Strange Case of Peter Voorhees Stryker

 The Strange Case of Peter Voorhees of Wakarusa, Douglas Co., KS

Peter first appears in Kansan on 10 Mar 1877, when Peter Voorhees of Lawrence, Douglas Co., KS bought land in Douglas Co., KS from G.W. Griffith.  On 1 Sep 18771.  Peter Voorhees and his wife, Elizabeth S. of Lawrence, Douglas, KS, sold the same land in Douglas Co., KS to John Chilcote.2  Peter Voorhees appears in the 1880 census Wakarusa, Douglas Co., KS,3 age 33, born in NJ, parents born in NJ, with his wife, Elizabeth S, 27, born in PA, ill with congestion of the liver.  However, a Peter Voorhees matching this description was not found anywhere in the 1850 through 1870 census indexes.  So, who was he?

Understanding Peter Voorhees begins with learning more about his aunt, Anna S. Groome Voorhees (41657), daughter of Peter J. Voorhees and Cornelia Berrian4 of Somerset Co., NJ.  Her middle name “Groome” was actually her married name, as she married Nathaniel C. Groom on 17 Dec 1867 in Henderson, IL.5  They are listed in the 1870 census of Town 8 Range 4 of Henderson Co., IL with their daughter Cora Mae, age 1 and Charles Voorhees, age 216 (her nephew, son of her brother, John Berrian Voorhees (40858)).  By 1880 they had moved to Halstead, Havey, Kansas where they are listed in that census7 with no children.

Her connection with Peter is first found in the 1900 census of Wakarusa, Douglas Co., KS8 where she is listed as his aunt in the household of Peter Voorhees, born Nov 1845 in NJ, age 55, parents born in NJ, along with N. C. Groom, uncle, born Jul 1840 in NJ, and Ann Groom, aunt, born Jun 1829 in NJ, had 2 children, none living, parents born in NJ.  Peter is listed in the 1910 census of Wakarusa, Douglas Co., KS,9 aged 64, born in NJ, parents born in NJ, married once 34 years ago.  He moved to Fishing River, Clay, MO by 1920, where he is listed in the 1920 census10 again in the household of Anna Groom, age 90, born in NJ.  He is listed as Peter Voorhees, age 74, born NJ, parents born in NJ., nephew.  However, he is not a son of any of Ann’s brothers.

The connection between Anna Voorhees Groom and Peter Voorhees begins to become clearer in his will, written on 20 Jun 1920 in Clay Co., MO and was proved on 19 Oct 1921.  It mentions monetary bequests to several people with the remainder to "my two daughters, my only children, viz: Lissie J. Prevost and Julie M. Stryker, both of Trenton, NJ.”11  These children are the key to his real name.

A review of the census records of 1900 of census12 Trenton, Mercer, NJ: lists Alice Stryker, b Dec 1848, age 51, married, 3 children, 2 living; b NJ; Julia M, daughter, b Apr 1876, age 24, single, b NJ, parents b NJ; Harry S. Probost, son-in-law, b Jan 1868, married 4 years; Lizzie J., daughter, b May 1873, age 27, no children, b NJ, parents b. NJ.  In the1920 census of Trenton, Lizzie and Harry Provost, and Julia M. Stryker are living in separate households.  The names of Alice’s children and their location are the same as those of the children of Peter Voorhees.

Alice Van Dyck married Peter V Stryker on 25 Oct 1871 at Princeton, West Windsor, Mercer, NJ.13  She and her daughters (without her husband) are living with her mother, Elizabeth [Jewell] Vandike, in the 1880 census of West Windsor, Mercer Co., NJ.14  Alice died on 10 Jan 1912,15 and is buried at Riverview Cemetery, Trenton, NJ

Peter Voorhees Stryker was the son of Henry Stryker and Sarah Maria Voorhees.  He was living with his parents, age 24, single, in the 1870 census of Montgomery, Somerset, NJ.16  He does not appear in any later census indexes.  The will of Henry Stryker of Montgomery Township, Somerset Co., NJ, written on 26 Dec 1892 mentions his wife, Sarah M, his son, Peter V. Stryker, his grandchildren: Lizzia J. Stryker and Julia Stryker, among other children and grandchildren,17 again mirroring the children of Peter Voorhees.  Peter V. Stryker died on 7 Oct 1921 (less than two weeks before the will of Peter Voorhees was proved) and is buried in the Blawenburg Cemetery, Montgomery Twp., Somerset Co., NJ.18

Sarah Voorhees was born in June 1826.19  She married Henry Stryker on 20 Feb 1845 in Somerset Co., NJ.20  Though she is not identified in the Van Voorhees Family in America, she was undoubtedly also a daughter of Peter J. Voorhees and Cornelia Berrian,21 supported by the 1830 census of Montgomery Twp., Somerset Co., NJ22 which shows there is an additional, previously unknown daughter under 5 years old living in Peter’s household.  Her son, Peter V. Stryker, aka Peter Voorhees, would then be the nephew of Anna S. Voorhees.

