A Family of New Jersey Patriots — Abraham Van Tuyl

B. about 1714 in Staten Island, New York¹
M. (1) before 2 Jun 1734 in (probably) Staten Island, New York^1,2
Wife: Maritje Van Pelt
M. (2) before 15 Jan 1739 in (probably) Staten Island, New York¹
Wife: Margreitje Van Pelt
D. before 21 Oct 1791 in Somerset County, New Jersey³

During the American Revolution, some key military action took place in the middle of New Jersey. This is where the family of Abraham Van Tuyl lived, and they gave their full support to the American cause.

Abraham was born in about 1714 to Isaac Van Tuyl and Sarah Lakerman,¹ and he was the third of six children. The Van Tuyl family was scattered over the northern part of Staten Island, and the house where Abraham’s family lived when he was a boy is still standing today. Isaac Van Tuyl was said to be in possession of it in 1719.

Abraham was only about 14-years-old when his father died in 1728; his inheritance was £30, which he likely didn’t receive until he came of age. When Abraham was about 20, he married Maritje Van Pelt, the daughter of Jan Van Pelt of Staten Island,¹ and they had a child, Jan, who was baptized on June 2, 1734.² Then she seems to have died, and Abraham married Margreitje Van Pelt by the end of 1738.¹ They had eleven children, with the youngest born in about 1762.¹

At some point, Abraham left Staten Island for the inland Dutch community of Somerset County, New Jersey. His home was in the region known as the Watchung Mountains, three ridges of about 500 feet in elevation that run parallel to the New Jersey coast. Abraham’s land was on the middle ridge — the Second Watchung Mountain; it was said to be “an isolated farm on the north side of the peak known as Mt. Horeb.”¹

1766 map of Watchung Mountains showing Van Tuyl farms. (source: A Van Tuyl Chronicle)

This became an important location during 1777 when George Washington was being confronted by the Redcoat army of General William Howe. After famously crossing the Delaware the previous Christmas and winning the Battle of Princeton, Washington moved into Somerset County, and harassed the British supply lines in several skirmishes. The Continental Army needed a place to camp, and they chose a location protected by the Watchung Mountains. This was known as the First Middlebrook Encampment, which hosted the army from May 28th to July 2nd.¹ Notably, it was at this place where the first stars and stripes flag was raised, because on June 14th, it had been adopted by the Continental Congress.⁴

Middlebrook Encampment flag. (source: Zeete, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

That camp was less than two miles from Abraham’s farm, and some of his married children lived even closer. His son Isaac and various sons-in law were “staunch patriots” who enlisted in the New Jersey Militia.¹ Also everyone who lived in the area helped provision Washington’s army — a vital necessity of their military campaign.¹

Abraham wrote his will on June 13, 1791,³ and he passed away by October 21st.³ He left his property to sons Abraham and Otto, and small amounts of money to other children, also making mention of a grandson Abraham, the son of his deceased oldest son, John. His wife Margreitje survived him, but it’s uncertain when she died.

Child by Maritje Van Pelt:
1. John Van Tuyl — B. before 2 Jun 1734, Staten Island, New York;² D. before 16 Oct 1771, Sussex County, New Jersey;⁵ M. Marritje ______ (~1735-~1773), before 21 Mar 1756⁶

Children by Margrietje Van Pelt:
1. Isaac Van Tuyl — B. 15 Jan 1739, Staten Island, New York;⁷ D. 3 Feb 1803, Bernards Township, New Jersey;⁷ M. Mary McCarter (1741-1797), 14 Nov 1758, Somerset County, New Jersey⁷

2. Mareya Van Tuyl — B. before 29 Jun 1739, Staten Island, New York;¹ D. before 16 Dec 1768, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey;¹ M. Folkerd Sebring (1734-1802), about 1756¹

3. Walter Van Tuyl — B. before 6 Jun 1742, Staten Island, New York;¹ D. 8 Jun 1763, Sussex County, New Jersey⁸

4. Saertie Van Tuyl — B. before 18 Dec 1743, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey;¹ D.before 3 Jan 1817, Somerset County, New Jersey;⁹ M. Robert Bolmer (1737-?), about 1763¹

5. Abraham Van Tuyl — B. about 1744, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey;¹ D. after 24 May 1811, Morris County, New Jersey¹

6. Elizabeth Van Tuyl — B. about 1746, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey;¹ D. before 24 May 1811;¹ M. David Grant (1738-?), 28 Sep 1762¹

7. Nellie Van Tuyl — B. about 1750, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey;¹ D. after 24 May 1811;¹ M. ________ Harpending¹

8. Margaret Van Tuyl — B. Oct 1753, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey;¹ D. 26 Apr 1836¹

9. Annie Van Tuyl — B. about 1758, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey;¹ D. after 24 May 1811;¹ M. Oliver Goltry (1757-1821), about 1775, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey¹

10. Catherine Van Tuyl — B. about 1760, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey;¹ D. before 13 Jun 1791;¹ M. Benjamin Coon, about 1779¹

11. Otto Van Tuyl — B. about 1762, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey;¹ D. 1829;¹ M. Elizabeth ______¹

Sources:
1    A Van Tuyl Chronicle: 650 Years in the History of a Dutch-American Family, R.L. Van Tuyl and J.N. Groenendijk, 1996
2    Baptismal record of Jan Van Tuyl, New York Births and Christenings, 1640-1962, FamilySearch.org 
3    Will of Abraham Van Tuyl, NJ Archives, First Series, Abstracts of Wills, Vol. 27, P. 379
4    Middlebrook encampment (Wikipedia article) 
5    Probate of John Van Tuyl, NJ Archives, Calendar of Wills, 1771-1780, P. 553
6    Baptismal record of Abraham Van Tuyl (Abraham’s grandson), N. Y. B. & C.
7    Descendants of Isaac Van Tuyl Sr., and Mary McCarter of Bernards Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, Mary Ellenor Stafford Bowman, 1970
8    Probate of Walter Van Tuyl, NJ Archives, Calendar of Wills, 1761-1770, P. 455
9    WikiTree listing of Saertie (van Tuyl) Bolmer 

Migrating to Monmouth County — Benjamin Van Cleef

B. before 25 Nov 1683 in New Utrecht, New York¹
M. 1704 in Long Island, New York¹
Wife: Hendrickje Van Sutphen
D. 6 Oct 1747 in Monmouth County, New Jersey¹

Benjamin Van Cleef was part of a wave of Dutch people who took their families to New Jersey in the early 18th century. He was born in New Utrecht, New York, part of present-day Brooklyn, and was baptized there on November 25, 1683 along with a brother named Joseph, possibly his twin.¹ His parents were Jan Cornelissen Van Cleef and Engeltje Laurens; his father was a Dutch immigrant who may have had a German heritage, and his mother was half-Norwegian and half-German. Their family had at least eleven children, and possibly more, with Benjamin as one of the youngest.

