I’m a Dutch New Yorker and even though there aren’t many of us left today, it nice to know that the Dutch were the originators of this urban wonder we call New York. I especially enjoyed learning the original Dutch names of such areas as Yonkers and the Bronx.

I am so looking forward to this episode. Our first family member arrived in 1634 as an endentured servant; eventually settling as a farmer in NJ (present day Bergen county). I am looking forward to learning more of the Dutch influence on this region.

I am a direct descendent of Anneka Jans and The Reverend Everhardus Bogardus, who started The Reformed Dutch Chuch. Anneka was the grandchild of King William of Holland. She owned over 70% of the Island of Manhattan including Wall Street, The Battery and Harlem. This land was taken by the British of course. Many of my relatives fought for the Revolution. I love studying my family tree.

I am a direct descendant of Laurens Janssen “from Wormer” who arrived in New Amsterdam on the ship De Trouw [Faith] sometime before 5 May 1659. The De Trouw had sailed from Amsterdam, Holland, the Netherlands on 12 February the same year. Laurens married Annetje Janse Snediker van Oldenburgh the widow of Lucas Eldertz and the daughter of Jan Snediker van Oldenburgh and Griet Michaels on May 6, 1666. The Laurens Janssen Van Wormer family made their home in the vicinity of the upper Hudson where Annetje and he endured the hardships incident to pioneers in the rough and wild life, endangered by the frequent border and Indian hostilities. In time, their descendents spread throughout the northern part of New York State and afterwards to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and other parts of the country. My earliest known ancestor to reach Nieuw Nederlandt was Phillipe Anton du Trieux, one of the earliest settlers of New Amsterdam. His arrival in 1624 pre-dates that of Laurens Janssen van Wormer by 35 years.

Interesting video on the eco history of Manhattan, Dr. Sanderson. I’ve read up on the chronological history, but this is another side that bears more study.

This message is for Richard C. De Witt. Hi there, I am descended from the De Witts of Ulster County through my G-Grandfather Monroe De Witt > Richard (W?) De Witt > Albert De Witt… I cannot find who Albert’s father and mother were. According to a book on area history, Albert may actually be Egbert. I was wondering if you were familiar with this branch and that you could help me out with any info.

Regards,
Julie

Truely Inspiring our History in this continent.