Isaac Van Voorhees, Husband of Sarah Wyckoff

Isaac Van Voorhees, s/o Lucas Stephense Van Voorhees and Jannetje Minnes

Isaac Van Voorhees, s/o Jan Lucas Stephense Van Voorhees and Mayke Schenck

To my knowledge, no one has suggested that Lucas Stephense² Van Voorhees (Steven¹) had a son named Isaac.[1]  The only clearly identifiable evidence of this previously unknown Isaac is in the 1731 census of Flatlands, Kings Co., NY where he is listed as ijzaack  Van Voorhees.[2]  In the household were 2 males over 10, 1 male under 10, one female over 10 and 2 females under 10.  This family does not match any previously identified family.[3]  He is too old to be any other known Isaac Van Voorhees, except possibly Isaac³ Van Voorhees (Albert². Steven¹) , but he was definitely living in New Jersey at the time since he was married in the Reformed Dutch Church of Hackensack in October 1731[4], joined the church there in December 1731,[5] and had no children as of then. 

It is likely that Isaac’s wife was Sarah Wyckoff.  She was previously thought to have married Isaac⁴ (Jan³, Lucas², Stephen¹) Voorhees.  However, it is highly improbable that Isaac would have married at 15 to a woman who was 10 years older that he was.   The witnesses for the baptism of their son, Peter, were Jan Voorhees and Maryke, his wife.[6]  Jan Voorhees is the brother, not the father as previously thought, of Isaac Voorhees.  The Isaac Van Voorhees who was a witness to the deed of Peter Wyckoff, father of Sarah, to his son-in-law, William Couwenhoven, on 26 Oct 1733,[7] and another deed to his sons, Jacob and Cornelius, on 20 Oct 1735[8] was probably Sarah’s husband.

The will[9] of Sarah’s father, Peter Wyckoff, makes a bequest to her children, provided that “the heirs of Isaac Voorhees” execute a deed “according to their father’s bargain.”  This implies that:

1)      Isaac was deceased by 1753, and

2)      either Isaac or Sarah had children by another spouse.

Sarah married 2^nd John Van Arsdalen,[10] so Isaac did not marry 2^nd Helen Barkelow.[11]  Sarah’s 2^nd marriage is not noted in the Van Voorhees Family in America published volumes.

Isaac³ was probably born sometime between 1700 and 1704, before or after his brother Abraham.  There is a second male in his household in 1731 over 10.  He is probably not Sarah’s son, since she would have only been 15 at most when he was born.  Though Isaac may have had a 1^st wife, that is unlikely since he was not born before 1700, so it seems more likely the other older male was not their son.

The children and grandchildren of David, son of Isaac Voorhees and Helen Barkeloo, are mentioned in the will of their cousin, Robert Voorhees.  Given that Isaac, husband of Sarah Wyckoff, did not marry Helen Barkeloo, it is almost certain that Isaac and Sarah had a previously unidentified son named Isaac who did marry Helen Barkeloo.  Helen was baptized on 22 Dec 1723.[12]  Isaac Voorhees and Helena Barcalow were married with license dated 27 May 1754.[13]  The children in Helen’s father’s will[14] appear to be listed by sex, by birth date, so it is unlikely she died young and her parents had a second daughter named Helen later, even though that means she married late.  This suggests that her husband, Isaac, was born in the same time frame, about 1723.  Though their oldest son and 2^nd daughter were named after their maternal grandparents, their 2^nd son and oldest daughter, David and Elizabeth, cannot be traced to any Voorhees couple.  That suggest Isaac may have been married previously.  He may married 1^st a woman named Annetje and had a son, named Isaac baptized at the First Reformed Church of New Brunswick, NJ on 04 Aug 1745.[15]  He was previously thought to be the Isaac⁴ (Jan³, Lucas², Stephen¹) Voorhees, son of Auke Jans Van Voorhees and Catherine Sebring,[16] however, Catherine Sebring married Auke Jans Van Nuys,[17] not Auke Jans Van Voorhees, so he was not Auke’s son.  If correct, his eldest son was named after his paternal grandfather.