In 1704, Benjamin married Hendrickje Van Sutphen,¹ a young woman who was also from New Utrecht. Their marriage record is missing, but it likely took place in the Brooklyn area. They had a daughter born the following year, and not long after, Benjamin made the decision to move to New Jersey.² The family made their home in Monmouth County, in the village of Freehold; the children grew in number to a total of eight by the end of 1721.

Moving to New Jersey. (AI-generated image)

Why did Benjamin and so many other Dutch from New York move to New Jersey? Of course one reason was the availability of land for farming as part of a natural progression to the west. But there was also the fact that New Jersey was originally part of New Netherland, and when British authorities set it up separately from New York, they gave people the freedom to practice their own religion. This enticed the Dutch to move there in large numbers. 

Little else is known of Benjamin’s life. He seemed to own a lot of property, land which he provided to his three surviving sons as they came of age. He was a member of the Old Brick Reformed Church located in Marlboro, with his name appearing on a list dated October 1719.³ Two years later, he was named church deacon,³ although there’s no record of how long he served in that role. 

Benjamin was about 64-years-old when he made out his will on September 26, 1747.⁴ He died on October 6th, and was buried at the church cemetery.¹ It isn't known when his wife passed away. Among Benjamin's descendants is Tom Brokaw.⁵

Benjamin's grave at Old Brick Reformed Church Cemetery. (Source: Find-a-Grave)

Children:
1. Lysbet Van Cleef — B. before 29 May 1705, Brooklyn, New York;⁶ D. 1747, Monmouth County, New Jersey;⁶ M. William Albertse Couwenhoven (1702-1790), about 1720, Freehold, New Jersey⁶

2. Elije Van Cleef — B. about 1707, New Jersey;² M. William Baird (1704-1793), before 21 Nov 1731, (probably) Freehold, New Jersey

3. Neeltje Van Cleef — B. about 1709, New Jersey;⁸ M. Hendrick Jansz Vanderbilt (1701-?)⁹

4. Johannes Van Cleef — B. before 3 Jun 1711, Freehold, New Jersey;¹⁰ D. Oct 1777, Freehold, New Jersey;¹¹ M. (1) Maria Kraffert;¹² (2) Sarah Couwenhoven (1714-?), 14 Jun 1739, Freehold, New Jersey¹¹

5. Derrick Van Cleef — B. before 3 May 1713, Freehold, New Jersey;¹³ D. before 21 Dec 1718¹⁴

6. Maritje Van Cleef — B. before 6 Oct 1715, Freehold, New Jersey;¹⁵ D. 2 Apr 1789, Somerset County, New Jersey;¹⁶ M. John Brokaw (1709-1804), 1734, New Jersey¹⁶

7. Derrick Van Cleef — B. before 21 Dec 1718, Freehold, New Jersey;¹⁴ D. Sep 1765, Marlboro, New Jersey;¹⁷ M. Elizabeth Lake (1722-1766), 1738, Freehold, New Jersey¹⁷

8. Benjamin Van Cleef — B. before 3 Dec 1721, Freehold, New Jersey;¹⁸ M. Neeltje Couwenhoven (1723-?), 2 Jul 1741, Marlboro, New Jersey¹⁹

Sources:
1    Find-a-Grave listing of Benjamin Van Kleef  
2    WikiTree listing of Elije (Van Cleef) Baird  
3    “Records of the Dutch Congregations of Freehold and Middletown,” The Genealogical Magazine of New Jersey, Vol. XXII, January 1947
4    Probate record of Benjamin Van Cleef, New Jersey Abstracts, Vol. 30
5    FamousKin.com listing for Benjamin Van Cleef  
6    Find-a-Grave listing of Lysbeth (Van Cleef) Van Couwenhoven  
7    Baptism of Alexander Baird, son of William Baird and Elsje Van Cleef, New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980, FamilySearch.org
8    Find-a-Grave listing of Ellen (Van Cleef) Van Der Bilt  
9    Baptism of Benjamin Van Der Bilt, son of Hendrick Van Der Bilt and Neeltje Van Cleef, N.J.B. & C.
10  Baptism of Johannes Van Cleve, N.J.B. & C.
11  Find-a-Grave listing of John Van Cleef  
12  Baptism of Martha Van Cleef, son of Johannes Van Cleef and Maria Kraffert, N.J.B. & C.
13  Baptism of Derrick Van Cleve (older), N.J.B. & C.
14  Baptism of Derrick Van Cleve (younger), N.J.B. & C.
15  Baptism of Marike Van Kleve, N.J.B. & C.
16  WikiTree listing of Marike van Kleve https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Van_Kleve-1
17  Find-a-Grave listing of Richard Van Cleaf  
18  Baptism of Benjamin Van Cleve, N.J.B. & C.
19  Marriage record of Benjamin Van Cleef and Neeltje Couwenhoven, NJ Marriage records, 1683-1802, Vol. XXII

From a Flatbush Farm — Aucke Reyniersen Van Henglen

B. before 1672 in (probably) Flatbush, New York¹
M. 1695 in Long Island, New York²
Wife: Ida Vonck
D. before 20 Jan 1740 in Somerset County, New Jersey³

Centuries before Brooklyn was a patchwork of ethnic communities, it was a patchwork of farms, and Aucke Reynierssen Van Henglen was born on one of them. His parents were Reynier Arents and Jannetje Aukes Van Nuys, who had been married in 1666.¹ The date of his birth isn’t known, but Aucke was old enough to take the oath of allegiance to England in 1687, so he must have been born before 1672.¹ He was likely named for his maternal grandfather, Aucke Janse Van Nuys, who would have been part of his childhood. Aucke had ten siblings, plus one older half-brother (several of the children seem to have died young).

When Aucke came of age, his name appeared on a 1692 land transaction, purchasing some property in nearby Bushwick,¹ the northernmost of the “six towns” of Brooklyn. In 1695, Aucke married Ida Vonck,² a young woman who was from Southampton. Between about 1697 and 1721, they had a dozen children. On October 20, 1700, Aucke bought a second farm, this time from his father.¹ The land included some “salt meadows” in a place referred to as “Keuters-Hook,” which is today in the East New York section of Brooklyn. A salt meadow was land that would sometimes be flooded by seawater, so this property must have been next to Jamaica Bay, near where JFK Airport is today.

Marsh near JFK Airport as it looks today. (Source: Bjoertvedt, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Sometime during the early 18th century, Aucke moved to Somerset County, New Jersey,³ a place where many of the Dutch of Brooklyn were migrating. He acquired a vast amount of land of over 250 acres on both sides of the Millstone River where he operated a farm into the 1730s.³ Some of his married children moved there with their families as well.

Aucke made out his will on June 9, 1738,³ and died around the beginning of 1740. His will was proved on January 20th, and an inventory was taken on March 6th.³ At the time of his death, he owned three slaves worth a total of £140; he also had many heads of cattle and some horses. His wife and all of his children seemed to survive him; it isn’t known when Ida died.

