Tjaerts Wolcy 1616 - 1698




Tjaerts Wolcy
1616 - 1698



George Wolsey
of
Great Yarmouth,
Norfolk,
England

and

Nieu Amsterdam
New Amsterdam

to

Jamaica,
Long Island,
New York

June 25, 2002

Murray, Utah 84107




On this map one can see the Connecticut River, the Hudson River, and part of the Delaware River. Notice Westchester County, New York, where the 2nd and 3rd generation Woolseys settled. One can also make out Yonkers, Brooklyn, Jamaica and other areas the Woolseys lived.


A Word of Explanation

I have found many records for George Woolsey, our immigrant ancestor and pioneer. These records are some of the ones that I found. I thought you might find them interesting. Although an English man by birth, George Wolsey spent some of his early life with the Holland Dutch settlers of Nieu Amsterdam, now New York. Some of his life was spent under the Dutch government, until the Dutch surrendered to the English fleet in 1664. It has been suggested that George´s father worked for the West India Company and moved to Holland. Also suggested that George was put out as an apprentice to Isaac Allerton (of the Mayflower) who worked as an agent for the Dutch West India Company. More research needs to be done here and in the records of the West India Company and in Holland.


Red Letter Dates in WOOLSEY History

1604  George Woolsey, Sr. was apprenticed to Nicholas Cuttinge, grocer.
1609  Henry Hudson explored the Hudson River, Samuel de Champlain visited northern part.
1611  John Wolsey, christened at St. Nicholas Church, Great Yarmouth, s/o George Wolsey & Ffrances.
1613  Robert Wolsey, christened at St. Nicholas Church, Gt. Yarmouth, s/o George Wolsey & Ffrances.

A small fort & trading center built on Castle Island, they called it Fort Nassau, it was on the east bank of the Hudson and later, nearby, on the western bank, was built Fort Orange (Albany).
George Woolsey was christened in St. Nicholas Church, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, s/o George Wolsey & Ffrances.
The Dutch established Fort Orange (Albany) the first permanent white settlement in the New York region.
1625  Dutch settlers founded New Amsterdam
A body of colonists from Holland under a liberal charter of the West India Company, at Fort Orange (Albany)
1637  Their patroon Stephen van Renssalaer arrived in New Amsterdam
Adriaen van der Donck arrives at New Amsterdam on ship De Eyckenboom, wrote A Description of the New Netherlands, first description of New York. 1642  Rev. Johannes Megapolensis and his family arrived in Fort Orange.
1643  George Woolsey came to America and settled in New Amsterdam.(This is George´s first appearance.)
1643-44  Director William Kieft foolishly insisted on waging war with the Indians.
Peter Stuyvesant, governor of Curacao, led an attack against the island of Saint Martin and lost a leg in the battle. 1645  Indian War ended.
Van der Donck married an English girl, Mary Doughty, daughter of a maverick Puritan clergyman, the Reverend Francis Doughty, who had been driven from New Plymouth in 1642 for preaching that “Abraham´s children should have been baptized.”
Joris Wolsie, a witness for his brother-in-law Tomas Willit
Jorse Wolsy, a defendant in a case concerning powder belonging to Isaac Allerton
Joris Wolsey, age 26, said he saw Tomas Willet give a present to the fiscal van Dyck.
1647  Gorge Wolsey´s deposition that he saw Thomas Willett pay a bribe to the fiscal.
Director-General (Governor) Peter Stuyvesant arrived in New Amsterdam to succeed William Kieft as director-general of all New Netherlands.
George Woolsey married Rebecca Cornell in Flatbush, Long Island, New York
George Woolsey purchased a plantation at Flushing, Long Is.and, New York from Thomas Robertson.
George Wolsey named a fire inspector of Nieuw Amsterdam, by the Director General (William Kieft).