A few questions remain:

1. Why did he use the name Peter Voorhees, instead of Peter Voorhees Stryker?

2. Did he ever actually change his surname to Voorhees?

3. Did he ever actually marry Elizabeth as no marriage record under either surname has been found.

Finishing on Anna Voorhees Groom, her daughter, Cora Mae, was born on 26 May 1869 and died on 26 Oct 1871.  Her son, Henry VanDoren, was born 2 Octo 1871, and died 23 Aug 1874.  By 1910, Anna was living in Halstead, Harvey, MO where she is listed in the census as being 81 years old, a widow born in NJ.  She probably died shortly before Peter Voorhees wrote his will as no provision is made for her.

Endnotes

1.  Douglas Co., KS Deeds, Vol 16, p. 128.

2.  Douglas Co., KS Deeds, Vol 16, p. 317

3.  1880 US Census Wakarusa, Douglas Co., KS, online at: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYBC-D11?cc=1417683&wc=XZ92-GP8%3A1589403245%2C1589395616%2C1589403484%2C1589395538

4.  Florence Christoph, Van Voorhees Family in America, First Six Generations, p. 600.

5.  Illinois, County Marriages, 1810-1940; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939J-KQ95-YJ?cc=1803970&wc=3264-T38%3A146159701

6.  1870 US Census of Town 8 Range 4 of Henderson Co., IL, online at: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-63B9-M88?cc=1438024&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AM64Q-7HH 

7.  1880 US Census of Halstead, Havey, Kansas, online at https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YYB-CHK?cc=1417683&wc=XC47-K68%3A1589403245%2C1589404436%2C1589404661%2C1589398807

8.  1900 US Census of Wakarusa, Douglas Co., KS, online at: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-6QFS-SXH?cc=1325221&wc=9B7S-3TB%3A1031093901%2C1030788401%2C1032685901

9.  1910 US Census of Wakarusa, Douglas Co., KS, online at: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYB4-JDC?cc=1727033&wc=QZZC-47C%3A133640801%2C133718401%2C137001101%2C1589089109

10.  1920 US Census of Fishing River, Clay, MO, online at: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9RN1-9CNN?cc=1488411&wc=QZJY-DD6%3A1036473201%2C1036795101%2C1037472101%2C1589332490 

11.  Clay, MO Wills, Vol K, p 305

12.  1900 US Census of Trenton, Mercer, NJ, online at: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-DTG9-97Q?cc=1325221&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AM9FG-L54 

13.  New Jersey Marriages, book BK, pg. 539

14.  1880 US Census of West Windsor, Mercer Co., NJ, online at: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YB5-T1?cc=1417683&wc=XWGH-FM9%3A1589408696%2C1589400935%2C1589409242%2C1589395390

15.  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24710498/alice-stryker

16.  1870 US Census of Montgomery, Somerset, NJ, online at: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-DTJ3-M3C?cc=1438024&wc=KPZF-T38%3A518652701%2C518991201%2C518958901 9 

17.  Somerset Co., NJ Wills, Vol N, p 213.

18.  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/35717826/peter-voorhees-stryker

19.  1900 Census of Millstone, Somerset, NJ, online at: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6WJW-WCC?cc=1325221&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AM9ND-F71 

20.  Somerset County Historical Quarterly Vol 8, p 208.

21.  See family tree of Sarah Maria Voorhees at: https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/K85D-MBH

22.  1830 US Census of Montgomery Twp., Somerset Co., NJ, online at: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YYF-9CJT?cc=1803958&wc=35Y4-B81%3A1588480903%2C1588477714%2C1588471434

The Family of Roelof Couwenhoven and Annetje Stryker

The Family of Roelof Couwenhoven and Annetje Stryker

This article is mainly concerned with the daughters of Roelof⁶ Couwenhoven (Albert⁵, William⁴, Gerrit³, Wolfert², Gerrit¹) and Annetje Stryker.  In particular, Samuel Stevenson is suggested as a possible husband of their daughter, Sarah.  Comments on this suggestion are welcome.  The other members of the family are reviewed for completeness. 

Roelof Couwenhoven was the son of Albert Van Couwenhoven and Neeltje Schenck, born 1703. [1]  The family moved to Monmouth, NJ by 1709 when Albert Van Couwenhoven and his wife, Neeltje Schenck, were listed as members. [2]  He married Annetje Stryker before 24 Oct 1731 when their oldest son, Albert⁷, was baptized at the DRC of Freehold, Monmouth, NJ [3].  Albert, their son, is said to have married a woman named Sarah and had seven children. 