Children:
1. Reynier Van Henglen — B. about 1697, Long Island, New York;⁴ D. before 10 Jan 1774, Hillsborough, New Jersey;⁵ M. Geertje Volleman (~1709-?), 1726, Long Island, New York⁵

2. Magdelena Van Henglen — B. before 23 Oct 1698, Long Island, New York;⁵ D. after 1769;⁶ M. Christoffel Van Arsdalen (~1696-1769), about 1717, in New York or New Jersey⁷

3. Hendrick Van Henglen — B. before 11 Aug 1700, Long Island, New York⁵

4. Tryntje Aukes Van Henglen — B. before 12 Jul 1702, New York⁸

5. Cornelius Van Henglen³

6. Aernout Van Henglen³

7. Catherine Van Henglen³

8. Maritje Van Henglen³

9. Femmetje Van Henglen³

10. Ida Van Henglen — B. about 1710;⁹ D. 23 Jun 1803;⁹ M. Cornelius Jacobse Wyckoff (1709-1737)⁹

11. Alida Van Henglen — B. about 1712;¹⁰ D. about 1784;¹⁰ M. Paulus Amerman (1712-~1781), about 1740¹⁰

12. Ouke Van Hanglen — B. before 8 Oct 1721, New Utrecht, New York¹¹

Sources:
1    “Notes of the Rynearson (Van Hengel) Family,” Somerset County Historical Quarterly, Vol. 5., p 286
2    WikiTree listing of Auke Rynierse van Henglen  
3    Probate record of Ouke Reynierse, Documents Related to the Colonial History of the State of New Jersey, Vol.XXX, pp. 395-396
4    Rough age based on marriage date
5    “Notes of the Rynearson (Van Hengel) Family,” Somerset County Historical Quarterly, Vol. 6., p. 55
6    A Genealogy of Reyniersen Family, Peter M. Rinearson and Arthur P. Rynearson, 1997
7    “Christoffel Van Aersdalen," Charles R. Vanorsdale, The Vanguard, Vol. III, No. 2, December 2000
8    Baptismal record of Trijntie Ouke, New York Births and Christenings, 1640-1962, FamilySearch.org
9    WikiTree listing of Idah (Reyniersen) Wyckoff  
10  WikiTree listing of Alida Aukes van Henglen  
11  Baptismal record of Auken V Hengelen, N.Y.B. & C.

A Tangled Colonial Dutch Family — Adrian Hegeman

B. 1 Feb 1719 in New Utrecht, New York
M. 10 May 1742 in (probably) Kings County, New York
Wife: Sarah Terhune
D. (possibly) 4 Aug 1793 in Somerset County, New Jersey

Like many other males in his extended family, Adrian Hegeman was named for his great-grandfather, who was the first of the family to settle in America. By 1760, there were something like 15 men who had the same name, creating confusion for genealogists for years to come.

The Adrian Hegeman of this biography was born on February 1, 1719 in New Utrecht, New York, part of present-day Brooklyn. His father was also named Adrian, and his mother was only known as Sarah. He was the oldest of their six children, and had four half-siblings from his father’s previous marriage.

Adrian got married on May 10, 1742 to Sarah Terhune, a 21-year-old woman, with the wedding probably in present-day Brooklyn. Within two years, the couple had settled in Somerset County, New Jersey, where other members of Adrian’s extended family were already living. Their first child was born in March of 1744, and by 1756, they had four more. The three youngest children were baptized at Harlingen, the main Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset County during the mid-18th century.

A Dutch Reformed church in 18th-century New Jersey.

It can be assumed that Adrian became a part of the Dutch community in Somerset County, but there seems to be no significant records of him beyond the baptisms of his children. At age 58, he was too old to be a soldier in the American Revolution, which happened nearby. During much of 1777, Washington’s army was camped in central New Jersey, and it’s likely that Adrian could hear the distant sounds of battle from his home.

Adrian is thought to have died on August 4, 1793 in Somerset County, New Jersey. It’s believed that his wife survived him, and passed away in 1799.

Children:
1. Sarah Hegeman — B. 13 Mar 1744, Somerset County, New Jersey; D. about Oct 1820, Hillsborough, New Jersey; M. Peter A. Dumont (1734-1818), 23 Feb 1763, Somerset County, New Jersey

2. Alche Hegeman — B. 27 Jul 1749, Somerset County, New Jersey; D. 13 Jun 1816, (probably) New Jersey; M. Jacob Vandeventer (1739-1810)

3. Adrian Hegeman — B. 12 Nov 1751, Somerset County, New Jersey; D. 3 May 1809, (probably) New Jersey

4. Anne Hegeman — B. 7 Sep 1754, Somerset County, New Jersey; D. 31 Mar 1774, (probably) New Jersey

5. Derick Hegeman — B. 20 Apr 1756, Somerset County, New Jersey; D. 18 Oct 1776, (probably) New Jersey

Sources: 
WikiTree
Hageman-Pendleton Genealogy, Ora E. Burnett and Ethel Millies, 1985
Military pension file of Christopher & Sarah Van Arsdalen, Somerset County, New Jersey, 1832-1843
Adrian’s Descendants Pt. 3, Genealogy.com, James LaLone, 2000 

Probably Soldier of the Revolutionary War — John Ross

B. about 1732 in (probably) New Jersey
M. (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey
Wife: Martha Anderson
D. 5 Jan 1810 in (probably) Piscataway, New Jersey

There is strong evidence to suggest that John Ross served in the American Revolution during the 1770s, but because of his common name it can’t be entirely proven. Only sketchy details exist about John’s life. He was of Scots-Irish descent, born in about 1732, probably in New Jersey. Around 1760, he married Martha Anderson, said to be daughter of William and Martha Anderson, another Scots-Irish family who lived in colonial New Jersey. The couple had six known children.

During his life, John was identified as living in the towns of Bound Brook, Middlebrook and Piscataway, and these places were in close proximity of each other. This was a center of activity during the American Revolution, with Washington’s army being camped at Middlebrook for part of 1777 and for the winter of 1778-1779. On April 13, 1777, a battle took place at Bound Brook, when the British tried to corner the Americans, who were outnumbered 4,000 to 500. The colonial force lost the garrison, but was able to retreat.

Plaque at Bound Brook.

Did John take part in any of this action? There was strong sentiment among the people of central New Jersey to support the American cause. Somerset County had its own militia headed by Captain Jacob Ten Eyck, and a list of his men survives that includes the name “John Ross.” But there’s no date on the list other than the length of the war: 1775 to 1781. John’s son who was also named John was age 17 in 1781, but given that the fighting in New Jersey took place much earlier, it seems much more likely that the older John was the soldier.

John died on January 5, 1810, likely at his home in Piscataway. His will left most of his estate to his wife, Martha, who survived him by little more than a month, dying on February 17th. Both were buried in the Old Presbyterian Graveyard in Bound Brook.

