.
174. Catherine4; married first, 2 Jan. 1728, Captain Luke Shourd [Siorts] son of Olfert Sioerts and Hillegond Lucasz Andriessen, and had one child. She married second in 1740, Capt. Daniel McGown and had one child.
175. Daniel4, born 10 August 1714;
176. Helena4, born 5 November 1716, married 5 April 1740, Peter Bussing of Fordham.
177. Anne4, born 25 March 1720, Married John Odell, of Fordham and had three children.
350. Catalina, born 5 May 1725, Married Jacob Dyckman, Jr., of Kingsbridge, about 1742 and had ten children.
35. Helena3 Johannese Benson, born 8 October 1682; married 22 October 1703, Lawrence Korthright.and had two children
36. Dirck3 Johannese Benson, born 28 February 1686, married first on 16 October 1707, Jannetie Vandewater, daughter of Henrick Benjaminsz Van de Water and Greitje Vermeulen. Dirck married second in 1711, Catalina, daughter of Abraham Bokee. Riker gives a extensive list of land transactions [See Riker’s Harlem page 431]. Derick was several times constable of the Harlem division of the Out Ward, and was named as collector, in Montgonery’s Charter, 1731. He died in 1751. His children were. [See NYG&BR, Jan. 1967, pp. 25-28 for more on Van de Waters Family.]
178. Elizabeth4, who married Abraham Lydecker, 26 November 1732.
179. Tanneke4, baptized 2 December 1715.
180. Helena4, baptized 6 August 1718 married Peter Banta, 5 April 1740 and had seven children.
181. Catalina4, baptized 20 July 1720, married Dr. Josiah Paterson, surgeon, who died 23 October 1766, and had 9 children 7 of whom were listed at the time of his death [See Riker’s Harlem page 432 footnote.] Her son 220. John Paterson, married Catherine Livinston, daughter of Robert Livinston, proprietor of Livingston manor.
182. Maria4, baptized 14 August 1723, died April 5, 1754.
183. John4, married 18 May 1747, Marritie Lydecker, of Hackensack, N. J. and came to own his fathers lands at Harlem. Riker says the sold this land in 1766, and is believed to have moved to Bergen County N.J. Child:
351. Cattelyntie, baptized 6 May 1750.
37. Catalina3 Johannes Benson, born 24 August 1688, married Jacob Sammon, 17 May 1706; had twelve children
38. Rachel3 Johannes Benson, born 29 August married Johannes Cownhoven of Bergen County, N. J. , 7 May 1707; had nine children.
39. Matthew3 Johannes Benson, born January 5, 1693, was by trade a cooper. Married first, 12 December 1716, Elizabeth, daughter of Arent Bussing, He lived in Hackensack, Bergen County, N.J. in 1731. He later was a Vintner in New York. He married second on 9 December 1727, Hannah, daughter of John Edsall, and widow of Gerrit De Groot. His children were:
184. Gerrit4, baptized 15 Oct. 1728, died, unmarried, 1758, aged 30 years.
185. Benjamin4, born 13 Feb. 1732, married Catherine Deronda, 30 April 1756, Died 5 Aug. 1799.
186. Samuel4, of New York, house carpenter, married 23 December 1759, Ann Steel.
187. Charity4, baptized 26 Jan. 1735, married 27 July 1755, William Sloe.
40. Catharine3 Johannes Benson, born 27 August 1695, married 21 February 1718, Abraham Delamater, had four Children. [see Riker’s Harlem Delamater.]
41. Marritie3 Johannes Benson. Born 26 April, 1699, married 19 April 1718, Ryck Lydecker, of Bergen County N. J.
42. Johannes3 Johannes Benson, married 2 May 1724, Elizabeth Lydecker daughter of Gerrit Lydecker, of Bergen County N. J. In 1733 he and his wife moved to Bergen County N. J. Their children were.
188. Elizabeth4, born 24 Oct. 1725, married 16 July 1743, Henry J. Banta and had five children.
189. Gerrit4, born 3 Oct. 1727, married 9 Feb. 1754, Eva Berdan.
190. Johannes4, born 29 Jan. 1730, married Rebecca Demarst.
191. Cornelius4, born 17 March 1732, married 16 Oct. 1756, Cornelia Debaun, had eight children.
192. Catrina4, born 29 June 1734, married 11 Jan. 1756, Issac Lameter.
193. Matthew4, born 19 Nov. 1736, married Marytje -?-, and had children. [Riker’s Harlem p. 433]
40. Catharine3 Johannes Benson, born 27 August 1695, married 21 February 1718, Abraham Delamater, had four Children. [see Riker’s Harlem Delamater.]