Van der Donck granted Jonker (pronounced Yonker) and he was familiarly called The Yonker or Yonker´s land
Director Stuyvesant lost little time in alienating both his own people and the English of the neighboring colonies by offering freedom and asylum in New Netherlands to those liable to arrest in New Haven. He was the last Dutch governor of colonial New York or New Netherlands as it was then called.
Van der Donck sailed to the Netherlands
Van der Donck and others address a “remonstrance” to the States General, against the administrations of Kieft and Stuyvesant.
1650  Joris Wolsy´s daughter Sara baptized.
1652  Jorys Woolsy, a defendant?
1652  Joris Woolsy & Rebecca´s son Joris was baptized.
Cornelys de Potter, plaintiff, representing his maid servant, against Isaack Allerton and Jorys Woolsy; the plaintiff complains against a certain Ralph Clarck who had deceived his maid, Willemmeyntien, with a promise of marriage.
1653  Joris Wolsey, deft from Adriaxn Keyser.
1653  Paulus Schrick as agent of Jan Labote, pltf VS Joris Wolsey, deft., who signed a receipt for his master Isaac Allerton, but George had to pay it. 1653  Van der Donck returns to New Netherlands
1655  George was a witness to the “Tytle of Thomas Langdon´s accomodations.
Peter Stuyvesant captured all New Sweden, including the present state of Delaware, and made it a part of New Netherland.
Tjaert Wolcy´s son Thomas was born, at “Hemstead”.
1655  Van der Donck dies at his estate near Albany, Colen Donck, age 35
1656  Joris Wolsey requests by petition to be allowed to tap in Mr. Allerton´s house (open a tavern).
1657  All tapsters summoned by court of New Amsterdam - to regulate - including Joris Wolsey
Joris Wolsey and Wm Harek (Hallet?) ask Burgomaster to give new notice to Jan Lawrence to appear - regarding ship Adventure.
1657  George Wollsie hath six gattes - History of Towns of North and South Hempstead, Long Island.
North & South Hempstead, Long Island. A rate made for the Levy of the Publique Charge - Mr. Wolsey - 14 shillings.
1658  Joris Wolsey, pltf vs Jan Coopal, deft: demands payment of 13 hogsheads of tobacco (bad)
1658  Mr. Wollsey hath fortene akers of Medows given out in allotments, Towne of Hempstead.
1659  George Wolsey helps settle a dispute carried to court
1659  Joris Wolsey´s daughter Rebecca was baptized.
Isaac Allerton the younger asked that the court appoint curators to the residuary Estate in this country of his father deceased ... appointed ... John Lawrence & George Wolsey ... they accept. New Amsterdam.
1659  Joris Wolsey named as curator for estate of Isaac Allerton, the elder deceased. New Amsterdam.
1660  Joris Wolsey pltf vs Joris Dopzen, deft. New Amsterdam.
Joris Wolsey pltf vs Jurien Janzen, cooper, deft. New Amsterdam. 1660  New Amsterdam - Edouard Prescott, pltf vs Thomas Grengart, deft, court refers the matter in dispute
          to Mr. Willett & George Wolsey.

Also Jan Teller, pltf vs Mr. Prescott, referred to Mr. Willett & George Woolsey.
Thomas Willett´s home in New Amsterdam was on the then East River bank immediately east of the Great Tavern which soon became the Stadt Huys or City Hall of the time. It was located in the present block bounded by Pearl Street (present #75 - 85 Pearl Street, per Icon, IV-104. Once the thorough fare along the waterside and at this section called Dock Street), Coenties Alley, and Stone Street (formerly called Hoogh, then Duke Street), New York City. Seven houses are pictured there on in the graphic 1660 Castello Plan of New Amsterdam. George Wolsey´s lot was one of these.
1661  Tjaert Wolsey´s son Johannes was baptized.
Sale by Charles Bridges to (his wife´s brother-in-law) George Wolsey, not recorded. Was in Wolsey´s possession in 1660.
1661  George Woolsey was among the freeholders of Jamaica, Long Island, New York.
George Wolsey purchased land at Jamaica, Long Island, New York. - John Baylies Jr. TO Geo. Woolly land & meadows in Jamaico - i.e. my hse lot being on W side of ye bever pond with 10 acres of meadow.
George Wolsey named to reconcile the differences in suit of Matthew de Vos, VS John Lawrence & George Hom (Holmes?)

1664  Joris & Rebecca Wolsy´s daughter Marritje was baptized.
Late August, Col. Richard Nicolls sailed into New Amsterdam harbor; a week later the Dutch dream was over and the colony was in possession of the English.
Confirmation by Gov. Nicholls to George Wolsey, reciting the above land sale, from Charles Bridges to George Wolsey, lot bounded East by Charles Bridges, 34´ x 92´ x 24´ x 92´.
  • Mary Doughty Van der Donck, widow, married Hugh O´Neal of Maryland, reaffirmed her title to Van der Donck´s estate, Colen Donck, only to sell it to her brother Elias Doughty. He divided the estate and began selling off portions of it, including to the Philipse family. See Later.
    Mr. Wooley, Mr. Coe, Nc Denton take account of constable concerning ye patents of the year past - whether there is any “over money or no”.
  • 1669  George Wolsey sold above land (Charles Bridges´ land) to William Pattison; confiscated 1673.
    Jendrick Janzen, cooper of the Ship The Purmerland Church and Jasper Abrahamzen broke into Rendel Huit´s house . . . then broke into Joris Wolsey´s where Joris Wolsey, Ely Douty, and Richard Cornell put him out. The same men had to put him out of Carel Von Brugge´s house also ... (NOTE: Richard Cornell was a resident of Little Neck, Long Island, afterwards of Rockaway, where he died in 1693. And Carel Von Bruggs (English name was Charles Bridges) came to New Netherland with Stuyvesant in May 1642, died 1682. His wife was Sarah, daughter of Thomas Cornell, and sister of Rebecca Wolsey. Sarah (Cornell) Married (1) Thomas Willett, (2) Charles Bridges, and (3) John Lawrence.

    1673  George Woolsey was chosen Town Clerk of Jamaica “and his handwriting is still freshly legible.”
    George Woolsey deputed to “keep in his posetion (possession) - all such deeds and papers as was delivered ... by Anthony Wateres, was in ****** 8.”
    1673/8  George Woolsey, Senior & John Baylis Senr were selected Surveyors for Little Playnes measure.
    1674  Lay out lots of safe meadow to minister´s lot & George Woolsey.
    1675  George Woolsey was selected a Jury Man for a General Court of Assizes, 6 - 13 Oct.