Roelof and Annetje’s son, Jan⁷, was baptized on 11 Mar 1732/33 at the DRC of Freehold, Monmouth, NJ. [4]  He married a woman named Elizabeth, possibly the daughter of Dennis and Mary Hegeman, baptized on 08 Jun 1744 at the DRC of Harlingen. [5]  Jan and Elizabeth had six children baptized at the DRC of Harlingen, NJ. [6] 

Roelof and Annetje probably had an undocumented daughter named Margaret⁷ born about 1737.  Margaret was the wife of Enoch Elbertsen.  They were married before 8 May 1757 when their eldest child, Annetje, was baptized at the DRC of Harlingen. [7]  Enoch was the son of Johannes Elbertson, mentioned in his will to receive the remainder of his estate after other bequests in his will dated 1755 in NYC, NY. [8]  Their children were:  
1)      Annetje⁸, baptized 8 May 1757, named after her maternal grandmother; died young.
2)      Annetje, baptized 6 Apr 1760 [9], named after her deceased sister.
3)      John, baptized 22 May 1763 [10], named after his paternal grandfather; died young.
4)      Sarah, baptized 13 Apr 1766 [11], named after her maternal aunt.
5)      Roelof, baptized 8 May 1768 [12], named after his maternal grandfather; died young.
6)      John, baptized 1 Apr 1770, [13] named after his deceased brother.
7)      Roelof, baptized 8 May 1774, [14] named after his deceased brother.
8)      Maria, named in her father’s will. [15]
9)      Aeltje, mentioned in her father’s will.
Roelof Couwenhoven, presumably the paternal grandfather, was the witness for Annetje.  Margaret was the witness for her youngest brother, Roelof, baptized on 28 JUL 1756 at the DRC of Harlingen. [16]  Margaret herself was named after her maternal grandmother, Margaret Schenk. [17] 

Roelof and Annetje’s family moved to Somerset Co., NJ by 29 Oct 1741 when their daughter, Annetje⁷, was baptized at the DRC of Harlingen, [18] Somerset Co., NJ.  No further trace. 

Roelof and Annetje’s daughter, Neeltje⁷, was baptized on 11 Jun 1744 at the First Reformed Church of New Brunswick. [19]  She is probably the Eleanor Couwenhoven who married Richard Sansbury by license dated 19 Jul 1764. [20]  He was of Amwell, Hunterdon, NJ at the time.

Richard died before 1790 when his widow, Eleanor, then wife of William Kearney, renounced the administration of his estate in favor of their son, Ralph. [21]  Enoch Elbertsen, Eleanor’s probable brother-in-law, was one of the witnesses to the renunciation. 

Richard and Eleanor’s son, Ralph, married Eleanor Van Pelt, daughter of John and Catherine Van Pelt.  In the will of her father dated 17 Jun 1807, [22] she is named as Eleanor Sansbury and his son-in-law, Ralph Sansbury, was appointed as one of the executors.  Ralph was one of the executors of the estate of Enoch Elbertson, whose will dated 12 May 1800 was written in Montgomery Twp, Somerset, NJ. [23]  Enoch's wife, Margaret, was Ralph's maternal aunt. 

Roelof and Annetje’s daughter, Sarah⁷, was baptized on 27 Dec 1748 at the DRC of Harlingen. [24]  Though speculative, she may have married Samuel Stevenson after 12 Mar 1778 when his marriage intentions were recorded in the Kingwood Monthly Meeting records,[25] though his bride’s name is not stated.  This possibility is suggested by DNA evidence, but is by no means conclusive.  A deed dated 9 May 1821 for 1/3 portion of intestate estate of Elizabeth Stevenson, sister of Samuel, was executed by his children: [26]
 - James Iiff & wife Grace [Stevenson]
 - William Stevenson & wife Catherine
 - Ralph Stevenson & wife Ann
 - John Woolverton & wife Rebecca [Stevenson]
 - Conrad Honnes & wife Rachel [Stevenson]
 - Henry Anderson & wife Elizabeth [Stevenson]
 - Sarah Stevenson
 - Nancy Stevenson
The names Rebecca, Rachel and Elizabeth came from the Stevenson family.  It is likely that the names Ralph (Roelof) and Nancy (Ann) came from Sarah’s side of the family. 

Roelof and Annetje’s son, Roelof⁷, was baptized on 28 Jul 1756 at the DRC of Harlingen. [27]  No further trace. 