Children:
1. John Ross — B. 5 Feb 1764, New Jersey; D. 2 Mar 1808, Somerset County, New Jersey; M. Martha Van Tuyl (1768-1853), 7 Sep 1788

2. Joseph Ross — B. New Jersey; D. after 1810

3. William Ross — B. New Jersey; D. after 1810; M. Elizabeth

4. (unknown female) Ross — B. New Jersey; D. before 1810; M. James Coddington

5. Martha Ross — B. New Jersey; D. before 1810; M. Mr. Limberg

6. Hester Ross — B. 11 Feb 1767, New Jersey; D. 7 Oct 1851, Springdale, Ohio; M. Jacob Field (1768-1842), 25 Dec 1790, New Jersey

Sources:
Revolutionary War New Jersey (website)
The Ross Family of New Jersey, Bob Ross, 1990
The Will of John Ross, Piscataway, New Jersey, 1810
Middlebrook Encampment (Wikipedia article)

An Enslaved Woman Named Eve — Sarah Hegeman

B. 13 Mar 1744 in Somerset County, New Jersey
M. 23 Feb 1763 in Somerset County, New Jersey
Husband: Peter A. Dumont
D. 3 Oct 1820 in Hillsborough, New Jersey

Many people may not realize that during the 18th century, slavery was quite common in places like New Jersey. Sarah Hegeman presents an example of this in her married life and widowhood.

Sarah was born in Somerset County on March 13, 1744 to Adrian Hegeman and Sarah Terhune, the oldest of their five children. Sarah’s heritage was primarily Dutch, although her mother’s exact pedigree is unknown. 

On February 23, 1763, Sarah married Peter A. Dumont, a man who had lost his first wife two years earlier. He brought at least one young child, a daughter, into the marriage, and possibly two. Sarah gave birth to a daughter of her own a year later; she went on to have seven more. Of her eight children, four died young. The family lived in Hillsborough, where Peter was appointed sheriff in 1774. He also served as an officer in the American Revolution, and afterwards, as a judge.

Along with his civic duties, Sarah’s husband also ran a farm, and as was common in New Jersey, he owned slaves. Slavery was practiced in the state until well into the 19th century. The phasing out began in 1804 when a law was passed freeing slaves born after that date when they reached adulthood, but those born before 1804 were to remain slaves until they died.

Evidence of slavery in Somerset County is in this 1826 notice for a runaway slave.

Peter wrote out his will in 1817, and at the time, he owned six slaves. One was specified to go to Sarah, a woman named Eve. Did Sarah have a special relationship with Eve? It’s impossible to say. Sarah didn’t inherit the entire house, just a bedroom with furnishings. Two of her sons were to split the bulk of the estate, and they were ordered to provide their mother with firewood delivered to her door, and “bread and meat” for the rest of her life.

Peter passed away before June 22, 1818, and on July 6th, Sarah made out her own will. In it she directed that from her estate, $250 would go to her son John, and her daughter Sarah Van Arsdalen would receive everything else. She didn’t leave anything to her other two sons Abraham and Peter because she felt they got more from her husband’s will. She mentioned “a negro woman Eve” as one of the possessions she bequeathed to her daughter. Her signature was very shaky and she may have been in ill health at the time she made the will.

Sarah died on October 3, 1820. The entire estate was valued at about $1,000 and Eve was worth $75 of that. Presumably the orders she gave in the will were carried out and Eve went to her daughter, Sarah. It isn’t know if the woman was ever freed.

Children:
1. Sarah Dumont — B. 9 Mar 1764, Somerset County, New Jersey; D. 28 Feb 1846, Somerset County, New Jersey; M. Christopher Van Arsdalen (1760-1840), 30 Apr 1789, Somerset County, New Jersey

2. Abraham Dumont — B. 24 Mar 1767, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey; D. 28 Aug 1775, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey

3. John Dumont — B. 5 Sep 1769, Somerset County, New Jersey; D. 7 Jul 1822; M. Mary Perlee, before 22 Jul 1797, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey

4. Adrian Dumont — B. 7 Aug 1773, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey; D. 13 Sep 1774, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey

5. Abram Dumont — B. 23 Aug 1775, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey

6. Abigail Dumont — B. 1 Mar 1777, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey; D. 8 Aug 1777, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey

7. Abraham Dumont — B. 16 Jun 1778, Somerset County, New Jersey; D. 9 Nov 1858, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey; M. Judith Davis, 6 Jun 1799, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey

8. Peter Dumont — B. 7 Nov 1782, Hillsborough, New Jersey; D. 12 Aug 1860, Hillsborough, New Jersey; M. Magdalen Davis (1781-1870), 6 Nov 1805, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey 

Sources:
"Wallerand Dumont and his Somerset County Descendants," John B. Dumont, Somerset County Historical Quarterly, Vol. 1, 1912
Will of Peter A. Dumont, Somerset County, New Jersey, 23 Oct 1817
Will of Sarah Dumont, Hillsborough, New Jersey, July 6, 1818
Family bible of Christopher Van Arsdalen

Dutch Baker in 18th-Century Brooklyn — Adrian Hegeman

B. about 1683 in (probably) Pemaquid, Maine
M. (1) 15 Dec 1706 in Flatbush, New York
Wife: Elizabeth Van Wyck
M. (2) before 1719
Wife: Sarah _______
D. after 11 Aug 1762 in (probably) Brooklyn, New York

The roots of Brooklyn are found in a handful of Dutch families who first made their homes there during colonial times. One member of a prominent early family was Adrian Hegeman, who worked as a baker near the shore of the East River.

Adrian didn't start out in Brooklyn. His father, Denys Hegeman, had been serving as a soldier up in Maine, and married an English girl named Grace Dollen. They lived in the town of Pemaquid, where Adrian was born in about 1683. It was a dangerous place to try to raise a family, and the Hegemans were in the crosshairs of local tribes who were aligned with the French. In August 1689, when Adrian was about six years-old, Indians raided the settlement, attacking his family's home. They captured his mother and younger sister by force, but he escaped harm.

After bringing the remaining children to the safety of Brooklyn, Adrian's father went back to Maine in an attempt to rescue Adrian's mother, but was taken by the French. Both parents were held in Quebec, and it would be four years before they were freed. The sister who was captured in the raid presumably died early on. Adrian had a brother born while his parents were in captivity, and two more brothers were born in the next few years in Brooklyn.

Perhaps because of the experiences of his childhood, once Adrian settled in Brooklyn, he more or less stayed there for the rest of his life. On December 15, 1706, he married Elizabeth Van Wyck in Flatbush; they had four children born between 1707 and 1714, but she passed away soon after. By 1718, Adrian married a second wife whose name was Sarah (her last name is unknown), and they had six children together, with the youngest born in 1734. 

Adrian made a living as a baker in New Utrecht, then later moved his home and business to near the ferry in Brooklyn. The area was mostly rural, but by the mid-18th century, a thriving town was starting to develop near the waterfront which would one day become a major city.