    An Acco. of Disbursments - for George Wolsie with his horse to the Ferry with the Governor, 5 sh. & 4 more shillings for “feching of drinck for the Governor, 3 shillings more for the hier of a carte to fetch the drinck.”
    Paid to mr. Wollsie 21 Apr 10 lbs, 10 shillings, 11 pence. The Consta. acco: Cuntry Rate for Flushing: 10 bush Ind: Coren (corn), to Mr. Wolsie, 1 lb 5 shillings.

    1677  The Consta. of N:Towne acco: - to Mr. Hollett for acco: of mr. Wolsie - 1 lb 7 shillings 3 pence.
    1678  Gorge & Rebecca Wolsy´s children Wm. & Marritje Wolsy were baptised at Brooklyn.
    1679/80 To Sundry Charges and Expences per Constables account: Jameca. To George Wolsey 7 lbs.
    The High Sheriff paid to (with others) George Wolsey ... 11 lbs, 4 shillings, 1 pence.
    1683  George Woolsey Jn & George Woolsey, Sen. “give our right to Boggy Meadow”...
    A List of the Towne Estate of Jemaica. Geo. Woolsey Jun. had 4 oxen, 6 cowes, 1 2 yr old cowe, 25 acres valued at 81 lbs & 10 shillings.
    Geo. Woolsey, Sen had 2 horses, 4 oxen, 6 cowes, 2 - 3 yr old & 4 - 2 yr old, 36 acres of land, 2 heads (males over 21), valued at 168 lbs. (George was the 5th highest taxed)
    1683  Thomas Woolsey had 1 horse, 1 male over 21 and 10 acres in the List of the Towne Estate.
    1683/4  Wee George Woolsey senior of Jemaica in the Queens County upon Long Island and Thomas Wellin of the same... have ... made a full and absolute exchange of our medowse, viz George Woolsey´s medow lying upon the little neck west of the haugh tree necke .. & Thomas Wellins medow ... on owld Towne neck.
    George Woolsy senr & Thomas Wellen by a mutual consent, disannull & make void ye above written exchange of medow & each to enjoy their own medow ffully & every part off it as they did possess it before this exchange.
    George Woolsey Meadow - 20 acres, a small lot 1 acre, 1/2 upland, sixty six acres priveledge - to all ye meadows.
    Mr. George Woolsie to Keep our Patent & Indian Purchases and not let any strangers to have a sight of them without liberty from the town.
    1679-86In a Return of Divided Land, Marriages, baptisms and Burials in Jamaica for seven years, Mr. Wolsy had one marriage and 1 burial and George Woolsey had 3 christenings.
    George Woolsy, Sr. signed his name and Rebecca Woolsy made her mark, along with Benjamin Coe and Abigail Coe, his wife, when they sold 50 acres in Jamaica to John Monfort.
    1687  Living on Forsters River in Jamaica were Thomas Wiggins 7 acres and 35 acres; George Woolsy 19 acres and 25 acres;
    Mr. Woolsy 29 acres and 15 acres.
    1687  George Woolsey, Sr. and George Woolsey, Jr. were overseers of the will of William Foster.
    1691  George Wolsey of Jamaica made his last Will & Testament.
    George Woollse & Rebecka Woolsey sold to ? Joseph Philipes 20 acres of meadow land? in presence of Andrew Allexander, Josias Wiggens.
    George Woolsy Seanor with Rebecca my wife for vallewable satisfaction to us in hand paid by Hendricke Lotte a certain parcell of upland llying in ye boundes of Jamaica, 22 acres.
    1698  George Woolsey died.
    New York declared its independence from Great Britain at White Plains and became a battleground of the Revolutionary War. The Woolsey story here and in Southern U. S. will be taken up later.


    A Word About the Maps

    p. 2  The Fresh River is now the Connecticut River in Connecticut. The North River is the Hudson River. The South River is now the Delaware River. The East River is between Manhattan and Long Island. New Amsterdam was at the lower end of Manhattan Island. Flushing, Jamaica, Breuckelen (Brooklyn), Amesfoort were on Long Island.

    p.   One of the first maps of New Netherlands, included in Van der Donck´s Description of New Netherlands, it shows (starting on the right side of the map) the Connecticut River, the Hudson River, The Mohawk River (near the top) and the Delaware River. Compare this with the newer map on page 4.


    Joris Wolsey

    Tjaerts, also known as Joris Wolsey, which is how he signed his name, first appears in the New York records in 1646. George is the anglicized version of the Dutch Tjaerts roughly (pronounced Yeartz) or Joris (pronounced Yoris).

    12 Apr. Joris Wolsie, appearing for Tomas Willit, plaintiff, vs. Cornelis Tonisen, defendant, for the balance of the purchase money of a house. Ordered that defendant may not sell the house until Tomas Willit´s wife is paid. [p. 251]

    1646  31 May 1646. The fiscal, plaintiff, vs. Jorse Wolsy, defendant. Plaintiff, having seized some powder which was not entered, demands its confiscation. Defendant says that it belongs to Allerton, his master, and requests delay until his master shall have come back from New England, which is granted him. [IBID. p. 255] [Artwork ]