It is not known who the early children of Isaac and Sarah were.  One possibility is Jannetje, married Johannes Meyer on 14 Mar 1746/47 at the Reformed Dutch Church of Hackensack, NJ.[18]  Their marriage is not noted in the Van Voorhees Family in America published volumes.  According to their marriage record, Johannes Myer was born and living at Tappan, NY, while Jannetje was born and living in Wyckoff, NJ.  This was an area in Bergen Co. originally settled by John and William Van Voorhees.[19]  William had a daughter named Jannetje, but she died at age 3.[20]  There is not room in the family for there to be another Jannetje born within a reasonable time for her to have married Johannes Meyer.  It is possible the location was incorrectly recorded.  No further trace.  She would have been named after her paternal grandmother.

The naming of his known and possible children, Peter, John and Jannetje, after their grandparents also suggests Isaac’s placement as a son of Jan Lucas Van Voorhees and Jannetje Minnes. Isaac, son of Jan Lucas Van Voorhees, was probably named after his previously unknown paternal uncle.

A late child of theirs could be Willemptje, maiden name unknown, born about 1738, married John Voorhees, son of Lucas Voorhees and Ida Van Arsdalen.[21]  Willemptje’s placement as a Voorhees is speculative based solely on the naming of her children, Sarah and Isaac, and her own name as possibly being named after her maternal grandmother.

---

[1] Van Voorhees Family in America, First Six Generations, by Florence Christoph, p. 4.

[2] Documentary History of New York, E. B. O'Callaghan, (c)1849, Vol. IV, p. 188-200, p. 192  Van Voorhees, ijzaack  2 1 1 2 0 0 0 0  Flatlands 

[3] Barbara Barth suggested that Isaac Voorhees may have been the son of Jan Stephense Van Voorhees, but Isaac is not mentioned in Jan’s will (see VVFA, 1^st 6 Generations, p. 6).  She did not mention the possibility of earlier children as shown in the census.  See Barbara A. Barth, The Dorland Enigma Solved, Sandisfield, MA: Diane Barth Swartz, 2007, p. 167.

[4] Records of the Reformed Dutch Churches of Hackensack and Schraalenburgh, Collections of the Holland Society of New York, Vol. 1, Part 1, 1891, p. 50.

[5] Records of the Reformed Dutch Churches of Hackensack and Schraalenburgh, Collections of the Holland Society of New York, Vol. 1, Part 1, 1891, p. 13.

[6] “Records of the Reformed Dutch Church of New Utrecht,” NYGBR 113:11.

[7] East New Jersey Land Records, 1737-1747 (Books E-2 and F-2), abstracted by Richard Hutchinson, p. 89.

[8] East New Jersey Land Records, 1737-1747 (Books E-2 and F-2), abstracted by Richard Hutchinson, p. 145.

[9] Abstracts of wills on file in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York (Volume V. 1754-1760), ABSTRACTS OF WILLS LIBER 21, page 296

Page 253. In the name of God, Amen, May 25, 1753. I, PETER WYCKOFF, of Flatlands, in Kings County, yeoman, being sick. My executors are to prepare for my wife Elizabeth a sufficient dwelling house, with a good fire place in it, for her own use, for to keep her bedding and household goods in. I also leave her my negro boy "Anthony" during her life, and after her death whatever remains is for my sons. It is my will that my wife s place of abode shall be among my children or grand children, and no where else. I leave to my eldest son Nicholas my largest copper kettle, for his birth right. I leave to my daughter Sarah's children British Pound 300, with the provision that the heirs of Isaac Voorhees shall well and truly execute a deed of conveyance to Abraham Duryee according to their father's bargain. I leave to my daughter Antye's children British Pound 300, with the condition that their father, Nicholas Johnson, shall come to a settlement and division in the Plantation where he now lives with my heirs. I leave to my daughter Jannettie's daughter Willemptie British Pound 300. All the rest of my estate I leave to my, 6 sons, Nicholas, Peter, John, Jacobus, Cornelius, and Marten. I make my sons John and Nicholas executors. Witnesses, Stephen Schenck, Folkert Strong, Nicholas Schenck. Proved, March 23, 1759.