Brooklyn Ferry in 1750.

On August 11, 1762, Adrian wrote his will, mentioning his wife Sarah and surviving children as his beneficiaries. Also noted was “my estate in New Jersey and elsewhere,” which likely meant Somerset County, a place where his son Adrian lived. He passed away soon after; it isn’t known when Sarah died. 

Children by Elizabeth Van Wyck:
1. Denys Hegeman — B. 1707; M. Susanne ________

2. Cornelius Hegeman — B. 1709, Flatbush, New York; M. Martje Wiltse (1725-?), 10 Sep 1740, New York

3. Elizabeth Hegeman — B. 1711; M. Jacobus Simonse

4. Dirck Hegeman — B. 1714, Flatbush, New York; M. Aeltie Dolson, 3 Dec 1738, Fishkill, New York

Children by Sarah:
1. Adrian Hegeman — B. 1 Feb 1719, New Utrecht, New York; M. Sarah Terhune (1721-?), 10 May 1742, (probably) New York

2. Sarah Hegeman — B. before 16 Jul 1721, New Utrecht, New York; M. Richard Morrel

3. Joseph Hegeman — B. before 3 Jul 1726, New Utrecht, New York: D. young

4. Lucretia Hegeman — B. 11 Aug 1728, New Utrecht, New York; M. Alexander Forbus, 30 Jun 1753, New York, New York

5. Peter Hegeman — B. 10 Nov 1731, New Utrecht, New York; M. Christina Pearsall, 4 Jul 1765, New York, New York

6. Joseph Hegeman — B. 4 Sep 1734, New Utrecht, New York

Sources:
Ten years at Pemaquid: sketches of its history and its ruins, John Henry Cartland, 1899
"The Tribulations of Denys Hegeman," Richard W. Cook, Genealogies of New Jersey Families: A-Z, pre-American notes on New Netherland families, 1996
Register of the Early Settlers of Kings County, Long Island, N.Y., Teunis G. Bergen
Genealogy website of John Blythe Dobson, which cites many sources

2,000 Acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey — Peter Dumont

B. before 20 Apr 1679 in Kingston, New York¹
M. (1) 25 Dec 1700 in (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey²
Wife: Femmetje Janse Van Middleswart
M. (2) 23 Feb 1707 in (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey²
Wife: Catelyntje Rapalje
M. (3) 16 Nov 1711 in Flatbush, New York²
Wife: Jannetje Vechten
D. (probably) Jul 1744 in Somerset County, New Jersey³

Availability of large amounts of land was a strong motivator for migration in colonial America. This is likely why Peter Dumont decided to move from up the Hudson River to central New Jersey.

Peter was born in Kingston, New York to Wallerand Dumont and Grietje Hendricks, and he was baptized there on April 20, 1679.¹ Kingston was a community about 100 miles north of Manhattan; it had survived a couple of massacres inflicted by local tribes, and Peter’s father may have been a Dutch soldier sent to help defend it. Peter had five older siblings and one older half-sister from his mother’s earlier marriage.

It was in about 1699 that Peter left New York to settle in Somerset County, New Jersey.¹ Many Dutch colonists were attracted to the area because the English authorities wanted to populate it, and had guaranteed the Dutch the right to practice their religion. Peter committed himself to the region when on June 10, 1702, he purchased 2,000 acres for £380.¹ The land was located in Hillsborough township, on the south side of the Raritan River. It stayed in the family for several generations and part of it would one day be owned by a U.S. Senator and descendant of Peter named Frederick Freylinghuysen.¹

Typical 18th-century Dutch farm in New Jersey.

When it came to family life, Peter stayed within the Dutch community. On Christmas Day of 1700, he married Femmetje Janse Van Middleswart.² She was the 16-year-old daughter of Jan Van Middleswart, another early settler of Somerset County, originally from Flatbush. Peter and Femmetje soon had three sons, but sadly, she died on September 25, 1706.⁴ Peter married a second wife, Catalyntje Rapalje, on February 1, 1707,² but she died about a week after giving birth to a baby girl two years later.⁵ Then on November 16, 1711, Peter married Jannetje Vechten.² They had eight children born between 1715 and 1735.

Peter was an elder of the First Reformed Church of Raritan, and in 1738, an assemblyman of New Jersey from Somerset County. He made out his will on March 29, 1740 dividing his land amongst his four sons by his third wife.³ His two sons by his first wife had previously received land from their maternal grandfather. His will was proved July 17, 1744, so he died by that date.³ Peter was buried in a family plot on his own land.⁶ One of his great-grandsons, Peter Dumont Vroom, became governor of New Jersey in the early 19th century.⁷

Children by Femmetje Janse Van Middleswart:
1. Doort Dumont — B. before 12 Feb 1702;¹ D. young¹

2. John Dumont — B. before 29 Aug 1704, Ulster County, New York;¹ D. 14 Jul 1753, Somerset County, New Jersey;⁸ M. Annatje Hooglandt (1707-?), 17 Nov 1727⁸

3. Abraham Dumont — B. 25 Apr 1706, Raritan, New Jersey;¹ D. 7 Aug 1787, Raritan, New Jersey;¹ M. Mattie Bergen, 10 Aug 1733¹

Children by Catelyntje Rapalje:
1. Catelyntje Dumont — B. before 27 Apr 1709, Raritan, New Jersey;¹ M. Christian La Grange, before 3 Apr 1728¹

Children by Jannetje Vechten:
1. Margaret Dumont — B. 24 Jan 1715, Raritan, New Jersey;⁹ D. 11 Feb 1743;⁹ M. George Bergen (~1710-?), 3 Jun 1738⁹

2. Hendrick Dumont — B. 22 Mar 1717, Raritan, New Jersey;¹ D. 8 Nov 1760, New York, New York;¹ M. (1) Mary Traverier (~1720-~1749), 20 Dec 1743, Raritan, New Jersey;¹ (2) Catherine Oothout (1722-1775), 29 Nov 1749, Somerset County, New Jersey¹

3. John Baptist Dumont — B. 13 Apr 1719, Raritan, New Jersey;¹ D. 18 Dec 1776, (probably) Hillsborough, New Jersey;¹⁰ M. Marie Van Duyne (1725-1763), 6 Nov 1745, New Jersey¹⁰

4. Gerretie Dumont — B. 23 Mar 1721, Raritan, New Jersey;¹ D. 25 Jan 1747, Middlesex County, New Jersey;¹ M. George Vroom (1713-1756), 25 Jan 1741, Somerset County, New Jersey¹¹

5. Jannetje Dumont — B. 27 Apr 1723, Raritan, New Jersey;¹² M. Peter Vroom (1722-1768), 20 Aug 1750, New Jersey¹²

6. Peter Dumont — B. 11 Nov 1725, Raritan, New Jersey;¹ D. 21 Nov 1808;¹ M. Brachie Vroom (1725-1791), 19 May 1748, New Jersey¹