41. Marritie3 Johannes Benson. Born 26 April, 1699, married 19 April 1718, Ryck Lydecker, of Bergen County N. J.
42. Johannes3 Johannes Benson, married 2 May 1724, Elizabeth Lydecker daughter of Gerrit Lydecker, of Bergen County N. J. In 1733 he and his wife moved to Bergen County N.
The Family of Cateryna Dirckse Benson and Reynier Schaets
and of Cateryna Benson and Johnathan Broadhurst
4. Cateryna2 Dirckse Bensen, born 12 February 1657, daughter of Dirck Bensingh and Catalina Berck, married first, Reynier Schaets son of Domine Gideon Schaets. He was a Chyrurgion (Surgeon), and settled at Schenectady, where he was appointed a Justice of the Peace by Gov. Leisler in 1689. Professor Jonathan Pearson in his book Genealogies of the First Settlers of Schenectady, page 158, says the following about Reyneir Schaets. “Reynier, ‘chyrurgion,” eldest son of Domine Schaets of Albany, was an early settler of Schenectady, where he was appointed justice of the peace by Leisler in 1689. He and a son were killed on the 9th of February 1690, at the massacre and burning of the village by the French and Indians. ... Two of Schaets’ children survived him, a son Gideon, and a daughter. Agnietje, who married Matthys Nak of Albany.” The above mentioned massacre and burning of the village of Schenectady by perpetrated by a force of 210 French and Indians who had invaded New York from Montreal. Documents detailing this invasion and massacre are found in Appendix A. All the records of the minister at Schenectady were destroyed in the invasion. The children of Cateryna Bensen and Reynier Schaets
44. Gideon3 Reynierse Schaets. Born ____.
44a. Son, name unknown Schaets, Born ____ Died 9 February 1690 in the Schenectady massacre.
45. Agnietie3 Reynierse Schaets, Born ____, married 5 December 1702 Matthys Nak , of Albany, son of Jan Nack, (trader and gun stocker) and Catharina Roomers. Matthys had previously married 24 July 1698, Susanna Lansing who had borne twins Johannes and Gerrit, baptised 22 February 1699.
The children of Matthys and Agnietie are:
200. Catharina Nak, baptised 24 October 1702
201. Catharins Nak, baptised 20 May 1705
202. Johannes Nak, baptised 23 January 1709
203. Willemyntje Nak, baptised 23 April 1710
204. Reineir Schaets Nak, baptised 6 December1712
205. Alidia Nak, baptised 13 August 1716
206. Alidia Nak, baptised 26 July 1717
207. Christina Nak, baptised 12 October 1720 [First Settlers of Albany, page 83]
Cateryna Dirckse Bensen married 2nd Jonathan Broadhurst, a young man from Derington, England, 23 April 1696. He was Sheriff of Albany county from 1701 to 1703. Children
46. Samuel3, baptised 1 September 1700.
.
Dirck Bensen, husband of Catalina Berck, died on Sunday 6 January 1659 and was buried at New Netherlands.
5. Maria2 Dirckse Bensen was born 15 July 1659, six months after her father died. She married Volkert Franse Van Hoesen, the son of Jan Franse Van Hosen and Volkie Jurriaanse. Their descendants have been discussed earlier.
The Family of Catalina Berck and Harmen Thomase Hun
In the second year after the death of Dirck Benson, his widow Catalina Berck married, in 1661, Harmen Thomase Hun. In 1661 he was described as being from Ammersfort, in Holland, and then living in Beverwyck. Harmen Thomase and Catalyntie Bercx had 4 children. All of the following information on the Hun Families comes from the S. V. Talcott in the Hun chapter of his book GENEALOGICAL NOTES OF NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND FAMILIES, 1876, pages 92-112. Their children were:
6. Weintie2 Hun, born 9 February 1662; died 19 February 1662.
7. Wentie2 Harmansz Hun, daughter of Catalina Berck and Harman Thomasz Hun, born October 1663; married September 11, 1692, Rutger Melcherts Van Deusen, son of Melchert Abrahamse Van Duesen and Engeltje Rutgerse
8. Thomas2 Harmense Hun, born 1 November 1666; died 9 November 1667.
9. Thomas2 Harmense Hun, son of Catalina Berck and Harman Thomasz Hun; born 2 October, 1668; married 20 Nov. 1692, Mayeke Jansz Oothout, daughter of Jan Jansen Oothout and Hedrickie van Ness
The Descendants of Catalina Berck and Harmen Thomase Hun
6. Weintie2 Hun, born 9 February 1662; died 19 February 1662.
7. Wentie2 Harmansz Hun, daughter of Catalina Berck and Harman Thomasz Hun, born October 1663; married September 11, 1692, Rutger Melcherts Van Deusen, son of Melchert Abrahamse Van Duesen and Engeltje Rutgerse [daughter of Rutger Jacobsen van Schoedenwoert]. [8 children ?]