Roelof Couwenhoven, Sr. is included in a list of freeholders in the Western Precinct of Somerset Co., NJ in 1753. [28]

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[1] The Conover Family, by Charles Hopkins Conover, pg. 18.
[2] Records of the Dutch Congregations of Freehold and Middletown, Genealogical Magazine of New Jersey (Freehold, GMNJ), vol. 22, pg. 3.
[3] Freehold, GMNJ, vol. 23, pg. 67.
[4] The Conover Family, by Charles Hopkins Conover, pg. 18.
[5] Records of the Harlingen Reformed Dutch Church, (Harlingen) GMNJ, vol. 17, pg. 83.
[6] Harlingen, GMNJ: Annetje, vol. 18, pg. 82; Dennis, vol. 18, pg. 86; Maria, vol. 19, pg. 13; Roelof, vol. 19, pg. 34; John, vol. 19, pg. 38; Joseph, vol. 19, pg. 87.
[7] Harlingen, GMNJ, vol. 18, pg. 43.
[8] Abstracts of wills on file in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York (Volume VI. 1760-1766), ABSTRACTS OF WILLS LIBER 22, pg. 63.
[9] Harlingen, GMNJ, vol. 18, pg. 59.
[10] Harlingen, GMNJ, vol. 18, pg. 84.
[11] Harlingen, GMNJ, vol. 19, pg. 13.
[12] Harlingen, GMNJ, vol. 19, pg. 34.
[13] Harlingen, GMNJ, vol. 19, pg. 37.
[14] Harlingen, GMNJ, vol. 19, pg. 64.
[15] Documents Relating to the Colonial, Revolutionary and Post-Revolutionary History of New Jersey, Vol 38, Calendar of Wills, Vol 9, pg. 119
[16] Harlingen, GMNJ, vol. 18, pg. 42.
[17] Margaret is named as the wife of John Stryker in the will of her father, Johannes Schenck. Abstract of wills on file in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York (Volume IV. 1744-1753) , ABSTRACTS OF WILLS LIBER 16. pg. 157 Page 230.
[18] Harlingen, GMNJ vol. 17, pg. 81.
[19] Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society, Vol 11, pg. 411
[20] Documents Relating to the Colonial, Revolutionary and Post-Revolutionary History of New Jersey, Vol 22, pg. 95.
[21] Documents Relating to the Colonial, Revolutionary and Post-Revolutionary History of New Jersey, Vol 36, Calendar of Wills, Vol 7, pg. 195
[22] Documents Relating to the Colonial, Revolutionary and Post-Revolutionary History of New Jersey, Vol 40, Calendar of Wills, Vol 11, pg. 352.
[23] Documents Relating to the Colonial, Revolutionary and Post-Revolutionary History of New Jersey, Vol 38, Calendar of Wills, Vol 9, pg. 119.
[24] Genealogical Magazine of New Jersey, vol 17, pg. 86.
[25] James W. Moore, Records of the Kingwood Monthly Meeting of Friends, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, pg. 11.
[26] THE WOOLVERTON FAMILY: 1693 – 1850 and Beyond, Volume I, by David A. Macdonald, Nancy N. McAdams, from Hunterdon County Deed Book 34:328
[27] Harlingen, GMNJ vol. 18, pg. 42.
[28] Eighth Century Freeholders in New Jersey, GMNJ, vol 18, pg. 13.

The Family of Gerrit Stryker and Wyntje Boomgaert

The Family of Gerrit Stryker and Wyntje Boomgaert

In an ongoing effort to identify one of my ancestors, a review of the family of Jacob³ Williamson (William², William¹) and his wife, Mary, was undertaken.  Though that effort did not attain its goal, some useful information about the family was obtained. It now appears that Jacobus’ wife, Mary, was the daughter of Gerrit Stryker and Wyntje Boomgaert.

In Gerrit’s will,[1] written in 1693, he names sons, Jacobus and Cornelius, and his daughters Ida, Geesje, Maria, Catheine, and Jannetje.  Gerritje was born after his will was written.[2] The 1698 census of Flatlands, NY,[3] under the Widow Stryker, lists 1 woman and 8 children.  It appears all their children as listed below, except Gezina, were alive then.

The first step in identifying Mary’s ancestry was identifying the husbands of the daughters of Gerrit Stryker and Wyntje Boomgaert.  William Stryker in “The Stryker Family in America” identified Thomas Lake,[4] son of Daniel Lake and Martha Griggs, as the husband Jannetje.  He also identified Jan Wyckoff as the husband of Gerritje.[5] However, Gerritje's husband was shown to be incorrect in “The Dorland Enigma Resolved.[6]

The identification of Jannetje Stryker as the wife of Thomas Lake comes, in part, from the witnesses at the baptism[7] of their son, Thomas:

1718 Oct 19; Thomas Leake, Jannetje Stryker; Thomas; Cornelis Stryker, Gerritje Stryker

The witnesses were the child’s maternal uncle and maternal aunt.

In his will[8] Thomas Lake names among his children, order uncertain, John, Ellen, Garret and Winifred, named after their grandparents.