7. Rynear Dumont — B. 3 Apr 1728 Raritan, New Jersey;¹ M. Annatje Brouwer (1730-?)¹

8. Ignatius Dumont — B. 17 Apr 1735, Somerset County, New Jersey;¹ D. young¹

Sources:
1    “Wallerand Dumont and his Somerset County Descendants,” John B. Dumont, Somerset County Quarterly, Volume 1, 1912
2    Brouwer Genealogy Database listing of Peter Dumont
3    Probate of Peter Dumont, New Jersey, U.S., Abstract of Wills, 1670-1817, Ancestry.com
4    Brouwer Genealogy Database listing of Femmetje Van Middleswart [source of 1st wife’s death]
5    Brouwer Genealogy Database listing of Catalyntje Rapalje [source of 2nd wife’s death]
6    Find-a-Grave listing of Peter Dumont
7    Find-a-Grave listing of Peter Dumont Vroom
8    Brouwer Genealogy Database listing of Jan Dumont
9    Brouwer Genealogy Database listing of Grietje Dumont
10  Find-a-Grave listing of John Baptiste Dumont
11  Brouwer Genealogy Database listing of Gerretee Dumont
12  Brouwer Genealogy Database listing of Jannetje Dumont

Father & Sons in the Revolution — Hendrick Van Arsdalen

B. 25 Jul 1731 in Hillsborough, New Jersey¹
M. about 1755 in (probably) New Jersey¹
Wife: Catherine Brokaw
D. 24 Mar 1820 in Somerset County, New Jersey¹

There was a generation of men in colonial America who came along at the right time to have been a soldier in the American Revolution. Most were born during the 1740s and 1750s, but some were before and after that period, and this was the case of Hendrick Van Arsdalen and his sons.

Hendrick was born in Hillsborough, New Jersey on July 25, 1731 to Christoffel Van Arsdalen and Magdalena Van Henglen,¹ one of 9 children. In about 1755, Hendrick married Catherine Brokaw.¹ Between about 1756 and 1771, they had seven children; at least two of them died as infants. During those years, Hendrick made his home in Somerville,² but for about 4 or 5 years he moved with his family to Hunterdon County.³

When the American Revolution began in 1775, many men in Somerset County took up arms for the cause. Records show that Hendrick enlisted as a private in Jacob Ten Eyck’s company, and he was part of a march to Bergen County beginning on July 8, 1776.¹ His 16-year-old son Christopher joined the army with him, and the two fought in the same regiment. 

1777 muster roll showing Hendrick and Christopher, halfway down second column.

New Jersey was central to the American Revolution, especially after Washington crossed the Delaware in his famous surprise attack on Christmas of 1776. During much of 1777, the main body of the Continental Army was camped within 50 miles of where Hendrick lived.⁴ Around the first of the year, he was paid £1.5.3 for helping to capture a “Tory wagon” in Bound Brook.¹ There was a military effort to block such wagons from delivering supplies to British troops. 

Capturing a Tory wagon. (AI-generated image)

It’s not known for how long Hendrick continued to serve. He was on the muster rolls throughout 1776 and 1777, appearing for a final time on January 1, 1778. By that date, he had two sons who had enlisted; besides Christopher, 15-year-old Jan had joined up.⁵ It’s likely that Hendrick didn’t serve beyond that time and Christopher substituted for his father. There was also a family story that Hendrick became impoverished because he was paid for his service in worthless Continental script, forcing him to sell some or all of his property.²

After the war, when the U.S. government was formed, Hendrick was a member of the Federalist party.² He lived out his life in Somerset County with his wife, Catherine. She died on December 10, 1819,¹ and he passed away just a few months later on March 24, 1820.¹

Children:
1. Hendrick Van Arsdalen – B. before 24 Oct 1756, Somerset County, New Jersey;³ D. before 22 Nov 1758, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey³

2. Hendrick Van Arsdalen – B. before 22 Nov 1758, Somerset County, New Jersey;³ D. before 11 Dec 1768, (probably) Somerset County, New Jersey³

3. Christopher B. Van Arsdalen — B. 20 Apr 1760, Somerset County, New Jersey;⁶ D. 1 Jun 1840, Somerset County, New Jersey;⁷ M. Sarah Dumont (1764-1846), 30 Apr 1789, Somerset County, New Jersey⁸

4. Jan Van Arsdalen — B. before 25 Sep 1763, Somerset County, New Jersey³

5. Mariya Van Arsdalen — B. before 20 Apr 1766, Hunterdon County, New Jersey³

6. Hendrick Van Arsdalen — B. before 11 Dec 1768, New Jersey³

7. Isaac Van Arsdalen — B. before 28 Jul 1771, Somerset County, New Jersey³

Sources:
1    Sons of the American Revolution application of John Edward Van Arsdale, 1963, Ancestry.com
2    History of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, New Jersey, Everts & Peck, 1881
3    Our Brokaw-Brogaw heritage, Elsie E. Foster, 1967
4    Middlebrook encampment (Wikipedia article)
5    Military pension file of Christopher Van Arsdalen, 1832
6    Birth record of Christopher Van Arsdalen, Family bible of Christopher and Sarah Van Arsdalen, pension file of Sarah Van Arsdalen, NARA
7    Marriage record of Christopher Van Arsdalen, Family bible of C. & S. V.A.
8    Death record of Christopher Van Arsdalen, New Jersey Deaths and Burials, 1720-1988, FamilySearch.org

Grandfather’s Gift Buys Homestead — Abraham Dumont

B. April 25, 1706 in Somerset County, New Jersey¹
M. August 10, 1733 in Somerset County, New Jersey²
Wife: Mattie Bergen
D. August 7, 1787 in Somerset County, New Jersey¹

Abraham Dumont was given money by his grandfather at age 21, and he turned it into a property that remained in the family for generations to come. Abraham was born on April 25, 1706 in Somerset County, New Jersey to Peter Dumont and Femmetje Janse Van Middleswart.¹ He had two older brothers, one of whom died as an infant, but Abraham’s mother died when he was a small infant.¹ His father remarried twice,¹ and he had nine younger half-siblings.

On August 10, 1733, Abraham married Mattie Bergen (also spelled as Meetje),² who was the daughter of Hans Jorise Bergen and Sitje Van Wycklen. Abraham and Mattie had four children born between 1734 and 1747.

Abraham and his family lived on a farm of about 500 acres directly south of Somerville, New Jersey, on the road toward Harlingen.¹ He had acquired the property using money that was given or bequeathed to him by his grandfather, Jan Teunise Van Middleswart.³ Abraham and his brother John each received money from their grandfather when they came of age. Abraham’s farm including the house he built became the family homestead, which survived among his descendants at least until 1912.¹

Typical farm in colonial New Jersey.