47. Catalyntje3 Van Deusen, baptized 14 May, 1693, married 21 May 1717, Matthias Van Den Bergh, baptized 13 March 1690, son of Cornelius Gysberts Van den Bergh and Cornelia Wynantse Vanderpoel. Catalyntje died 1 May 1735.[Talcott gives 1731 as the death date of Catalyntje] Mathias was buried 22 Dec. 1745. They lived in Albany,
208. Cornelis4, baptized 13 April 1718; died young. [ The Van den Bergh’s in America, p. 24]
209. Cornelis4, baptized, 9 Oct 1719, married Cornelia Van den Bergh; died 2 Feb 1798.
210. Wyntje4, baptized May 3, 1724, married first, Jacob Van Iveren; married second, Gerrit Lansing.
211. Cornelia4, baptized 24 of May 1724, married 5 November 1848, Reyner Van Alstyne
212. Rutgert4, baptized 28 August, 1726; married 6 July 1754, Maria Van den Bergh
213. Gysbert4, baptized 10 May 1729, buried 21 June 1729.
214. Engeltje4, baptized 17 April or May 1730, died 17 November 1789; married, 24 July 1751, Bastian Teunis Visscher,
[ The Van den bergh’s in America, p. 24-25, lists 3 more children: As does the errata Supplement of the book Gysbert and Claes (Cornelisz) Van Den Bergh Genealogy, 1994, by Edward C. Vandenburgh]
215, Gerrit bap 18 Aug 1735,
216. Catalyna, bapt. 1735, and
217. Cathalyna baptized 1736.
48. Engeltje3 Van Deusen, baptized 22 March 1696, married, October 23 1718, Gerrit Lansing Jr. born 20 August 1693, son of (8)Gerrit Gerrits Lansing and Catherine Glen. Engeltje was buried 6 October 1745. Gerrit Lansing died in 1783, age 90 years. Their children:
220. Gerrit Lansing, baptized 26 July 1719, married first, about 1745(?), Annetje Yates, married second, about 1750(?), Wyntje Van den Bergh.
221. Rutger Lansing, baptized 25 March 1722, married 27 October 1764, Susan Van Schoonhoven.
222. Johannes Lansing, baptized 28 August 1726, married 25 October 1761, Catharyntje Burhans(?)
8. Thomas2 Harmense Hun, born 1 November 1666; died 9 November 1667.
9. Thomas2 Harmense Hun, son of Catalina Berck and Harman Thomasz Hun; born 2 October, 1668; married 20 Nov. 1692, Mayeke Jansz Oothout, daughter of Jan Jansen Oothout and Hedrickie van Ness. They had 9 Children. Thomas died 12 Jan. 1716. Mayeke, died October 14, 1759.
49. Catalyntje3 Hun, born 4 September 1693, died October 1727 ; Married, November 1726, (39)John (Johannees) Lansing, born 10 March 1695, son of Gerrit Lansing and Catherine Glen, and had
217. Thomas4 Lansing, born 1627, he married first, Anna De Forest, he married second 28 October 1792, his cousin (29) Jane Hun born 1 June 1739, daughter of Harmen Thomase Hun [57] and Elsie Lansing.
Catelyntje Hun died in October of 1727. Her husband John Lansing then married, 12 May 1729 Jannetje, baptized 13 Feb 1698, daughter of Cornelis Teunis Van Vechten and Maria Lucas, and had 4 more children. [see Talcott’s Lansing Family page 120-121]
50. Johannis3 Hun, born in Albany, 10 Oct. 1695, married, 4 May 1725, Anna Winne, Daughter of Francis Winne and Elsie Gansevoort. They had 4 Children. He died 22 Jan. 1776. She died March 1776. [See Talcott’s Hun line for more about their children.]
218. Thomas Hun, born June 1726; died 14 December 1731.
219. Elsie Hun, born 16 May 1728; died 4 January 1732.
220. Elsie Hun, born 18 March 1733; married 19 May 1757, (97) Phillip Lansing, baptized 23 February 1729, son of Johannes Janse Lansing and Geertry Schuyler, and had
360. John Lansing, born 27 March 1758, died 16 May 1759.
361. Johannes Lansing, born 1 January 1760; died 5 January 1760.
362. Jan Lansing, born 9 February 1761, died 25 February 1761.
363. Annetje Lansing, born 25 June 1762, married 7 December 1781 her cousin (35) Dirk Hun born 5 December 1760, son of (21)Willem Hun and Sarah De Forest. They had 8 children.