    Wild Animals of New Netherlands.
    1655.  Whereas for some years past all free traders here in New Netherland have duty on all peltries purchased and bartered by them here and exported to the fatherland by every opportunity of ships, the council have therefore considered it highly necessary to established a fixed duty, in order that each person may know what impost he has to pay. Therefore, it is resolved that the duty shall be computed as follows; On every exported merchantable beaver skin shall be paid 15 stivers, two halves being counted as one whole and three drielings as two whole beavers; on each other and bear skin 15 stivers; on each elk hide 15 stivers, and on the other furs of less value according to circumstances. Thus done in Council. Present: The honorable Dir Willem Kieft, late director; Mr. Dincklagen, Mr. La Mongagne, Lt. Nuton, Paulus Leenersz, commissary of naval stores & Jan Claesz Bol. 23 Jul 1847. Jan Dollinghj from Bristol, aged about 32 years, being legally summoned to court, declares that when Mr. Bratton´s bark a short time ago was about to sail, it was found that Mr. Bratton aforesaid must pay 50 Carolus guilders duty on the goods which were sold by him here. Fiscal van Dyck came and demanded the aforesaid duty and said to Mr. Bratton: “Fifty guilders is too much for the honorable Company; give the Company 30 guilders and me ten guilders.” The deponent declares that he paid the said ten guilders to the fiscal in seawan in the Great Tavern and handed him a note for 30 guilders for the Company in payment of the duty. The deponent declares that he heard from Joris Wolsey and Ritchert Clof that Mr. Tomas Willet made the above named fiscal a present of a veaver on condition that he should not inspect his bark. Thus done in council in Fort Amsterdam, dated as above.

      Richard Clof from Manchester, aged 40 years, being legally summoned to court, declares that he heard Mr. Willet say that the honorable fiscal came to inspect the bark of the said Willet. The aforesaid Willet said in the deponent´s presence in the house of Isaack Allerton that he said to Fiscal van Dyck when he came on board to make his inspection that it was too much trouble to open the hold and to overhaul things and that in doing so he would lose much time. He promised to give Fiscal van Dyck a beaver if he would not inspect. Deponent further declares that Gorge Wolsey carried a veaver (sic - beaver). The deponent asked where he was going with it. Wolsey answered, he was going to take the beaver to Fiscal van Dyck. [IBID, p., 320.]
    1647  23 July Declaration of George Woolsey that Fiscal van Dyck accepted a bribe from Thomas Willett to let his bark sail without inspection. [160d] At the request of the Honorable Director General Petrus Stuyvesant and the council of New Netherland Gorge Wolsey, aged about twenty-six years, from Yarmouth in Old England, attests, testifies and declares in the presence of Captain Lieutenant Nuton (Captain Bryan Newton) and Jan Claessen Bol, captain of the ship De Princes, in place and with promise of a solemn oath if need be, that on the Saturday last Fiscal van Dyck came on board Mr. Tomas Willit´s bark to inspect it and [he, the deponent,] heard the above mentioned Mr. Willit say at Mr. Isaac Allerton´s house that because he must be away he had presented the above named Fiscal van Dyck with a beaver, in order that he would not lose his time by clearing things away and in order that the fiscal would be content to let him sail unhindered; which beaver he, Gorge Wolsey, placed in the hands of the said fiscal himself. The deponent, in the presence of the aforesaid councilors, declares this to be true and offers to confirm the same on oath. Done in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 23d of July A . 1647. [signed] Joris Wolsy. Acknowledged before me, Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary.

    1647  16 Aug I, Thomas Robertson have sold to George Wolsey a house and plantation standing and situate in Flushing and the main bounds are to be seen in the book of the Town of Flushing; together with all the grain that is now on it and everything that that is fastened by earth and nail, for the sum of one hundred and thirty guilders which is now paid me. Wherefore I convey in true and real property the said land and house to said Wolsey or his successors. In token of the truth this is signed by Thomas Robertson in the presence of Jan Damen as witness, the 16th of August Ad 1647, in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland.
    This is the mark of Thomas Robertson made by himself. J. Vinje.

    1648  23 Jan. Whereas the honorable director general of New Netherland, Curacao and the islands thereof, and the honorable council, have by experience seen and observed that some careless people neglect to keep their chimneys clean by sweeping and do not pay attention oth their fires, whereby recently fire broke out in two houses and greater damage is to be expected in the future by fire, the more so as houses here in New Amsterdam are for the most part built of wood and thatched with reed, besides which the chimneys of some of the houses are of wood, which is most dangerous; therefore, the honorable general and council have considered it advisable and most expedient to provide herein, Wherefore the said honorable general and council ordain, enact and command, as they hereby do, that henceforth no chimney shall be built of wood or lath and plaster in any house between the fort and the Freshwater, but those already erected may remain until further order and pleasure of the fire-wardens. And in order that the foregoing shall be well observed, the following are appointed fire-wardens: from the honorable council, Commissary Adrisen d´Keyser, and from the commonalty, Tomas Hall, Martin Cregier and Gorger Wolsey, with power at their pleasure to inspect the chimneys of all houses situated and standing within this city between this fort and the Freshwater, to see if they are kept well cleaned by sweeping. And if any one be found negligent, he shall, every time the aforesaid fire-wardens make an inspection and find the chimneys foul, pay them forthwith, without any contradiction,m a fine of three guilders for every flue found on examination to be dirty, to be applied to the maintenance of fire ladders, hooks and buckets, which shall be procured and provided at the earliest and most convenient opportunity, and if any one´s house be burned or be the cause of fire, either through negligence or his own fire, he shall forfeit twenty-five guilders, to be applied as above. Thus done and enacted at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, and published the 23d of January. 1648. [IBID. p. 357ff.]´][

