Our fascinating past

The reason for starting this blog is to highlight some of the interesting finds in my family history research. As I learn more and more about the people who made me, I'm finding impressive characters and fascinating stories that are just too interesting not to share.

Without further ado, the latest person I've discovered is my ninth great-grandfather. To put in in context, he is the sixth great-grandfather of Ann Peterson, the mother my great-grandfather, John Aten. 

RESOLVED WALDRON

Son of Johannes Resolved Waldron and Maria Goverts
1610-1690
Emigrated to New Netherland 1654

According to the Genealogy of Frederick H. Waldron, published by the Tuttle, Morehouse & Taylor Comapny in New Haven, CT, in 1909:

"…Baron Resolved Waldron, son of Count Johannas Von Waldron,  who was born in 1610, in Amsterdam, Holland. He was well educated in Latin, French and English. He was an extensive traveler in Europe and South America, spent some time in Brazil and returning to his native land, Holland, in 1645, married Rebecca Hendryx in 1647. She died 165-. He afterward became acquainted with Lady Tanneka Neigle, daughter of Baron  Von Neigle, and was married to her May 10, 1654. Resolved Waldron joined the staff of Governor Peter Stuyvesant in May, 1647, and continued to serve the Dutch government during Stuyvesant's administration until James, Duke of York, sent four ships of war during time of peace in 1664 and robbed the Dutch of all their possessions in America.

Resolved Waldron acted as ambassador to all the petty English courts in New England, Virginia and Baltimore. He with two others obtained the first grant from Stuyvesant for New Harlem in 1654, of that portion of Manhattan Island lying between 82d and 109th Streets, extending from North River to East River. He established the first ferry and erected the first Dutch church in that town. He also built himself a stone mansion on East River (called by the Dutch "Helengate," or "roaring water"). The Indian name was "Sevandican," or "mad water." The Indian name for the land or bowery was "Rachewanas," or "crooked land." This bowery or plantation was about a mile along the water. Here Waldron lived a number of years until his sons grew up and married and then, while chief magistrate, he removed to Kingsbridge.

The old Waldron stone mansion at Horn Hook (88th Street, north side, a little east of Avenue A) was erected in 1660 and was kept in good repair until 1870, when it was destroyed by fire—210 years old.

 (p. 11-12)."

According to Harlem (City of New York):  Its Origin and Early Annals by James Riker, p. 104:

After the English arrived and took over rule of the new colony, 

from Harlem (City of New York):  Its Origin and Early Annals by James Riker, p. 235. 

Here is a map of the village of Harlem in 1670, from Harlem (City of New York):  Its Origin and Early Annals by James Riker, p. 292.

According to page 291, A is the site of the Reformed Church and Harlem Library and C is the site of the Congregational Church.

Harlem (City of New York):  Its Origin and Early Annals by James Riker, p. 296.

And again from the Genealogy of Frederick H. Waldron, p. 13:

"He [Resolved Waldron] was one of the five patentees named in the Nichols patent, and also served in the eldership. He died in 1690, his inventory taken that year  (May 17) embracing "lands, slaves, farm stock, etc., three lots of land lying upon VanKenlen's Hook, with one lot of land lying upon Jochem Pietus and a house with its lot comprising buildings and plantation as it is situated and lying at this village, as also a piece of meadow lying in Round meadow."

He left issue as follows : by Rebecca

William, born 1647 ; married Engeltie Stoutenburg.

Rebecca, born 1649; married John Nagle.

Aeltie, born 1651 ; married Captain Johannas Vermilye.

Issue by Tanneka:

Barnet, born 1655.

Ruth, born 1657; married John Dalamater.

Cornelia, born 1659; married Peter Von Obliens.

Johannas, born 1665.

Samuel, born 1670."

Ruth Wadron is my eighth great-grandmother...

Links to Related Sites

Find A Grave Memorial for Resolved Waldron

New Netherland Institute

Harlem (City of New York): Its Origin and Early Annals by James Riker

Manhattan: Seeds of the Big Apple