221. Thomas Hun, born in Albany, 28 Feb. 1736; married 27 Aug. 1761, Elizabeth Wendell, (b. 2 Sept. 1738), daughter of Abraham Wendell and Gertruy Bleecker. Children of Thomas and Elizabeth:
365. Annetlje, born 15 Sept, 1763, married 19 May 1795 Rev. John Basset; died 17 Oct. 1848.
366. Abraham Hun, born 17 Feb 1768; married 22 Sept 1796 Maria Gansevoort; died 29 Jan 1812
51. Harmen3 Hun, born 23 November 1697, son of Thomas Hun and Mayeke Oothout. He died young.
52. Cornelius3 Hun, born 9 June 1700.
53. Hendrickje3 Hun, born 12 September 1702, married, 20 December 1724, Pieter Schuyler.
54. Dirck3 Hun, born 7 September 1704, married Margaret Cornelia Hogan, born 30 July 1700, daughter of William Hogan and Martena (Anna Bekker). They had 5 children [ see Talcott’s Hun line]
222. Catalyntie Hun, baptized 13 August 1732.
223. Willem Hun, baptized 28 August 1734; married 18 Aug 1759 Sarah de Forest, born 1736, daughter of Jesse de Forest and Neeltje Quackenbush. Children:
370. Dirck Hun (35), born 5 Dec 1760, died 7 Mar 1795; married 7 Dec 1781, (246) Annette Lansing born 25 June 1762, Daughter of Philip Lansing and (18) Elsie Hun and had 7 children. [see Talcott’s Hun Family page 99.]
371. Cornelia, born 28 May 1763; married 13 Oct 1783, John Fonda (Fondey)
55. Rutger3 Hun, born 15 March 1707 son of Thomas Hun and Mayeke Oothout.
56. Adrian3 Hun, born 15 June 1709; married, August 1733, Phoebe Smith, daughter of John Smith and Judith Oatman of New Jersey. He died 11 January 1737-8. They had 3 Children:
224. Judith Hun, born 19 Feb 1734-5, married Uriah Call.
225. Thomas Hun, born 20 Sept 1736; married 1762 Catherine Van Emberg, born 2 Nov 1738, daughter of Pererine Van Emberg and Cornelia Provost. Thomas died 15 Sept 1797 at Mount Pleasant, New Jersey, Catherine died 4 Mar 1813. They had 9 Children [See Talcott’s Hun]
226-. Phoebe, born July 22, 1738.
57. Harmen3 Hun, born 15 September 1712; married 6 December 1735, Elsie Lansing daughter of Issac Lansing and Jannetje Beeckman. They had 5 children. Harman died 15 Aug. ----, Elsie died 2 April ----, (Year torn from Bible record in both instances.}
227. Maritie, born 3 Sept 1736, at 4 a.m.; married 23 Dec 1758 Cornelius Van Beuren. Died 21 March 1817.
228. Jane, born 1 June 1739; married first, Volchert Van Vechten, license dated 17 Nov 1762; married second, 28 Oct 1792 Thomas Lansing.
229. Catalyntie, born 17 April 1743; died 1 October 1747.
230. Catalyntie, born 15 Dec 1749 at 3 a.m. she died 18 Nov 1824; married 1 Dec 1773 Isaac Bogart, son of Isaac Bogart and Hericke Oothout, born in Albany 13 June 1741, died 25 Sept 1818. Their children were:
380. Harmen Bogart, born 13 Oct. 1774; married Dolly (Dorothy) Witbeck, 23 Jan. 1793.
381. Isaac Bogart, born 18 September 1776; married Maria Spraker.
339. Jane Bogart, born 11 Oct 1782, married Killian Van Rensselaer; died 19 Sept 1862.
231. Machtel Hun, born 25 May 1753; died 6 July 1753.
Harmen Thomas Hun was living as late as 1703. Catalyntje Berck died 14, April 1693. She had 9 children, she raised 7 to maturity. This armchair history lists 49 Grandchildren of Catalyntje and her two husbands..
Appendix
An account of the Invasion and Burning of Schenectady in which two members of the Benson family lost their lives. Cateryna Benson, daughter of Dirck Benson and Catalina Berck, married Dr. Reynier Schaats the son of Domine Gideon Schaats. Reynier was a surgeon and settled in Schenectady. He was appointed Justice of the Peace by Leisler in 1689. Reynier and Cateryna had three children, two of which, Gideon and Agnietie, survived him. Reynier and his son whose name we do not know, died in the massacre and burning of Schenectady on the 9 February 1690.