    1652  Cornelys de Potter, plaintiff, representing his maid servant, against Isaack Allerton and Jorys Woolsy; the plaintiff complains against a certain Ralph Clarck who had deceived his maid, Willemmeyntien, with a promise of marriage. [p. 54]

    1652  Carel Gabry, plaintiff, against Joorys Wolsly; the plaintiff requests payment for rope sold by Augustyn Herman to Prince, governor in the South River, for which Isaack Allerton is security together with the agent of the aforesaid Prince. The director and council refer them to the judgment dated 31 Oct. [Council minutes missing for that time period.] [ibid. p. 57]


    JORIS WOLSY

    WOLSY, Joris, came to New Amsterdam in 1643; md 9 Dec 1647, in New Amsterdam [Flatbush Dutch Reformed Church], Rebecca Cornell. Issue: Sara, bp. 7 Aug 1650; Joris, bp 18 Oct 1652; Rebecca, bp 4 Apr 1659; Johannes, bp 16 Jan 1661; Maritje, bp 19 Mar 1664 - all at New Amsterdam [New Amsterdam Dutch Reformed Church]; and William and Marritje, bp 30 Jun 1678, at Brooklyn [Brooklyn Dutch Reformed Church]; by which it may be inferred he resided there at that date. There was, as per p. 128 of Vol. IV. of the Genealogical Record, a George Woolsey, an English boy, b in 1610, who had resided with his parents in Rotterdam, came over in a Dutch vessel with emigrants in 1623 and went to Plymouth, MA, and in 1647 made his appearance in New Amsterdam. In 1648 he was a fire-warden in said city. In 1661 there was a George Woolsey among the freeholders of Jamaica, and in the beginning of the 18th century there were Woolsey, probably descendants of Joris or George, residing in Flatlands. Signed his name “Joris Wolsy.”

    Flatbush Church
    Neefus Homestead in Flatbush- a indication of what a Dutch farm would look like on Long Island in the middle 1600's.



    JORIS [TJAERTS] WOLSY


    From the Records of the Reformed Dutch Church in New Amsterdam (New York), we find these early Records:

    [14(580)] 9Dec 1647 marr. Jarge Woltzen, j.m. Van Jarmuijden, en Rebecca Cornel, j.d. uijt oudt Engelandt.
    (married George Wolsey, young man from Yarmouth and Rebecca Cornel, young woman from old England)

    [2:24] 26 Apr 1648, bapt. Rebecca d/o Hendrick Bresart Witnesses: Joris Wolsie, Jan Daly, Jonas Nuyting, Rebecca Wolsie.

    [2:27] 7 Aug 1650, bapt Sara d/o Joris Wolsy
    Witnesses: Breyne Nuyting, Sarah Van Brugge, Susan Bresea.

    [2:32] 13 Oct 1652, bapt Joriss/o Joris Wolsy, Rebecca
    Witnesses: Carel Verbugge, & spouse, Hendrick an Elsje, his spouse.

    [2:34] 20 Apr 1653, Rendel Huwits
    Witnesses: Britze Bax, Thomas Hall, Joris Wolsy, Elsje Nuton.

    [2:52] 4 Apr 1659, bapt. Rebecca  d/o Tjaerts Wolsy
    Witnesses: Carel Verbugge, Rebecca Cornell

    [2:59] 16 Jan 1661, bapt Johannes s/oJoris Wolsy  
    Witnesses: Thomas Hall

    [2:65] 2 Jul 1662, bapt Elisabeth d/o Richard Cornell
    Witnesses: Georgie Wolsy, Sarah Bridges

    [2:72] 19 Mar 1664, bapt Marretied/o Joris Wolsy, Rebecca
    Witnesses: Carl Van Brugge, Marretie Jacoba Van Awange?

    Joris & Rebecca Woolsey had two children baptized in the Dutch Reformed church at Flatbush, Kings Co, NY:
    [119] 30 June 1678 Wm & Maritje (of reasonable age)

    Joris = Yourise = George Tjaert = Jertz = George Jarge = George



      
    GEORGE WOOLSEY


    Our immigrant Woolsey Ancestor appears to be one George Woolsey of Yarmouth or Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England. Born 27 Oct 1610, he and his parents moved to Holland when he was a young lad, where his father worked for a Dutch Company. In Rotterdam, he quickly picked up the Dutch language, and was a big help in his father´s business. He came to Salem in 1623, age 13.
    This map shows New Amsterdam, Flatlands, Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn, Bedford, Newtown Creek, each a place where these early Woolseys (Wolsys) lived.

    Perhaps one can get one´s bearing from Staten Island and Coney Island at the bottom of the map.




    GEORGE WOLSEY IN NEW AMSTERDAM, 1661


       Bushwick Town House and Church. 1800. Rather typical of the early architecture. Lithograph by A. Brown, 9 & 11 Thames St., New York.