That William Golden was the husband of Geesje Stryker can be seen from the witnesses for the baptisms of their children and the naming of their children. They were:

11 Mar 1711;[9] Nicholas; Jochem Gulick, Jacomintje Gulick

9 Mar 1714;[10] Jacobus; Jacobus Styker, Catrijntie Gregs;

9 Jan 1716;[11] Neeltje; Theunis Bergen, Marritje Bergen

18 Apr 1718;[12] Catrintje; Cornelis Stryker, Gerritje Stryker;

3 Apr 1720;[13] Anna; Richard Stillwell, Catrina his dau;

12 May 1723[14] Nicholas; Isaac Van Hoeck, Catalyn Van Hoeck;

5 Mar 1727;[15] Jacobus Jacobus Stryker, Marretie Stryker

22 Mar 1730;[16] Jacob; Johannes Polhemus, Geesjy Polhemus

The witnesses include both of her brothers, Jacobus and Cornelius, and two of her sisters, Gerritje and Mary.  The also include Catherine Griggs, probably her sister, and Richard Stillwell, probably husband of her sister, Ida.

William and Geesje had another son, Joseph, born about 1707, mentioned in his will.[17] They had another daughter, Wyntje, born about 1712, also mentioned in his will.  No baptismal record has been found for either of them.  Wyntje married Abraham Hendricksen with license dated 14 Apr 1737.[18] Her oldest son, William, was named after his maternal grandfather,[19] his maternal grandparents being the witnesses at his baptism.  Thus it appears that their oldest two sons and their oldest two daughters were named after their grandparents.

Catherine Stryker’s marriage to Daniel Griggs is uncertain.  She is probably the Catherine Gregs mentioned earlier. 

Ida Stryker’s marriage to Richard Stillwell is uncertain but likely.  From the list of the children in her father’s will, she appears to be the eldest, born about 1675.  Richard first married Maria Golder.[20] Maria may have only been the mother of his eldest son, Daniel, born about 1702.[21] His later children, Catherine, Nicholas, Maria and Richard, all had children named Ida,[22] presumably after their paternal grandmother. Richard Stillwell and his daughter, Catherine, appear as witnesses for his wife’s presumed niece, Anna Golden, mentioned earlier, in 1720.  Given her presence as a witness, Catherine was born by 1708 or earlier.

Mary is presumed to have married Jacobus Williamson, based on the witnesses for the baptism of Jacobus,[23] son of Jacobus and Mary Williamson.[24] One was Thomas Lake, probably the husband of Jannetje Stryker, mentioned earlier.  The other was Catherine Stillwell.  By process of elimination, she was almost certainly the daughter of Richard Stillwell, probably the husband of Ida Stryker. See the blog post on Jacobus Williamson[25] for their probable children, including two named after their paternal grandparents and one, Gerrit, named after his presumed maternal grandfather.

Genealogical Summary

The children of Gerrit Stryker and Wyntje Boomgaert were:

1) Ida, b. abt. 1675, named after her paternal grandmother, m Richard Stillwell

2) Gezina, bap. 9 Dec 1677,[26] named after her maternal grandmother, died young.

3) Jannetje, bap. 26 Dec 1679,[27] named after her maternal aunt, m Thomas Lake

4) Jacobus, bap. 27 Aug 1682,[28] named after his paternal grandfather, m Martha Griggs

5) Geesje, bap. 11 Jan 1685,[29] named after her sister, m William Golden, died after 1717.

6) Maria, b. abt. 1686, named after her maternal aunt, m Jacobus Williamson

7) Catherine, b. abt. 1688, m Daniel Griggs, died before 1718

8) Cornelius, b. abt. 1692, named after his maternal grandfather, m Rebecca Hubbard

9) Gerritje, bap. 14 Nov 1694 at DRC of Brooklyn, named after her father, d aft 1717

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[1] Page 473. GERRITT STRYCKER. In the name of God, Amen. I, Gerritt Strycker, of the town of Flatlands, in Kings County, being weak in body, my will is that my wife, Weyntie Strycker, shall remain in full possession of all estate, houses, and lands, but if she re-marry, then she shall deliver up one half before the solemnization of her marriage. And after her decease, all the estate is to go to my children, Eyda, Jacobus, Geesie, Maria, Catharine, Jannettie and Cornelius. My eldest son, Jacobus Strycker, is to have £12 10s as a free gift. Dated at the house of the testator, May 24, 1693, and signed, sealed and published in the presence of the underwriters, the testator being in his full witt and understanding, for so much as we could see.~ Jacob Strycker, Coert Stevense, Jacobus Vandewater. Abstracts of wills on file in the Surrogates Office, City of New York (Volume I. 1665-1707), Abstracts of wills, liber 7, pg 458

[2] 14 Nov 1694; Gerritje; parents: Gerrit Strijker, Wijntje Bogaart; witnesses: Hendrik Wijcof, Ida Strijkers [maternal uncle, paternal grandmother][DRC of Brooklyn]

[3] Documentary History of the State of New York, vol 3, pg 133.