In the Vanderpoel Genealogy, Melgert Wynants Van der Poel married as his second wife Elizabeth Teller the daughter of William Teller. He was one of the early settlers of New Amsterdam a proprietor of a large Schenectady patent in the Mohawk Valley. He came to New Amsterdam in the service of the Dutch west India Company, and was sent to Fort Orange in 1639. His son Johannes Teller was taken prisoner by the French and Indians at the burning of Schenectady, and carried as a captive to to Canada.
THE
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK
ARRANGED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE
HON. CHRISTOPHER MORGAN
Secretary of State
BY E. B. O’CALLAGHAN, M. D.
VOLUME I,
ALBANY;
WEED, PARSONS & CO., PUBLIC PRINTERS
1850
The following pages are from O’Callaghan’s Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol.I 1850. The first portion is from the French records of the invasion, the second part is from the records of Albany. The name of Reynier Schaets and his son and the name of Johannes Teller are in bold face for emphasis.
186 INVASION OF NEW-YORK AND BURNING OF SCHENECTADY
AN ACCOUNT
OF THE MOST REMARKABLE OCCURRENCES IN CANADA FROM THE DEPARTURE OF THE VESSELS, FROM THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 1689 TO THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 1690. BY MONS. DE MONSEIGNAT, COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE MARINE IN CANADA.
[PARIS DOC. IV]
[EXTRACT.] THE orders received by M. le Comte (de Frontenac) to commence hostilities against New England and New York, which had declared for THE Prince of Orange, afforded him considerable pleasure, and was very necessary for THE country. He allowed no more time to elapse before carrying them into execution than was required to send off some despatches to France--immediately after which he determined to organize three different detachments, to attack those rebels at all points at THE same moment, and to punish them at various places for having afforded protection to our enemies, THE Mohawks. THE first party was to rendezvous at Montreal, and proceed towards Orange; THE second at Three Rivers, and to make a descent on New York, at some place between Boston and Orange; and The third was to depart from Quebec, and gain The seaboard between Boston and Pentagonet, verging toward Acadia. They all succeeded perfectly well, and I shall communicate to you THE details. . . .
THE detachment which formed at Montreal, may have been composed of about two hundred and ten men, namely: eighty savages form the Sault and from La Montagne, sixteen Algonquins; and the remainder Frenchmen--all under the command of the Sieur Le Moyne de Sainte Helene, and Lieutenant Daillebout de Mantet, both of whom are Canadians. The Sieurs le Moyne d’Iberville and Repentigny de Montesson commanded under these. The best qualified Frenchmen were, the Sieurs de Bonrepos and de La Brosse, Calvinist officers, the Sieur La Moyne de Blainville, Le Bert du Chene, and la Marque de Montigny, who all served as volunteer. They took their departure from Montreal at the commencement of February.
After having marched for the course of five or six days, they called a council to determine the route they should follow, and the point at which they should attack.
The Indians demanded of the French what was their intention. Messieurs de Sainte Helen and Mantet replied that they had left in the hope of attacking Orange, [Albany] if possible, as it is the Capital of New York and a place of considerable importance, though they had no orders to that effect, but generally to act according as they should judge on the spot of their chances of success, without running too much risk. This appeared to the savages somewhat rash. They represented the difficulties and the weakness of the party for so bold an undertaking. There was even one among them who, his mind filled with the recollections of the disasters which he had witnessed last year, enquired of our Frenchmen, “since when had they become so desperate?” In reply to their railley, ‘twas answered that it was out intention, now, to regain the honor of which our misfortunes had deprives us, and the sole means to accomplish that was to carry Orange, or perish in so glorious an enterprise.
As the Indians, who had an intimate acquaintance with the localities, and more experience than the French, cut not be brought to agree with the latter, it was determined to postpone coming to a conclusion until the party should arrive at the spot where the two routes separate--the one leading to Orange, and the other to Corlear (Schenectady). In the course of the journey, which occupied eight days, the Frenchmen judged proper to diverge toward Corlear, according to the advice of the
INVASION OF NEW-YORK AND BURNING OF SCHENECTADY 187
Indians; and this road was taken without calling a new council. Nine more days elapsed before they arrived, having experienced inconceivable difficulties, and having been obliged to march up to their knees in water, and to break the ice with their feet in order to find solid footing.
They arrived within two leagues of Corlear about four o’clock in the evening, and were harangued by the great Mohawk chief of the Iroquois form the Sault. He urged on all to perform their duty, an to lose all recollection of their fatigue, in hope of taking revenge for the injuries they had received from the Iroquois at the solicitation of the English, and of washing them out in the blood of the traitors. This savage was without contradiction the most considerable of his tribe--an honest man--as full of spirit, prudence and generosity as it was possible, and capable at the same time of the grandest undertakings. Shortly after four squaws were discovered in a wigwam who gave every information necessary for the attack on the town. The fire found in their hut served to warm those who were benumbed, and they continued route, having previously detached Giguieres, a Canadian, with nine Indians on the lookout. They discovered no one, and returned to join the main body within one league of Corlear.