    George Wolsey´s wife Rebecca Cornell had a sister Sara Cornell who married Thomas Willett, “The soldier”, not to be confused with the more noted and longer living Thomas Willett, the first mayor of New York City. Thomas Willett “The soldier´s” , home in New Amsterdam was on the then East River bank immediately east of the Great Tavern which soon became the Stadt Huys or City Hall of the time. It was located in the present block bounded by

    Pearl Street [Willett´s plot was at the present #75-89 Pear Street, per Icon., IV-104] (once the thoroughfare along the waterside and at this section called Dock Street), Coenties Alley, and Stone Street (formerly called Hoogh, then Duke Street), New York City. There is evidence that Willett occupied this plot earlier than its formal grant to him on 4 Jul 1645. Seven houses are pictured thereon in the graphic 1660 Castello Plan of New Amsterdam. The chain of title to this land provides conclusive evidence of Thomas and Sara (Cornell) Willett´s immediate descendants, and of their separate identiy from the family of Capt. Thomas Willett who was mayor in 1665 and died in 1674. [Hoff, p. 702-703]
    2 Jan 1645. Thomas Willett sold to Cornelis Teunison a lot and house on Manhattan adjoining the Public Tavern for 775 guilders; he took a mortgage on the house. 7 Dec 1645 he won a judgment against Teunison for the balance on the purchase of the house (Icon., IV-103; Cal.D., pp. 31 & 98).

    4 Jul 1645. Groundbrief granted by the West India Company to Thomas Willet, no recorded (but see below). Same date groundbrief to Ritsaert Smidt for lot on Manhattan Island next to Thomas Willet´s (HS 1901,p.172.)

    11 Jul 1667. Confirmation by Governor Nicolls to Charles Bridges, recites the July 1645 groundbrief to Thomas Willet and also the marriage of Sarah, widow of Thomas Willet, to Charles Bridges; lying todward the East River to the East of the present State House 8 rods 2 feet, before, towards the Wall [Waal in this context means Wharf; see 1645 grant to Smith in Icon., ibid.) and the waterside, 14 rods 5 feet; on the east side next to Mr. Smith´s 6 rods 5 feet, and on the north side behind to the Highway 9 rods 8 feet 4 inches, amounting in all to 89 rods 6 ft. (Icon., II-404 from Patents II-47).

    Corner lots on west end of Willett patent:
    16 Apr 1661. Sale by Charles Bridges to (his wife´s brother-in-law) George Wolsey, not recorded. Was in Wolsey´s possession by 1660.

    11 Feb 1666. Confirmation by Gov. Nicolls to George Wolsey, reciting the above sale, lot bounded to East by Charles Bridges, 34' x 92' x 24' x 92'.

    Feb 1669. Sale by George Wolsey to William Pattison; confiscated 1673.

    Oct 1673. Regrant to Lodowyck Pos (Icon., II-319 & 404, from records.)

    1680  Capt. John Young, High Sheriffe of Yorkshire on Long Island His Account of Ye Country Rates for ye
    Year 1680. Flushing ..... To George Wolsey 07.00.00

    03 Jan 1680-1Vpon Application and Desire of Major Thomas Willett and Capt. Thomas Hicks for Liberty to purchase Land of the Indians on Cow Neck on Long Island, These are to certify, that I haue and doe hereby giue Liberty and Lycence to the said Major Thomas Willett and Capt. Thomas Hicks to purchase of the Indian Proprietors any Quantity or Parcell of Land on Cow Neck aforesaid makeing due Returne thereof to the office of Records here for Confirmation to themselves and improvemt, according to Law. Given under my hand in New Yorke the third day of January 1680-1.

    03 Jan 1680-1 Whereas Major Thomas Willett, Joseph Smith, John Smith and Jonathan Smith, sons of Robt. Smith, John Tredwell, William Jeacocks, Jonathan Seamons, John Carman Junr., Richard Valentine Junr., and Edward Cornwell have made Application to mee for land on Cow Neck on Long Island These are therefore to require you to lay out for the said Major Thomas Willett two hundred Acres and for the other persons Each of them one hundred Acres in Some Convenient place on the West-side of said Cow Neck given to mee by the Indiana proprietors, for the Doeing whereof you are to advise with and take directions from the said Major Thomas Willett and Capt Thomas Hicks Justices of the peace for the North Rydeing and make due returnes thereof to the office of Records here in order to Confirmation According to Law, for which this shall be yor Warrant. Given under my hand in New Yorke the third Day of January 1680-1. To Capt. Jacques Courtilliau or any other Sworne Surveyor.


    Jan 1684. Lodowick Post of NYC sold a slip he had obtained 26 Mar 1681 from Sarah Bridges. Sale to Tobias Ten Eycke and Conrade Ten Eycke, Jr., both of NYC, slip of ground in NYC between the house and ground where said Tobias now liveth and the house and ground whereon the widow of Clement Sybrak now liveth by the East River, runs along the water 4' 2", then northward along Tobias Ten Eycke´s to his corner where said slip comes to nothing (NYD 13-62).

    4 Sep 1686. Will of Coenradt Ten Eyck of N.Y., proved 5 Apr 1687, son Tobias to have 1 year´s rent of my 2 houses; my 3 sons Dirck, Tobias and Coenradt to have preference as to my tannery, etc. (NYHS-W 1-143.)