Abstracts of wills on file in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York (Volume XVI. Corrections to Vol.I-V). p. 222, CORRECTIONS ABSTRACTS OF WILLS, VOLUME V. PAGE 296. 16 lines from bottom for Elizabeth Wyckoff read Anne Elizabeth Wyckoff.

[10] 1743 03 Apr; John VanArsdalen, wid; Sarah Voorest, wid, in VanCleef, “Marriages in the Flatbush Reformed Dutch Church,” vol. 1, g 63.  see also Barbara A. Barth, The Dorland Enigma Solved, Sandisfield, MA: Diane Barth Swartz, 2007, p. 167

[11] VVFA, 1^st Six Generations, Florence Christoph, p. 75.

[12] Records of the Dutch Congregations of Freehold and Middletown, Genealogical Magazine of New Jersey (GMNJ), Vol 23, p. 11.

[13] https://wwwnet-dos.state.nj.us/DOS_ArchivesDBPortal/ColonialMarriages.aspx

[14] Documents Relating to the Colonial History of New Jersey, Vol 30, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Vol 2, p. 36.

[15] Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society, New Series, vol. 11, p. 412.  However, this Isaac could be the son of John Lucas Van Voorhees and Mayke Schenck who is otherwise not traceable.

[16] VVFA, 1^st Six Generations, Florence Christoph, p. 34.

[17] Per my earlier article on Auke Jans Van Voorhees.

[18] Records of the Reformed Dutch Churches of Hackensack and Schraalenburgh, Collections of the Holland Society of New York, Vol. 1, Part 1, 1891, p. 64.

[19] See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyckoff,_New_Jersey

[20] Van Voorhees Family in America, Fist Six Generations, Florence Christoph, p. 43.

[21] Her maiden name was not known when VVFA, 1^st Six Generations, was published.  She is mentioned in the will of her father, John Van Arsdalen, though not with her married name.  She is identified as Lucas’ wife in Barbara A. Barth, The Dorland Enigma Solved, Sandisfield, MA: Diane Barth Swartz, 2007, p. 184.  Also identified is a previously unknown daughter of John Voorhees and Ida Van Arsdalen named Lammetje, born about 1726, who married Cornelius Van Arsdalen.

The "Father-In-Law" of Albert Jans Terhune, Peter Nevius

The “Father-In-Law” of Albert Jans Terhune, Peter Nevius

Albert³ Terhune (Jan², Albert¹) married a woman named Aeltje, but her maiden name has been contested.  The Van Voorhees Family in America[1] lists her as the daughter of Gerrit Van Voorhees and Willempje Luyster, and this is supported by a review of most of the records.[2]  However, the will of will Albert Jans Terhune, dated April 11, 1721 at Flatbush, Kings County, New York and probated 18 Dec 1721 at Kings County, New York,[3] names Peter Nevius as Albert’s father-in-law, causing researchers to propose different methods of reconciling that statement in the will with other facts known about the families concerned.

Albert’s wife was named as Aeltje Voorhees in their marriage record of 17 Oct 1708:

"Albert ter Huynen, and Aaltie Voorhees; both born and residing in N. Amersfoort."[4]

The record does not state whether either of them was previously married, but Albert’s will also named Koert Voorhees as his brother-in-law, so Aeltje’s maiden name was almost certainly Voorhees.  

Albert did not have a second wife named Aeltje, as Aeltje Van Voorhees survived him.  She probably married second Jan Elbertsen before 7 Apr 1728 when Jan Elbertsen and Aeltje (not specified as his wife) were witnesses for the baptism of Jan, son of Peter Luyster and Annetje Barkeloo,[5] Peter being Aeltje’s maternal cousin.  The Elbertsen family was living in Flatlands at the time of the 1731 census.[6]  Jan Elbertsen and Aeltje Voorhees, his wife, joined the DRC of NYC, from Flatlands on 22 Aug 1732.[7]  Aeltje, wife of Jan Elbertse, was buried on 4 Dec 1734.[8]

Willempje Pieters Luyster, mother of Aeltje Voorhees, was the mother-in-law of Albert Terhune.  She is mentioned in the will of her husband, Garret Voorhees,[9] dated 1 Oct 1702, which was proved 23 Sep 1704.  As Hmtie. Courtie [her preivous husband’s patronymic name], she married Peter Roos with license dated 21 Sep 1704.[10]  Peter Roos died before 13 May 1713 when his will[11] was proved.  It mentions his wife, Willmeutie, and their son, John.  Peter Roos is listed in the 1709 Tax List of the East Ward of NYC.[12]  There is a gap of 12 years in the surviving records, but Willemptje does not appear in the later lists, even though she was to inherit everything from her husband during her life.  Willempje herself died in 1744.[13]  This suggests she remarried and/or moved.