At eleven of the clock that night, they came within sight of the town, resolved to defer the assault until
two o’clock in the morning. But the excessive cold admitted of no further delay.
The town of Corlear forms a sort of oblong with only two gates--one opposite the road we had taken; the other leading to orange, which is only six leagues distant. Messieurs de Sainte Helene and de Mantet were to enter at the first which the squaws pointed out, and which in fact was found wide open. [The others] took the left with another detachment, in order to make themselves masters of that leading to Orange. But they could not discover it, and returned to join the remainder of the party. A profound silence was every where observed, until the two commanders, who separated, at their entrance into the town for the purpose of encircling it, had met at the other extremity.
The signal for attack was given Indian fashion, and the entire force rushed on simultaneously. M. de Mantet placed himself at the head of a detachment, and reached a small fort where the garrison was under arms. The gate was burst in after a good deal of difficulty, the whole set on fire, and all who defended the place slaughtered.
The sack of the town began a moment before the attack on the fort. Few houses made any resistance. M. de Montigny discovered some which he attempted to carry sword in had, having tried the musket in vain. He received to thrusts of a spear--one in the body and the other in the arm. But M. de Sainte Helene having come to his aid, effected and entrance, and put every one who defended the place to the sword. The massacre lasted to hours. The remainder of the night was spent in placing sentinels, and in taking some repose.
The house belonging to the minister was ordered to be saved, so as to take him alive to obtain information from him; but as it was not known it was not spared any more than the others. He was slain and his papers burnt before the could be recognized.
At daybreak the same men were sent to the dwelling of Mr. Coudre [Sander], who was Major of the place, and who lived at the other side of the river. He was not willing to surrender, and began to put himself on the defensive with his servants and some Indians; but as it was resolved not to do him any harm, in consequence of the good treatment that the French had formerly experienced at his hands, M. D’Iberville and the great Mohawk proceeded thither alone, promised him quarter for himself, his people, and his property, whereupon he laid down his arms, on parole, entertaining them in his fort, and returned with them to see the commandants of the town.
In order to occupy the savages, who would otherwise have taken to drink, and thus rendered themselves unable for defence, the houses had already been set on fire. None were spared in the town but one house belonging to Coudre, and that of a widow who had six children, wither M. de Montigny had
188 INVASION OF NEW-YORK AND BURNING OF SCHENECTADY
been carried when wounded. All the rest were consumed. The lives of between fifty and sixty persons, old men, women and children were spared, they having escaped the first fury of the attack. Some twenty Mohawks were also spared, in order to show them that it was the English and not they against whom the grudge was entertained. The loss on this occasion in house, cattle , and grain, amounts to more than four hundred thousand livres. There were upwards of eighty well built and well furnished houses in the town.
The return march commenced with thirty prisoners. The wounded, who were to be carried, and the plunder, with which all the Indians and some of the Frenchmen were loaded, caused considerable inconvenience. Fifty good horses were brought away. Sixteen only of these reach Montreal. The remainder were killed for food on the road.
Sixty leagues from Corlear the Indians began to hunt, and the French not being able to wait for them, being short of provisions, continued their route, having detached Messieurs d’Iberville and Du Chesne with two savages before them to Montreal. On the same day, some Frenchmen, who doubtless were very much fatigued, lost their way. Fearful that they should be obliged to keep up with the main body, and believing themselves in safety having eighty Indians in their rear, they were found missing from camp. They were waited for next day until eleven o’clock, but in vain, and no account has since been received of them.
Two hours after, forty men more left the main body without acquainting the commander, continued their route by themselves, and arrived within two leagues of Montreal one day ahead, so that there were not more than fifty or sixty men together. The evening on which they should arrive at Montreal, being extremely fatigued from fasting and bad roads, the rear fell away from M. de Sainte Helene, who was in front with an Indian guide, and who could not find a place suitable for camping nearer than three or four leagues of the spot where he expected to halt. He was not rejoined by M. de Mantet and the others until far advanced in the night. Seven have not been found. Next day on parade, about ten o’clock in the forenoon, a soldier arrived who announced that they had been attacked by fourteen or fifteen savages, and that six had been killed. The party proceeded somewhat afflicted at this accident, and arrived at Montreal at 3 o’clock, p.m.
Such, Madame, is the account of what passes at the taking of Corlear. The French lost but twenty-one men, namely four Indians and seventeen Frenchmen. Only one Indian and one Frenchman were killed at the capture of the town: The others were lost on the road.