    12 Apr 1687. Sale by Lodwick Post of NYC, joyner and wife Agnelia, for 30, to Tobias Teneyck of N.Y.C. Shoemaker and Conrade Teneyck of same shoemaker, all that Toft of ground whereon the houses of ye said Tobias and Conrade are no erected and built in NYC, on ye south side of said city near ye Strat or waterside. Memorandum it is agreed between the agove parties that this conveyance only contains sale of so much of the land whereon ye within mentioned houses are said to stand as is patented to said Lodwick Post (NYD 13-288).

    Corner lots on east end of Willett patent:
    16 Apr 1661. Sale by Carel Van Brugge, burgher and inhabitant of this city, by virtue of a 4 Jul 1645 groundbrief, to Solomon La Chair, lot bounded west by the house and lot of said van Brugge, 77' 6" x 24' x 77' 6" x 24'. This lot was in La Chair´s possession by 1658 when he built a house thereon and was worried about right to adjoining alley of Richard Smith´s.

    24 Sep 1661. Sale by Solomon La Chair to Oloff Stevenson Van Cortlant, bounded west by house of Carel van Brugge, north by house of said La Chair, east by the lane and south by the Waal.

    1667. Confirmation to Van Cortlandt, reciting the 1661 deed by La Chair. La Chair died 1662-63 still owning the northern portion of the lot, which: 9 Jun 1666, his administrators sold the small house on Hoogh Street to Ariaen van Laer.

    Jan 1667. Ariaen van Laer sold it to Cornelius Jansen Ooost (Icon., II-321 & 404, from the records.)

    12 Dec 1688. Will of John Darvell of NYC, merchant, proved 5 Mar 1688/9 bequeaths all to his wife Catharine (NYHS-W 1-183).

    Undated will of Andries Teller, Sr., of NYC, merchant, proved 9 Nov 1702, wife Sophia to be in possession of all my estate while widow, my daughter Margaret after her mother´s death shall enjoy the rent and profit of my house that stands behind that I now live in during her life; etc. executors include brother-in-law Jacobus Van Cortlandt. (Editor´s note identifies the house lived in by testator as present #87 Pearl Street, and the house from which daughter Margaret was to benefit as fronting on Stone Street (NYHS-W 1-352).

    Willett patent on 1677 tax list and in 1679-80 Labadist view of NYC:
      #47 Lodowick Post
      #48 vacant. not on 1677 tax list. belonged to Thomas Willett.
      #49 house of Charles van Brugh, occupied by Clement the Cooper - in 1677.
      #50 house of Charles van Brugh, next to John Darvall´s.
      #51 John Darvall on the 1677 tax list (Icon., I-228)

    Central lots in the Willett patent:

      7 Jan 1686. John Lawrence of Flushing and wife Sarah gave a release to Thomas Willett of Flushing, reciting that because of controversies between them concerning the moyety of certain lands in NYC to the east of City Hall between the houses of John Darvall and Conrad Ten Eyck to which said Moyety said John and Sarah did claim title, the three submitted to arbitration 30 Mar 1685, and in performance of the resulting judgment, said John Lawrence and his wife Sarah released to said Willett all their right to said Moyety or half part of said shouses and lands (NYD 13-294).

      02 Nov 1691.City Register´s Office, Queens, N.Y., N.Y. Dated 22nd day of September 1698. File location - At X-M, Sec. X-Block X- Liber A of Deeds. In the name of God Amen, I George Wolsey of Jamaica in Queens County upon Long Island being at present weak of body but through Gods mercy, of sound memory and perfect understanding and considering ye frailty of humane nature ye certainty of death ye uncertainly of ye time do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament as followeth, that is to say, first and principally I bequeath my soul to God who gave it cleaned from its sins and uniquely through ye meritts of my blessed Saviour and Redeemer ye Son Jesus Christ and my body to ye dust from which it was at first taken to be decently and Christian like intered at ye discretion of my Executor here after named and as for ye worldly estate God hath endowed me with all I do give and bequeath as followeth: That is to say

    1st. item - I give and bequeath unto my well beloved and eldest Son, George Wolsey all my lott of land being at ye Beaver Pond within ye town of Jamaica aforesaid. To have and to hold ye said lott of land with the appurtenances there on being to him ye said George Wolsey, his heirs and assigns to ye only proper use of him ye said George Wolsey, his heirs and assigns for ever.

    2nd item - I give and bequeath unto my well beloved Son, Thomas Wolsey all ye fifteen acre lott of land lying to ye westward of Anthony Walters home lott in Jamaica afor said to have and to hold ye said lott of land and all ye appurtenances there unto being to him ye said Thomas Wolsey, his heirs and assigns to ye only proper use, benefitt and behoof of him, ye said Thomas Wolsey, his heirs and assigns for ever.

    3rd item - I give and bequeath unto my well beloved Son, John Wolsey all ye my thirty acre lott of land lying to ye eastward by ye Little Plains runing within ye bounds of Jamaica aforsaid to have and to hold the said thirty acre lott of land with its appurtenances to use ye said John Wolsey, his heirs and assigns to ye only proper use and benefitt and behoof of him ye said John Wolsey, his heirs and assigns for ever. I do also give and bequeath unto my said son John Wolsey after my decease, two oxen and all my wearing apperall.