[4] William Stryker, The Stryker Family in America, vol. 3, page 19

[5] William Stryker, The Stryker Family in America, vol. 3, page 20

[6] Barbara A. Barth, The Dorland Enigma Resolved, page 155

[7] Collections of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, Vol 4, Staten Island Church Records, p. 20.

[8] Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New Jersey, Vol 33, Calendar of Wills, Vol 4, p. 238

[9] Records of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, Long Island, transcribed by Kenn Stryker-Rodda, RECORD 105:97

[10] Records of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, Long Island, transcribed by Kenn Stryker-Rodda, RECORD 105:203

[11] Records of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, Long Island, transcribed by Kenn Stryker-Rodda, RECORD 105:207

[12] Records of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, Long Island, transcribed by Kenn Stryker-Rodda, RECORD 106:22

[13] Baptisms in Gravesend, New York Church Records 1715-1763" online at https://www.olivetreegenealogy.com/nn/church/gravesend1.shtml

[14] Records of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, Long Island, transcribed by Kenn Stryker-Rodda, RECORD 106:93

[15] Records of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, Long Island, transcribed by Kenn Stryker-Rodda, RECORD 106:203

[16] Records of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, Long Island, transcribed by Kenn Stryker-Rodda, RECORD 107:35

[17] Abstracts of Wills on File in the Surrogate’s Office, City of New York, Volume X, p. 210.

[18] New York Marriages Previous to 1784, with Additions and Correction, by Kenneth Scott, p. 155 

[19] Records of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, Long Island, transcribed by Kenn Stryker-Rodda, RECORD 107:209

[20] Stillwell Genealogy, by John Stillwell, Vol 3, p. 17.

[21] Stillwell Genealogy, by John Stillwell, Vol 3, p. 16.

[22] Stillwell Genealogy, by John Stillwell, Vol 3, p. 17.

[23] Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society, PNJHS, vol. 11, p. 207 

[24] First Reformed Church of New Brunswick Baptisms, Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society, vol. 11, p. 207

[25] The Probable Family of Jacobus Williamson, New Netherland Ancestry, online at https://newnetherlandancestry.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-probable-family-of-jacobus3.html

[26] Records of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Flatbush, Kings County, New York, Vol 1, by David William Voorhees, p. 382

[27] Records of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Flatbush, Kings County, New York, Vol 1, by David William Voorhees, p. 395

[28] Records of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Flatbush, Kings County, New York, Vol 1, by David William Voorhees, p. 418

[29] Records of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Flatbush, Kings County, New York, Vol 1, by David William Voorhees, p. 434

The Probable Family of Jacobus Williamson (William2, William1 Gerritsen)

The Probable Family of Jacobus³ Williamson (William², William¹ Gerritsen)

Jacobus, baptized 17 Apr 1720 at New Brunswick, NJ, lived much of his life in Franklin Township, Somerset Co., NJ.  His wife was probably Mary, daughter of Gerrit Stryker and Wyntje Boomgard.[1] They may have had the following children (not in birth order):

1) Gerrit[2], husband of Maria Groenendyck as mentioned in her father Samuel’s will[3].  He was named after his presumed maternal grandfather, Gerrit Stryker.  Children:

      a) Mayke (Maica), named after her maternal grandmother, Mayke Ver Kerk

      b) Jacobus, named after his paternal grandfather

      c) Catherine, named after her paternal great aunt, Catherine Stryker

2) William.  He was previously tentatively identified as the son of Peter³ (William^2-1, Peter¹.)[4]  However, his father, Jacobus, and he are mentioned in a series of deeds for land near Rocky Hill where William wrote his will in 1776.  The first is a deed dated 16 Jul 1722 from William Harrison to Henry Harrison, both of Rocky Hill, for land bordering land of Jacobus Williamson.[5]  A deed in 1752 mentions land bordering the land of the heirs of Jacobus Williamson, dec.[6], A deed in 1753 and one in 1755 mention land bordering William and Jacobus Williamson.[7]  Jacobus’ father had died by 1745 when his mother is listed on the Tax List of Franklin Twp.[8], instead of Jacobus.  The land they both occupied in 1753 is in the same location as that of the land “of the heirs of Jacobus Williamson”.  The estate was still not settled by 1752, so Mary was probably still alive at the time.  These clearly suggest that he is the brother of Jacobus, son of Jacobus and Mary Williamson, baptized on 17 Apr 1720.[9]  William would have been named after his paternal grandfather.  His will mentions his wife, Ann, and the children listed below (their naming noted as well):

      a) Peter, naming unknown, possibly his maternal grandfather.