[From Mortgage Book, B, in County Clk’s Office, Albany.]
Albany ye 9th day of February 1689-90
This morning about 5 o’Clock ye alarm was brought here by Symon Schermerhoorn who was shott threw his Thigh yt ye french and Indians had murthered ye people of skinnectady; haveing got into ye Towne about 11 or 12 a Clock there being no Watch Kept (ye Inhabitants being to negligent & Refractory) and yt hehad much adoe to Escape they being very numerous. They fyred several times at him at least thow his Thigh and wounded his horse and was come over Canatagione to bring ye news.
The allarm being given all People Repared to there Post ye fort Fyred severalll gunns to give ye alarm to ye farmers but few heard there being such an Extream Snow above Knee Deep Several ye
INVASION OF NEW-YORK AND BURNING OF SCHENECTADY 189
People haveing Escaped ye Cruelty of ye french and those Indians came Running here & told us ye Village was a fyre and yt they had much adoe to Escape for all ye streets were full of french and Indians, & yt many People were murthered and yt ye enemy were marching hither which news news was Continually Confirmed till afternoon. Letters were sent forthwith to Sopus for ye assistance of a hundred men an Expresse sent to Skachkook but by reason of ye highwater--deep snow & yse could not Proceed, notice was given to all ye farmers of Kinderhook Claverak & ea of ye sad new, Some horse men sent out to Discover ye Enemies force and there march but were forced to Return ye snow being so Deep yet some were sent out again who got thither, Laurence ye Indiam with ye Maquase yt were in Town were sent out also to Skinnechtady to Dispatch posts to ye maquase Castles for all ye Indians to come doune, but unhappily said Indians comeing to Skinnechtady were soe much amazed to see so many People murthered and Destroyed that they omitted ye sending up to ye Maquase Castles according to there Engagement, While ye Enemy was at N. Scotia a man came to Ensighn Joh: Sander Glen and said he would goe to ye Maquase Castles and warn ye Maquese to come dounne who was ordered to goe in all haste and comeing to ye upper Plantations went for fear along with some of ye oyr Inhabitants into ye woods and never went to ye Maquase Castles, this night we gott a letter from Skinnectdy Informing us yt the Enemy yt had done yt Mischieffe there were about one hundred and fifty or 200 men but that there were 1400 men in all; One army for Albany & anoyr for Sopus which hindered much ye marching of any force out of ye city fearing yt ye might watch such an opportunity.
The 10th day of February.
Present. Pr Schuyler Mayr D. Wessels Recr, Ja. Bleecker, C. Bull, Capt. Staets, Ald. Shaick, Ald Ryckman, Joh. Cuyler, Ens. Bennett.
Resolved yt Capt Jonathan Bull be sent wth 5 men out of each compy to Skinnechtady to bury ye dead there & if ye Indians be come doune to joyn with them & pursue ye Enemy.
Instructions for Capt Jonathan Bull.
You are to goe wth all Convanient speed with - - - - - men to Skinnechtady & there Bury ye dead which are Killed by ye Enemy and give such succor and Relieffe to ye Poore People left alive at Skinnechtady as yu can, and if there be any reasonable number of friendly Indians at Skinnechtady yu are wth all speed to pursue & follow after the french and Indian Enemy & them Spoyle and Destroy what in yu Lyes and use all means Imaginable to Rescue ye Prisoners which they carried along with them.
You are to take Especial care to have Always Spyes and Skouts out on both sides of ye Path where ye march yr Men and to be Carefull as Possible for Ambushes of ye Enemy ;and to keep yr men in good order and Discipline.
