Notes for Casparus Johannes Steynmets II: A Chronology of Casparus (Casparius/Casporus/Kaspar) Steynmets II (aka Steynmetszen/Steenmuts/Stymetts) 1610-1631: "Casparus or Casper Steynmets II (also spelled Kaspar, Casparius in some records); was born in Schiedam, Holland about 1610"* (across the great water-way from the city of Rotterdam). One source records a birth date as 1618. The Archives in the Netherlands, have indicated that his birth is more likely to have been 1610 as a record shows a birth date of one "Kaspar Steenmets/Steymuts" as January 11th., 1610, so this is the date I have used #(CS). "Caspar was the first generation of "Steynmets" to arrive in the new colony of New Netherlands (New Amsterdam) from Schiedam, Holland in 1631." (MC)(CS) Author's Note: It is believed that Casparus Steynmets arrived in New Netherlands about July 7th, 1631 after sailing from Texel, Holland on the ship "DE EENDRACHT"* (SEE: APPENDIX F: Casparius' Log To The New World) (CS) Sources: "Netherland Archives", The Hague, Netherlands, 1965. "Founders of Early American Families"; Rev Ed. Colkert, Cleveland: Founders and Patriots Society, 1985, p. 297 .
Author's Note: It would also appear from records consulted that Casparus was the last and only surviving "male-child" in the family as two brothers died; one at birth, and the second brother after one year. His sisters, Margaretha married and moved to the Dutch East Indies, while his other sister, Geertje emigrated to New Netherlands and married Andreas Hoppe.(CS)
There is a reference in P. H. Hoffman's series of articles that appeared in the New Jersey Historical Society Magazine in 1916 speculating that "Casparus Steynmutzen came with his brothers who owned and sailed trading vessels and came from time to time to this country, sailing up the Hudson for cargoes of furs and things that could be procured from the Indians. Caspar from one of these voyages remained behind and cast his lot with the Aertsons and Garretsons and Corneliusons. Very few settlers were found on Manhattan at the time and they were in the fort on the extreme and Lower end of the island." (PH)
Author's Note: The "Casparus" mentioned in the article series above by P. H. Hoffman, was most probably Casparus II's father, "Casparius Johannes Davidus Steynmets I", but there is no evidence to his statement that he remained permanently in the New World during one of his voyages.(CS) Casparus Johann Steynmets II according to most Archival records came over to the New World by himself and not with his parents, as has been speculated by others in their notations. He is listed as an 'emigrant' on a roster of passengers leaving Rotterdam in March of 1631.(CS)+ Sources: *"The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record", Vol. 56 (1925). #"Centraal Bureau Voor Genealogie" and "Archives of Schiedam", Netherlands, Gemeentearchief van Schiedam, Stradserf 1, NL-3112 DZ, Schiedam. +"List of Passengers Emigrating From Holland", Dept. of Shipping Archives & Antiquities, The Hague, Netherlands.
Casparus Steynmets II was a well educated man who knew several European languages. He lived in Holland during "The Golden Age" (1585-1669) and was living when the worlds renown artist, Rembrandt was painting the works we treasure today. Casparus was fortunate to study at the University in Leyden where he obtained his versatility for languages in Latin, French, Greek, and German. This was a very exciting time for Casparus. Also frequenting the halls of the university at this time, was the famous French, social writer of the day, "Descartes". Upon Casparus' arrival in the New World, "he soon became a well-known Indian trader and it wasn't too long before he became an important interpreter; earning him much respect as a new inhabitant of New Amsterdam". Source: "New Amsterdam and Its People"; p.14.
1640-1657: Casparus Steynmets soon became a prosperous business man owning houses and lots in New Amsterdam, as is shown on one of the oldest maps on record. (SEE: APPENDIX A and C) The West India Company at this time owned much of the land at the lower end of Manhattan Island and also many acres across the North River at Bergen. It was here (about 1645-46) that they built many gable ended houses on Whitehall Street (or Marketvelt), and Winkle Street (near the Fort) on Manhattan. The houses were disposed of by the Company to Henry Jansen, Maximilian Von Geile, Dominie Evardus Bogardus and his wife, (the famous widow Anneke Jans), and also their neighbour, a fourth house, to Casparus Stymenson and his family. Sources: "History of The First Settlers of New Amsterdam", J. H. Innes. "Caspar Steynmets and His Descendants", P. H. Hoffman, NJ Historical Society, 1916, p.14.
The first flower to steal his heart away was Dorothea Aestens Van Wagganer. She became his first wife (about 1649), but records to date do not show where they were married. Records do tell us, however, that she had one daughter from a previous marriage. Her name was Mary Van Wagganer. Dorothea Aestens Van Wagganer and Casparus had one son together, Casparus D.( probably Davidus), Jr. who was born in 1650. Dorothea Aestens Van Wagganer died 1651 one year after Casparus D. Jr.'s birth. One year later, the second flower found its way into Casparus' heart. He remarried after the "banns" of his second marriage were published, March 31, 1652: "Casper (Steynwits) Steynmets, Wedr. of Van Dorthea Arentsen, en Janneken Gerritsen Van Wagenen, j.d. Van Zutphen (n-16)".