Mattie passed away on February 13, 1768,¹ and Abraham died on August 7, 1787;¹ both were buried in the Dumont Burying Ground in Hillsborough. The inventory for Abraham's will showed that his personal property was valued at over £462, not including his land.¹ He owned at least one slave, which he left to his son Peter.

Children:
1. Peter Abraham Dumont – B. 11 Jul 1734, Hillsborough, New Jersey;¹ D. 7 Jul 1818, Hillsborough, New Jersey;¹ M. (1) Abigail Tunnison (?-1761), 6 Dec 1757;¹ (2) Sarah Hegeman (1744-1820), 23 Feb 1763, Somerset County, New Jersey¹

2. Sitie Dumont – B. before 7 May 1737, New Utrecht, New York;² M. Hendrick Probasco (1730-1801)¹

3. John Dumont – B. 10 Jan 1740;¹ D. 3 May 1758¹

4. Phebe Dumont – B. before 13 Sep 1747, Somerset County, New Jersey;⁴ M. (1) Frederick Ditmars (1743-?);¹ (2) Thomas Drew (1740-?), 24 Aug 1781, Somerset County, New Jersey¹

Sources:
1 “Wallerand Dumont and his Somerset County Descendants,” John B. Dumont, Somerset County Quarterly, Volume 1, 1912
2 "The Van Wicklen/Van Wickle Family: Including Its Frisian Origin and Connections to Minnerly and Kranckheyt,” Harry Macy Jr., New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, Vol. 128, no. 2, 1997, p. 81
3 “An Interesting Document of 1727,” Somerset County Quarterly, Volume 7, 1918
4 Baptismal record of Femmetie De Mon, New Jersey Births and Christenings, 1660-1980, FamilySearch.org 

Judge and Clerk in Colonial New Jersey — John Brokaw

B. before 26 Oct 1709 in Somerset County, New Jersey¹
M. (1) possibly 1734 in New Jersey²
Wife: Maritje Van Cleef
M. (2) after 2 Apr 1789³
Wife: Catherine __________
D. before 28 Sep 1804 in Bridgewater, New Jersey⁴

John Brokaw’s life spanned a time when people of Dutch heritage were first setting in central New Jersey, all the way into the beginning of the 19th century. In his prime, he gave service to his community, and as an old man, saw the founding of the United States. 

 

John was born in Somerset County, New Jersey to Jan Brokaw and Sarah Janse Van Middleswart, and baptized in the Raritan Dutch Reformed Church on October 26, 1709.¹ He was one of eight children, and the oldest son. In 1725, John's father purchased a large tract of land near Millstone,⁵ and this is where he came of age. John married Maritje Van Cleef, a native of Freehold; one source states they were married in 1734, but no original source is cited.² They settled in Somerset County, where they had twelve children, two of whom died young.

John seems to have been well-educated, holding several important offices in Somerset County; in most of the records he had the title of “esquire” on his name,⁶ suggesting a certain status. He was commissioner of peace in 1752, 1759 and 1769,⁵ and a justice in 1768 and 1767 to 1770.⁵ In 1761, John took on the job of surveying and mapping some land belonging to a neighbor named John Dumont, dividing the tract into smaller lots.⁶ He did the same thing four years later for the estate of another man named Hendrick Wilson.⁶ Then in 1771, the board of Millstone made him their clerk and paid him 30 shillings for the year.⁶

New Jersey was a pivotal location during part of the American Revolution, and support for the cause was very strong among John’s community. His oldest son John served as a lieutenant in the militia, and gave his life for the effort. In October 1777, General Washington led a force in an unsuccessful mission to surprise the British at Germantown, Pennsylvania, and one of the casualties was Lieutenant John.¹ There is a family story that his heroics on the battlefield were so noteworthy that two years later, Washington rode to the home of his widow to “express his sympathy.”¹

The Battle of Germantown.

The years following the war brought more sadness when John’s wife Maritje passed away on April 2, 1789.³ Sometime after this, at the age of at least 80, he remarried to a woman named Catherine whose last name may have been Van Vechten.⁴

As John’s long life drew to a close, he made out a will dated July 5, 1803.⁴ In it, he bequeathed a silver tankard to the son of his son who was killed in the war. John also mentioned a single slave, a woman named Hannah, appearing to free her at his death, but the will has ink spilled across it, obscuring the words. It reads: "I order and devise that my Negro wench named Hannah _____ not be sold but have choice to live where she pleases so that she m__________________.”⁴ John died on September 25, 1804 in Bridgewater.⁴ His probate inventory showed that his estate was valued at a total of $2,779.93.⁴

John's 1803 will with the spilled ink.

Perhaps John’s legacy lies in his surname, which would be handed down to his 5G grandson Tom Brokaw. He was also the ancestor of Humphrey Bogart.⁷

Children (all with Maritje Van Cleef):
1. John Brokaw — B. 5 May 1736, Somerset County, New Jersey;⁵ D. 4 Oct 1777, Germantown, Pennsylvania;¹ M. Maria Vanderveer (1742-?), about 1760¹

2. Catherine Brokaw — B. 18 Oct 1737, Roycefield, New Jersey;⁵ D. 10 Dec 1819, Somerset County, New Jersey;⁵ M. Hendrick Van Arsdalen (1731-1820), about 1755, (probably) New Jersey⁵

3. Henrietta Brokaw — B. 26 Sep 1739, Roycefield, New Jersey;⁵ D. 9 Jan 1829, Millstone, New Jersey;⁸ M. Cornelius Lott (1738-1816)⁸

4. Sarah Brokaw — B. 11 Jan 1741, Somerset County, New Jersey;⁵ D. before 12 Sep 1748⁵

5. Benjamin Brokaw — B. 19 Dec 1743, Somerset County, New Jersey;⁵ D. 27 Apr 1815, Auburn New York⁹

6. Isaac Brokaw — B. 4 Feb 1746, Somerset County, New Jersey;⁵ D. 18 Sep 1826, Morristown, New Jersey;¹⁰ M. Elizabeth Miller (~1750-?), about 1764, New Jersey¹⁰

7. Sarah Brokaw — B. 12 Sep 1748, Somerset County New Jersey;⁵ M. Jacob Van Deventer⁵

8. Derck Brokaw — B. 12 Mar 1751, Somerset County New Jersey;⁵ D. young⁵

9. Mary Brokaw — B. 14 Jun 1753, Somerset County New Jersey;⁵ D. 10 Dec 1833;¹¹ M. Cornelius Van Dyke¹¹

10. Bergon Isaac Brokaw — B. 6 Jan 1756, Somerset County New Jersey;⁵ D. 25 May 1813, Bridgewater, New Jersey;¹² M. Jane Sudyam Mount (1760-1830), 29 Mar 1779, Millstone, New Jersey¹³

11. Richard Brokaw — B. 7 Sep 1758, Somerset County New Jersey;⁵ D. 24 Jan 1841⁵

12. Phebe Brokaw — B. 18 Dec 1760, Somerset County New Jersey;⁵ D. 20 Jan 1808, Bound Brook, New Jersey;¹⁴ M. John Field (1756-?), 22 Jan 1781, Bridgewater, New Jersey¹⁵