      b) Catherine, possibly named after her paternal great aunt, Catherine Stryker

      c) Sarah, named after her paternal aunt

      d) Ann, named after her mother

      e) Jacob, named after his paternal grandfather

3) Jacobus,[10] husband of Mary, baptized in 1720.  He was named after his father.  His children, in birth order, were named:

      a) James, named after his paternal grandfather

      b) William, named after his paternal uncle

      c) Hendrick

      d) Mary, named after her paternal grandmother

      e) Gerrit, named after his paternal uncle

      f) Annetje

      g) Sarah, named after her paternal aunt

      h) Joseph

      i) Wyntje, named after her paternal great grandmother, Wyntje Boomgard.

      j) Cornelius

4) probably Sarah, wife of Abraham Voorhees.  A Mary Willimse was the witness for her daughter, Mary, in 1752 at the DRC of Harlingen,[11] possibly Sarah’s mother.  Abraham was the son of Auke Voorhees and his probable wife, Barentje Prall (she was not Catherine Sebring as the Voorhees Association has her)[12].  Their children, in order of birth[13], were named

      a) Ouke, after his paternal grandfather

      b) Mary, after her maternal grandmother

      c) James, after his maternal grandfather

      d) Barentje, after her paternal grandmother

      e) Gerrit, after his maternal uncle

      g) Abraham, after his father

      h) Roelof

5) possibly Mayke, wife of Denys Hegeman, named after her paternal grandmother.  I don’t have any information to support her maiden name as Williamson, so the identification of her parents is speculative.  Her children included:

      a) Jacobus, baptized 4 Feb 1741[14] named after his maternal grandfather

      b) Sarah, baptized 29 Jan 1749[15] named after her maternal aunt

      c) Gerrit, baptized 12 Jan 1752,[16] named after his maternal uncle

      d) Johannes, baptized 20 Mar 1757[17]

A Note Concerning the Second Wife of Peter³ Williamson (William^2-1)

“The Williamson Family of Gravesend”[18] suggests that Peter’s first wife, Cornelia Johnson, may have died young and Peter remarried.  Barbara Barth[19] identifies his second wife as Geertje Dorland, born about 1712, daughter of Gerrit Gerritsen Dorland and Geertje Gerrits.  Barth identifies her husband as Peter Williamson, but does not mention his parents.  He was almost certainly Peter³ Williamson (William^2-1).  She identifies two children for the couple, but based on baptismal records there was a third, Cornelia, also suggested in “The Williamson Family of Gravesend."

Cornelia Willems married Jacob/Seems (sic) Berry and had four children baptized at Flatlands and Flatbush, the ones at Flatbush being the only ones that identify the mother as Cornelia Willems.  Their children were: Peter, baptized 7 May 1749, witnesses Peter Williamson and Geertje Dorlant[20]; Ariantie, baptized 23 Jun 1751 at Flatbush[21] and recorded also at Flatlands; Geertje, baptized 14 Oct 1753 at Flatbush;[22] and Charles, baptized 11 Jul 1756 at Flatlands.[23]  Barth suggests that the father may be Samuel (Seems, not Jacob), husband of Jacomyntje, but his will makes no mention of any of these as his children.[24]  Jacob’s father was probably the Sarels Berrij listed in the 1738 census, taken in 1731, of New Utrecht.[25]  In two baptismal records [26]at the DRC of New Utrecht his wife’s name is listed as Elizabeth.  Charles may have previously married Arriantje Van Dyck, daughter of Tjerck and Pieteneeltje Van Dyck, who was deceased by 1 May 1743 when her father wrote his will,[27]  whose children are mentioned, but not named.  If correct, then their four children were named after their grandparents.  Based on the naming of their children and the presence of Peter Williamson and Geertje Dorland as witnesses, Cornelia was almost certainly their daughter.

The 1738/1731 census of Gravesend[28] shows that Peter Williamson had 4 daughters under the age of 10.  Cornelia was probably named after Peter’s first wife, Cornelia Johnson. 

---

[1] See the post regarding The Family of Gerrit Stryker and Wyntje Boomgaert.