    4th. item - I do give and bequeath unto my well beloved daughter, Mary Wolsey, one feather bed and bolster, two pillows, a pair of sheets and two coverlids to be delivered her at her day of marriage or is when she attains ye age of eightteen years, also one cow to be delivered her at ye same time.

    5th item - I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife, Rebecca, all ye remainder of my land & tenaments, goods and chattels to have and to hold to her ye said Rebecca for and during her natural life, after her decease as followetheth, that is to say all ye remainder of my house, land and meadow not already given I do after my wifes decease give and bequeath ye same unto my three Sons, George, Thomas & John Wolsey to be equall in portion without ye benefitt of joint tenancy or survivership and to usery of them, their heirs and assigns for ever and all my goods and chattels of what nature or kind so ever ye shall be and remaine after my wifes decease, I give and bequeath unto my three daughters, that is to say, Sarah Hallet, Rebecca Wiggins & Mary Wolsey to be equally divided between them.

    6th item - I do appoint, make and ordain my well beloved wife, Rebecca to be sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament desireing all my children to behave themselves to their mother, lovingly each to other.

    7th item - Lastly I do hereby revoke, make void and null all former and other Wills and Testaments by me made and do appoint this to be my last Will and Testament.
    As wittness my hand and seal at Jamaica ye second day of November in ye year of our Lord, Jesus Christ 1691.

    Signed Sealed and published in ye presence of:
    Thomas Willett   Daniell Whitehead   Andrew Gibb, Sr.

    Queens County SS - At a Court of Common Pleas held at Jamaica this 23rd of September in ye tenth year of ye reign of William ye Third, by ye grace of God of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King Defender of ye Faith and the last Will and Testament of ye within written, George Wolsey deceased was forward by ye oaths of Capt. Daniell Whitehead and Andrew Bibb, witnesses there unto subscribed and ye Executor herein mentioned whereby authorized to act and do what Executors by law are impowered to do the giving in bond to bring unto ye Court of Common Pleas for Queens County a true and perfect inventory of all and a list ye goods and chattels of ye said Testator.
    Entered the 22nd day of Sept 1698 per - A. Gibb (Clerk) Queens County (Seal)

    Queens County SS: Whereas by the Will and Testament of George Wolsey, late of Jamaica, deceased, proved at a Court of Common Pleas held at Jamaica in Queens County this the two and twentyeth day of September in the tenth year of the reign of our Soverign Lord William the third by grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland. Defender of the Faith and Rebecca his widow in their is nominated to the sole Executrix of the same last Will and Testament. These are therefore to certify unto all whom it may concern that the said Rebecca having give bond with assurance as well to exhibit a true and perfect account of all the goods and chattels of the said Testator as to fulfill and perform the said Will is by the Court aforsaid admitted sole Executrix of the said last Will and Testament and is hereby authorized to act, perform and fulfill all and singular what Executors by the law ought and are required to do. Dated at Jamaica the 22nd day of September in the tenth year of his Majesties reign. Anno-Domi 1698. Per Buria A. Gibb (clerk) Entered the two and twentieth day of September, one thousand six hundred ninety eight. by Andrew Gibb (Clerk)
      13 Nov 1698 and 10th year of the reign of King William (recorded 22 Mar 1700), Thomas Willett of Flushing in Queens Co, and William Willett of Westchester, son of said Thomas , are firmly bound unto George Heathcote of NYC, merchant, 560; the condition of said obligation that they acquit, and indemnify the said Heathcote “of and from all and all manner of action, suits . . . and demands to be brought . . . or made by or from or under John Lawrence Junior the son of John Lawrence of the City of New York, merchant, deceased or any other person” by reason of any of the covenants in a certain lease from Charles Briges and his wife Sarah to said Heathcote on 7 May 1682, for a dwelling house in New York City between the house of Andries Teller and the house of Jacob Dekey now or late in possession of George Heathcote (NYD 23-165).

    Then follows deeds that name the daughters and their husbands, of Thomas Willett, Jr., son of Thomas Willett, dec´d, and Sarah Cornel.

    The Netherlands
    In the Netherlands, Christmas gifts are brought by Sinter Klaas and his servant Black Peter. Sinter Klaas is very closely associated with the legend of St. Nicholas, a bishop who died around 564 A.D. There are many stories about the good deeds of this patron saint. One of the most famous tales involves the three daughters of a poor merchant. The merchant had no dowry money for his daughters to get married. St. Nicholas heard of their plight and dropped three bags of gold down their chimney as a gift. For this reason Sinter Klaas is often depicted carrying three golden balls to symbolize his gifts to the three maidens.
      In Holland, Sinter Klaas comes to town on December 6th. He arrives on a boat from Spain and rides a white horse. He is a tall, thin, stately old gent with flowing bishop's robes and a long staff.
      Sinter Klaas is accompanied by a servant named Black Peter, a devilish character with horns and a soot covered face. Black Peter carries a big book listing the names of good and bad children. At Sinter Klaas' bidding, Black Peter drops gifts down the chimneys of good children and bundles of twigs down the chimneys of naughty children. On St. Nicholas eve, Dutch children leave their wooden shoes by the fireplace filled with hay or carrots for Sinter Klaas' horse. In the morning, sweets and small presents are left in their shoes in exchange.
     




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