Sources:
1    Pre-Revolutionary Dutch Houses and Families in Northern New Jersey and Southern New York, Rosalie Fellows Bailey, 1936, pp. 442-444
2    WikiTree listing for Jan (Broka) Brokaw  
3    WikiTree listing for Marike van Kleve
4    Probate record of John Brokaw, New Jersey Probate Records, 1678-1980, FamilySearch.org
5    Our Brokaw-Brogaw Heritage, Elsie E. Foster, 1967
6    History of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, New Jersey, Everts & Peck, 1881, p. 760 & 776
7    FamousKin.com listing of John Brokaw
8    Find-a-Grave listing of Henrietta (Brokaw) Lott  
9    Find-a-Grave listing of Benjamin Brokaw  
10  Find-a-Grave listing of Isaac Brokaw  
11  Find-a-Grave listing of Mary (Brokaw) Van Dyke  
12  Find-a-Grave listing of Bergun Brokaw  
13  Marriage record of Bergan Brokaw and Jane Mount, New Jersey Marriages, 1678-1985, FamilySearch.org
14  Find-a-Grave listing of Phebe (Brokaw) Field
15  Marriage record of John Field and Phebe Brocaw, N.J.M.

Returning Home to New Jersey — Alletta Van Arsdalen

B. 7 May 1803 in Somerset County, New Jersey
M. 19 Apr 1826 in Bound Brook, New Jersey
Husband: James Ross
D. 13 May 1886 in South Branch, New Jersey

When Alletta Van Arsdalen was near the end of her life, she sought the familiar community of her childhood home. Alletta was born in Somerset County, New Jersey on May 7, 1803 to Christopher Van Arsdalen and Sarah Dumont, the youngest of their six children. Her name was written as “Alche” on her baptism, which was a Dutch variation of Alletta, but her parents called her “Letty.” The place where Alletta grew up was a rural area, made up of many Dutch families who had farmed there for generations. Alletta’s father had served in the American Revolution, and it’s easy to imagine she heard firsthand stories of that historical time.

Alletta’s birth listed in her parents' family bible.

In 1814, a woman named Alche Van Deventer left Alletta $50 in her will. Her mother and sister were also left bequests by Mrs. Van Deventer, but they were smaller; this suggests that the woman may have had a special relationship with Alletta, perhaps as a godmother. Along with the money, Alletta also received “two suits of wearing apparel.” Presumably, the clothing was put away for future use, although it was likely out-of-style by the time she was old enough to wear it.

On March 29, 1826, Alletta married James Ross at the Dutch Reformed Church in Bound Brook. They set up their household on a nearby farm, and three sons were born between 1829 and 1836. When the youngest was 3-years-old, the family made a decision to leave the area to move out west, and Alletta's father loaned them $500 to get started in a new home. Alletta said goodbye to her elderly parents knowing she’d likely never see them again; her father died in 1840, and her mother in 1846.

The place where Alletta and James settled was Jersey County, Illinois, located on the Mississippi River north of St. Louis. As the name implies, Jersey County had many other young farmers who had come from New Jersey, and no doubt some knew each other before they moved there. Alletta and James did well with their farm, which was worth $7,500 by 1850, and they soon became well-respected members of the community.

By 1860, all three of Alletta's sons had gotten married. While younger sons David and James were somewhat successful in life, her oldest son John seemed to be a troublemaker. In 1866, he was convicted of burglarizing a grocery store in Jerseyville, and was sent to Jolliet Prison. This must have been hard on Alletta and James, and the people of Jersey County took action by generating a petition for John’s release. It was suggested they were doing this mainly for the sake of the family; one signer even wrote next to his signature, “for his mother.” As a result, John was pardoned by the governor after serving only one year of his 3-year sentence. After he was out of prison, he and his family lived adjacent to Alletta and James, but within a few years, he seems to have died.

Jerseyville in the late 19th century.

Alletta’s life was upended in 1874 when James had a stroke that left him partially paralyzed, and he passed away on July 14, 1878. Later that year, she sold the lots they had in Jerseyville; their farm had already been sold to son David. Even though she still had her younger sons and many grandchildren around her, Alletta decided to return to her home state of New Jersey. Alletta seems to have been missed in the 1880 census, and it’s possible that she was in transit at that time.

By 1885, she was living in the home of Arthur and Catherine Schenck, a couple in their 40s; it isn’t known if they were related to her, or she was a boarder in their house. That year, she sold her New Jersey property for $1,400, and had a will made out. She left her assets to son James, who was described as an invalid; it’s likely she was afraid he couldn’t support his family. She also specified that if James died, her granddaughters would receive everything (curiously she didn’t provide for her grandsons), and that he would be buried in her husband’s plot. Sadly, son David had recently committed suicide back in Illinois, and therefore he was unmentioned from the will.

Alletta’'s signature on her will.

Alletta died on May 13, 1886 in the Schencks’ home in South Branch, New Jersey. After her death, an inventory was taken of her possessions that seemed to indicate she was living alone in one room, since there was only a bed, a chair and a dresser listed. She was buried in Raritan Cemetery in Somerville, New Jersey, but in her will also asked that she be given a gravestone next to her husband in Jerseyville, Illinois.

Children:
1. John Ross – B. 1829, (probably) Bound Brook, New Jersey; M. Ellen Ann Luckey (1829-1882), 3 Apr 1850, Jerseyville, Illinois

2. David R. Ross – B. 1831, Bound Brook, New Jersey; D. 16 Mar 1885, Jersey County, Illinois; M. Eliza McBride (1834-1904), 7 May 1885, Carrollton, Illinois

3. James Christopher Ross – B. 20 Mar 1836, (probably) Bound Brook, New Jersey; D. 27 Jan 1904, Jersey County, Illinois; M. Elizabeth J. Robinett (1842-1905), 22 Mar 1857, Jersey County, Illinois

Sources:
Family Bible of Christopher and Sarah Van Arsdalen
Death certificate of Alletta Ross, Somerville, New Jersey, 13 May 1886
Will of Alche Van Deventer, Piscataway, New Jersey, 23 Jun 1814
Will of Aletta Ross, South Branch, New Jersey, 1885-1886
Prison pardon file of John Ross, Jersey County, Illinois, 1867
1850, 1870 and 1880 U.S. Census, Illinois
Tombstone inscriptions, Oak Grove Cemetery, Jersey County, Illinois
Tombstone inscriptions, Oakwood Cemetery, Parsons, Kansas
Marriage certificate of John Ross and Ellen Ann Luckey, 6 Apr 1850, Jersey County, Illinois
Jersey County, Illinois obituary index
History of Jerseyville, Illinois, Reverend Marshall M.Cooper, 1901
Illinois statewide marriage index, 1763-1900