[2] The Williamson Family of Gravesend, Aline L. Garretson, PhD, RECORD 136:189

[3] Abstract of wills on file in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York (Volume IV. 1744-1753), pg 469

469 Page 439. In the name of God, Amen, August 8, 1753, I, SAMUEL GROENENDYCK, of New York, Gent., being sick. All debts are to be paid by my executors, and my clothing or apparell belonging to my body shall altogether be delivered unto my son Cornelius, before any division is made. ~ My wife Maria shall have, possess, and enjoy all my estate, real and personal, and the income of my house rents while she i e- mains my widow, and after her decease her burial charges are to paid out of my estate; and all her clothes shall be delivered to her daughter, Catalina Warner. Whereas I have given to my son Petrus for his outfit at the time of his marriage, to the value of £70, and I have given to my son Johanes, for his outfit £45, and to my daughter Maria, wife of Geritt Willemse £50, and to my son Nicholas £50, and to my daughter Catalina, wife of Luke Kierstead £45, I therefore order that my son Cornelius shall have for his outfit £45, and my daughter Sara £45. I have given to my son Petrus £100 and he is to pay £5 per annum so long as it remains due. I leave to my 6 children, Johanes, Maria, Nicholas, Catalina, Cornelius, and Sara, each £100, and if there be any more it is to be divided among my 7 children. I make my wife Maria, and Petrus Groenendyck, of New Utrecht, in Kings County, and Luke Kierstead, tailor, of New York, executors. Witnesses, John Man, cordwainer, Richard Kip, Charles Phillips, cooper. Proved, January 23, 1754, and confirmed by James De Lancey, Esq., Lieutenant. Governor.

[4] The Williamson Family of Gravesend, Aline L. Garretson, PhD, RECORD 136:64

[5] Pg 110, 16 Jul 1722… William Harrison of Rocky Hill… sells to Henry Harrison…a farm or plantation tr. in Somerset Co., by John Stevens land one side of Milstone …along sd. Gulick’s & Cobus Williamson’s land…

East Jersey Land Records, abstracted by Richard Hitchinson, pg 99

[6] Pg 118.  25 Oct 1752.  Deed of Samuel Gulick & others  to John Stevens for land belonging to Johannes Gulick, dec'd which he bought of Henry Harrison by deed dated 22 Feb 1727, in Somerset Co., bounded on west by the east side of Millstone River, north by Nicholas Britton & Nicholas Veghte, east by the heirs of Jacobus Williamson, dec'd and south by Abraham Polhemus.

East Jersey Land Records, abstracted by Richard Hitchinson

[7] Pg 351.  29 Jan 1753.  Henry Harrison of Somerset Co, sells to John Stevens mineral rights on land near Rocky Hill bounded on west by Millstone River, north by Nicholas Veghte and Nicholas Britton, e by land of William Williamson & Jacobus Williamson and s by land sd Stevens bot of Martin Armstrong.

East Jersey Land Records, abstracted by Richard Hitchinson

Pg 359.  12 Jul 1755.  Minne Gulick of Amwell, Hunterdon Co., NJ., yeoman, sells to John Stevens, of Rocky Hill, Somerset Co., NJ, Mercannt...of land Jochum Gulick sold unto John Stevens, bnd w. by Millstone River. n by land which Joseph Furman bot. of Nicholas Britton and lands of Nicholas Veght, e. by land of William & Jacobus Williamson, s by land sd. Stevens bot of Martin Armstrong

East Jersey Land Records, abstracted by Richard Hitchinson

[8] "Our Home: A Monthly Magazine", vol 1, no 8;

[9] First Reformed Church of New Brunswick, Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society (PNJHS), Vol. 11, p. 207. 

17 Apr 1720; Wilmsen, Jacobus and Marietje – Jacobus; Witnesses: Thomas Leeck and Caharyntje Stillwell

[10] The Williamson Family of Gravesend, Aline L. Garretson, PhD, RECORD 135(2004):211.

[11] GMNJ

[12] See post on Auke Jans Van Voorhees for more details.

[13] Van Voorhees Family Association

[14] Reformed Dutch Church (RDC) of Harlingen, Genalogical Magazine of New Jersey (GMNJ)

[15] RDC of Six Mile Run, Somerset County Historical Quarterly (SCHQ), Vol. 8, p. 125.

[16] SMR RDC of Six Mile Run, SCHQ Vol. 8, p. 127.

[17] FRC of New Brunswick, PNJHS, Vol. 11, p. 557.

[18] The Williamson Family of Gravesend, Aline L. Garretson, PhD, RECORD 136:140

[19] The Dorland Enigma Solved, Barbara Barth, pg 150

[20] RDC Flatbush

[21] RDC Flatlands https://www.olivetreegenealogy.com/nn/church/flatlands1.shtml

[22]RDC Flatbush

[23] RDC Flatlands, https://www.olivetreegenealogy.com/nn/church/flatlands1.shtml

[24] See The Dorland Enigma Solver, Barbara Barth, p. 150. Also see, Abstracts of wills on file in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York (Volume VII. June 6, 1766-Nov. 29, 1771, ABSTRACTS OF WILLS LIBER 26.pg 132.

[25] Documentary History of the State of New York

[26] RDC of New Utrecht, RECORD 112(1981):110, 112.

[27] Abstracts of wills on file in the Surrogate's Office, City of New York, Vol. 28, p. 323, ABSTRACTS OF WILLS LIBER 17.pg 312.

[28] Documentary History of the State of New York