New Netherland Settler: Pier Family

 

It has always been known that THEUNIS JANSZ. PIER, an early settler in New Netherland (New York) was born circa 1600 in Holland. 

Chris Brooks and I researched and found Theunis' baptism. His parents' names are now known! We found a great deal on the family -- and our jointly authored article Origins of the Pier Family in the Netherlands and an Update of Their Connection to the Ostrander Family by Lorine McGinnis Schulze and Chris Brooks, was published in the July 2000 issue of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Record. in Deventer, Overijsel, Netherlands. 

He married Jannettie Arentsdr. on September 14, 1624 in Amsterdam Netherlands. Theunis Jansz's sons Jan and Arent, were the immigrant ancestors of the PIER family in America.

Read more at Pier/Peer Family

New Netherland Settlers: Salomon Abbelse GOEWAY & Barber Philippse

Baptism of Solomon 1617

The story of the Goeway family in New Netherland begins with Salomon Abelse who was baptised in Amsterdam Holland in 1617, and his wife Barber (Barbara) Phillipse who was baptised in 1619 in Amsterdam. Read more at Goeway Family

Immortalizing an Ancestor the Sarah Hare Way

 

In 1744 Sarah Hare died of septicaemia, after pricking herself on a needle. In her will she requested that a wax effigy be made of her and displayed in the Holy Trinity Church, Stow Bardolph. Her wish was granted. 

She was a daughter of Sir Thomas Hare, whose family had a reputation for local philanthropy. Her ancestors built almshouses, and Sarah left each resident a small bequest.

This is wax Sarah in her cabinet

Anyone Need to Cast a Spell? Magical Poppet Found in a Chimney

The strange little 19th century doll which is currently on display in the History Room of the Black and White House Museum was found in a crevice of the brickwork of 21 East Street, Hereford. In a fold of her dress was a handwritten note which read: 

"Mary Ann Ward, 

I act this spell upon you from my holl heart wishing you to never rest nor eat nor sleep the rester part of your life. I hope your flesh will waste away and I hope you will never spend another penny I ought to have. 

Wishing this from my whole heart."

The body is made of wood, with arms and legs of red checked cotton material. Her head bears traces of paint; she has a string and silk pigtail and wears a red spotted dark blue cotton dress. .

It seems reasonable to suggest that the doll is a magical object know as a Poppet (or mommet, moppet, poppit or pippy). These were used in folk magic and witchcraft for casting spells on a person or to aid that person through magic. It was from these European dolls that the myth of voodoo dolls arose

It is clear that this spell is hostile in intent and hopes to rectify an injustice, real or perceived. What is not clear is who this is aimed at, unfortunately there are a number of Mary Ann Wards born in Hereford and Herefordshire in the 19th Century, and at least one Mary Ann Ward who moved here (in this case from Birmingham). 

The word poppet is an older spelling of puppet, from Middle English popet, meaning a small child or a doll. In British English it continues to hold this meaning. Poppet is also a chiefly British term of endearment.

Source: Herefordshire Museum Service

New Netherland Settler: Jan Cornelis Damen

1585 Marriage of Jan Damen's grandparents in Utrecht

 

Jan Cornelise Damen, my 9th great-grandfather, was the common ancestor of the DAMEN family. In 1650 he left Bunnik, a village on the Ryn in Utrecht, for Long Island New York, and married Fytie/Sophia Martens. The surname might be derived from Demen, a hamlet in North Brabant where Jan most likely lived at one time.

On 29 Apr. 1655 he purchased a house and land adjoining that of Jan Dirksen's in Brooklyn and by 1677 was keeping a tavern here. Read more at THE DAMEN FAMILY OF LONG ISLAND NEW YORK

The Huguenot Walloon Uzille Family

 My 8th great grandfather was the Huguenot Pierre Uziele. Huguenots were French Protestants who held to the Reformed, or Calvinist, tradition of Protestantism. His parents at his baptism 14 January 1659/60 at the French Church in Mannheim Germany were David Usille and Marie Casier, He is registered as Pierre. His godparents were Philippe Casier and Marie LeNoir

There is a marriage record from Bergen Church Marriages in NJ for:Josi: Pieter and Cornelia Damen, m. by the minister upon certificate from Breuckelen, Staten Island. 6 April 1686. "Josi" would be the phonetic representation of Pieter's surname "Uziele"

Read more at THE HUGUENOT WALLOON UZILLE FAMILY

New Netherland Settlers: Boelen Family

 

Boele Roeloffsen, the immigrant ancestor of the Boelen family, arrived in New Netherland in 1659. 

His wife Bayken Arents, their three children, and Bayken sister Tryntie Arents sailed with him on board the ship Otter. 

Two more children were born to Boele and Bayken after they settled in New Amsterdam. Continue reading at 

Ancestry of the Boelen Family & their Connection to the Ten Eyck, Clock, Coert, Roos, and Hellaken Families 

The Barheit Family Revealed: A Genealogy of Hans Coenradt and Barenjte Jans Straetsman

The exact date of Hans Coenradt arrival in New Netherland is not known but it is most likely he was among the refugees fleeing Recife Brazil in April 1654. 

The first record found indicating he was in New Netherland is dated in Albany (Fort Orange) in early December 1655. Sometime between April 1654 and December 1655, Hans arrived in New New Netherland. As New Amsterdam came into view with its gallows and weather beaten wooden houses dominating a raw, windswept landscape, the Barheit family must have had mixed feelings. 

Continue reading at 

The Barheit Family Revealed: A Genealogy of Hans Coenradt and Barenjte Jans Straetsman, the Immigrant Ancestors of the Barheit Family of Albany New York

Finding Ancestors in Canadian Genealogy Records

 

Finding Ancestors in Canada 

To find ancestors in Canada you need to know which Province or Territory in Canada your ancestors settled. 

Provinces and Territories in Canada were settled at different times. Canadian genealogy records such as Vital Stats or Census were kept starting at different times. Not all Canadian genealogy records have survived. 

Where do I Start Looking for my Canadian Ancestors?

To find your Canadian ancestor, start your search in Ontario,  Quebec , Acadia ,  Alberta , British Columbia ,  Manitoba , New Brunswick,  Newfoundland , Nova Scotia  , Northwest Territories , Prince Edward island , Saskatchewan , or Yukon Genealogy records. 

Search Canadian Immigration Records 

Did your ancestor arrive in Canada BEFORE 1865? Search for passenger names in Olive Tree Genealogy free ships passenger lists 1535 to 1864

Did your ancestor arrive in Canada AFTER 1865? Search for passenger names in Olive Tree Genealogy free ships passenger lists 1865 to present