Peter Nevius’ first wife, Jannetje Schenck, probably died before 1 Mar 1718 as she is not mentioned in a deed from that date by Peter Nevius to Albert Terhune.[14]  No marriage record has been found for Peter Nevius and Willempje Luyster, but based on the reference in Albert Terhune’s will, it is almost certain they did so by 1721, Peter Nevius then being Albert’s step-father-in-law. 

An additional change follows from identifying Aeltje, wife of Albert Terhune.  On 10 Jun 1711, Marike and her husband, Roelof Terhune, and Aelkie, and her husband Albert Terhune, being daughters of Garret Coert Van Voorhees, sold their two of sixth parts of land in Flatlands to Coert Van Voorhees, Peter Rose [step-father of Marike and Aelkie Voorhees] being one of the witnesses.[15]  In short, sisters Mary and Aeltje Voorhees, married brothers, Roelof and Albert Terhune.  Mary did not marry Jan Remsen as previously thought.  Roelof Terhune and Mary Gerrits [VanVoorhees] were married on 5 May 1706 at the Reformed Dutch Church of Flatlands, NY.[16]  The will of Roelof Terhune [17] mentions his wife; sons: Garret and Albert; daughters: Annetje, Willemptje, Mary, Styntje, Aeltje and Margaret.

[1] The Van Voorhees Family in America, The First Six Generations, by Florence A. Christoph, pages 14 and 15, as recently shown that Aeltje did not married John Willemse.  See also footnote 2.

[2] http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~batrhune/genealogy/Early%20Dutch%20Family%20Ties/page35.htm

[3] http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~batrhune/genealogy/Early%20Dutch%20Family%20Ties/page35.htm

[4] Records of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Flatbush, Kings County, New York, translated and edited by David William Voorhees, p. 287.

[5] Records of the New Utrecht Reformed Church, RECORD 112 (1981):134.

[6] The Documentary History of the State of New York arranged under direction of the Hon. Christopher Morgan, Secretary of State, by E.B. O'Callagahan, Volume IV, pp. 122-131. Albany: Charles van Benthuysen, 1851.

[7] Records of the Reformed Dutch Church in the City of New York, NYGBR vol. 60, p. 280

[8] Year Book of the Holland Society of New York, 1899, Record of Burials in the Dutch Church, New York, p. 162

[9] Abstracts of wills on file in the Surrogates Office, City of New York (Volume I. 1665-1707)  ABSTRACTS OF WILLS LIBER 7. p. 395

[10] Marriage Licenses Issued by the State of New York - Supplementary List 1665-1786, University of the State of New York, State Library Bulletin, History.no. 1, Apr 1898.

[11] Abstracts of wills on file in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York (Volume II. 1708-1728) ABSTRACTS OF WILLS LIBER 8. p. 105

[12] New York City Assessment Rolls 1699-1734, Family History Library Film 0448033.  For more description see NYGBR Newsletter Fall 1996, p. 26.

[13] Lincoln C. Cocheu, "The Van Kouwenhoven-Conover Family", New York Genealogical and Biographical Record Vol.70-71,81-83 (1939-40, 1950-52): 71:72.

[14] Kings County Conveyances, Liber 4, p. 177.

[15] Kings County, NY, Deeds, Liber 3, p. 213.

[16] Records of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Flatbush, Kings County, New York, translated and edited by David William Voorhees, p. 281.

[17] Abstracts of wills on file in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York (Volume VI. 1760-1766), ABSTRACTS OF WJLLS LIBER 23. LIBER 23, p. 74.