190 INVASION OF NEW-YORK AND BURNING OF SCHENECTADY
LIST OF YE PEOPLE KILD AND DESTROYED
BY YE FRENCH OF CANADA AND THERE INDIANS AT SKINNECHTADY TWENTY MILES TO YE WESWARD
OF ALBANY BETWEEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY YE 9TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 1689-90
Myndert Wemp killd - - - - - - - - - 1
Jan van Eps and his Sonne & 2 of his children kild - - - - - - 4
a negro of dito Van Eps - - - - - - - - - 1
Serjt Church of Capt Bull’s Compy - - - - - - - - 1
Barent Jansse Killd and Burnd his Sonne Kild - - - - - - 2
Ands Arentse Bratt shott and Burnt & also his childn - - - - - 2
Mary Viels wife of Dowe Aukes & her 2 children killd - - - - - 3
and his Negro Woman Francyn - - - - - - - - 1
Mary Alolff Wife of Cornelis Viele Junr Shott - - - - - - 1
Sweer Teunis Shott and & burnt his wife kild and burnt - - - - all 2
Antje Janz daughter of Jan Spoor kild and burnt - - - - - In 1
Item 4 Negroes of ye said Sweer Teunise ye same death - - - - one 4
Enos Talmidge Leift. of Capt Bull kild and burnt - - - - - house 1
Hend Meese Vrooman & Bartholomeus Vrooman kild and burnt - - - - 2
Item 2 Negroes of Hend Meese ye same death - - - - - - 2
Gerrit Marcellis and his Wfe & childe Kiled - - - - - - - 3
Robt Alexander sholdr of Capt Bulls Shott - - - - - - - 1
Robt Hesseling shott - - - - - - - - - 1
Sander ye sonne of gysbert gerritse kild and burnt - - - - - - 1
Jan Roeloffse de goyer burnt in ye house - - - - - - - 1
Ralph grant a soldier in ye fort shott - - - - - - - - 1
David Christoffelse & his wife wth 4 Children all burnt in there house - - - 6
Joris Aertse shott and burnt Wm pieterse kild - - - - - - 2
Joh; Potman kild his wife kild & her scalp taken off - - - - - - 2
Dome Petrus Tassemaker ye Minister kild and burnt in his house - - - - 1
Franse harmense kild - - - - - - - - 1
Engel the wife of Adam Vroman shot & burnt her children the brains dashed out against ye wall 2
Reyner Schaets and his sonne kild - - - - - - - - 2
Daniel Andries & George 2 soulders of Capt Bull - - - - - - 2
a french girl Prisoner among ye Mohogs kild - - - - - - - 1
A Maquase Indian kild - - - - - - - - 1
Johannes ye sonne Symon Skermerhorn - - - - - - - 1
3 Negroes of Symon Skermerhoorn - - - - - - - - 3
In all 60
INVASION OF NEW-YORK AND BURNING OF SCHENECTADY 191
LYST OF YE PERSONES WHICH YE FRENCH AND THERE INDIANS HAVE TAKEN PRISONERS ATT
SKINNECTADY AND CARIED TO CANIDA YE 9TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 1689-90
Johannes Teller and his negroe - - - - - - - - 2
John. Wemp sonne of Myndt Wemp & 2 negroes - - - - - - 3
Symon, Abraham, Philip, Dyrck, & Claes Groot all 5 sonnes of Symon Groot - - 5
Jan Baptist sonne of Jan Van Epps - - - - - - - - 1
Albert and Johannes Vedder, sonnes of harme Vedder - - - - - 2
Isaack Cornelise Switts & his Eldest Sonne - - - - - - - 2
a negroe of Barent Janse - - - - - - - - - 1
Arnout ye sonne of Arnout Corn: Viele ye Interpr - - - - - - 1
Stephen ye sonne Gysbert Gerritse - - - - - - - - 1
Lawrence sonne of Claes Lawrence Purmurent - - - - - - 1
Arnout sonne of Paulyn Janse - - - - - - - - 1
Barent ye sonne of adam Vroman & ye neger - - - - - - 2
Claes sonne of Franse Harmense - - - - - - - - 1
Stephen adopted sonne of Gertje Bouts - - - - - - - 1
John Webb a souldier Belonging to Capt Bull - - - - - - 1
David Burt belonging to ye same compe - - - - - - - 1
Joseph Marks of ye same compe - - - - - - - - 1
In all - - - 27
THE WAY HOW YE BLOODY FRENCH AND INDIANS COMMITTED THIS TRAGEDY WAS THUS.
After they were gott into ye Toune without being discovered (no watch or guard being kept, notwithstanding several gentn of Albany no longer than three days before were up ther to Persuade ym to it) The french and ye Indians besett each house and after they had murthered ye People they burnt all ye houses and barns cattle &ca Except 5 @ 6: which were saved by cpt Sander to whom they were kinde as they had paticular orders so to be by reaseon of ye many kindnesse shewne by his wife to ye french Prisoners.
Albany, ye 22 day of February 1680-90.
Symon Van Ness and Adries Barents who went out ye first wth ye Maquaese returning told:
they had Pursued ye Enemy to ye great Lake & would have overtaken them had they not been spyed by some of ye Enemy Indidans that went out to looke for 2 Negroe boys, yt were run away from them , & yt ye Indians & Christians were all tyred when they came to ye Crounne Point neer ye Lake; some went further till they came to where ye Ise was smoth; were the french had with horses that they crried from Skinnectady & Skeets and Yse Spurs, made all the way they could over ye Lakein so much that our people could gain nothin upon them; whereas at first they wen to of there days journey in one; neverthelesse Laurence ye Maquase and about 140 Hohoggs & River Indians are gone in Pursuite of them, and will follow them quite to Canida
Friday, June 27, 2008
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