There is a wonderful record of application that was made by a famous Sachem (Indian Chief) named "Wappanghrzewan" in the "Colonial History of New Jersey" which relates in the course of trading with the Indians and doing business with them. Casparus Steynmets and other settlers of the Village of Bergen had become quite familiar with their language and were able to communicate with the Indians and interpret for others, especially the so-called, "higher-ups". Apparently, as the story goes, this Indian Chief wanted to dispose of a very large tract of land stretching across the present state of New Jersey reaching to and including the lower end of the Delaware River. It is reported that many German and Swedish immigrants occupied or settled upon a portion of this claim, however, the Indian Chief came to the Burghers and authorities of the Village of Bergen and through them was able to apply to the "Lords Proprietors" of New Amsterdam, and in particular, Governor Peter Stuyvesant. The Chief eventually presented his petition which was endorsed by Casparus and others. The petition reads as follows:
To the Governor Peter Stuyvesant, and to the Directors General, on behalf of the "High and Mighty Lords States General", and the "Incorporated West India Company", on the date hereof, and in the presence of the said directors, did come and appear in proper person, a certain Sachem well known to us,.. WAPPANGHRZEWAN by name, who hath to us declared, (we being well versed in the Indian language) and at the same time besought us to interpret and make known to the said "Directors General", that he the said Chief about six days ago was sent for by Mr. John Printz who claimed to be the Swedish Governor of South West Jersey Settlement, and made a request to the Chief that he and the people of the Settlement might bargain for and purchase the land owned by the said Sachem; Wappanghrzewan; however preferred to dispose of his claims to Governor Stuyvesant and the Dutch. An agreement was prepared and signed by the Chief with his mark made by himself at Tamccaugh, New Jersey, dated July 30, 1651. The historic document was also signed by: Brian Newton, George Baxter, David Letschew, CAPAR STEYNMETS, Herman Jensen, Reiner Domineus, Peter Harmenson, Hans Loderwicke, and Cornelius Van Riper, Secretary. Source: "Colonial History of New Jersey", New Jersey Historical Society, NJ,pp.11 & 597.
In the Court Records of New Jersey is a record dated June 10th, 1652 pertaining to a law suit against one Jacob Van Curler in favour of the claimant, one Caspar Steynmets. A second record (1653) states that Caspar Steynmets complained that his wife's brother was in the employ of one Mr. Jan Hendrick for nine months and was "harshly treated". Caspar asked the court "for better treatment and that he receive decent clothing and payment as agreed upon". The Court favoured Caspar's petition and ordered payment and release of the said brother.
Janneken Gerritsen Van Wagenen his second wife sailed to America on the ship "FAITH". Casparus Steynmets sued Capt. Judike Verleth (Verlath) of the "FAITH" on February 24, 1653 for balance of 71 libres earned by his wife during the voyage. Capt. Verleth sailed from Amsterdam, Holland, bound for the New World with merchandise and passengers and as the record indicates, Jannetje was to be paid for her passage for the "rendering of certain services on board the vessel". Source: RNA 1-55,65. Author's Note: "rendering certain services" in the 1650's had a different connotation than that of today, we hope! (CS)
"One of the family's first acquaintances after their marriage in 1652 was one Jacob Steendam. He had arrived in New Amsterdam in 1650 or 1651 after a lengthy service with the West India Company. Both Casparus and Steendam were interested in slave trade and it was during this time that they became friends. Both lamented over the fact that they found it very difficult to do much in the New World because of the lack of support from the motherland. It was this fact, that led Steendam to write down his thoughts which would eventually become well known to the people of New Amsterdam. Casparus enjoyed his times together with Steendam and encouraged him to write more. Jacob Steendam was to become a well known poet. After settling in New Amsterdam, he was considered a man of fair substance. Yet it was not because of his poetry, but as a man of substance, that he was well known, for in 1653, Steendam was levied a tax of twenty-five guilders to help defray costs after the devastating Indian raids on New Amsterdam. The amount he was taxed indicates that he was certainly doing well as one of North America's leading tavern keepers. Casparus Steynmets, too was a man of substance according to the times, for he was also taxed a sum of twenty guilders.
Author's Note: At the encouragement of Casparus and other friends, Steendam in 1659 wrote "The Complaint" which was sent to Amsterdam to be published. Originally it was titled, "The Complaint of North America to Her Mother". It was a time of complaints for the colony desperately needed more immigrants to work the farms and to keep the English from nibbling away at New Netherland's edges. He wrote the poem to depict New Amsterdam as the neglected daughter of Old Amsterdam. The poem is written in the first person, with New Amsterdam as the narrator of her own trials. Steendam is recognized as the first poet on record for the city which has inspired thousands of poems since his time- and "THE COMPLAINT" as the city's first known poem.(SEE "THE COMPLAINT" at beginning of book) (CS) Source: "Church of Jesus Christ of The Latter Day Saints"; (AFN:S92M-80) .
"In 1652, Casparus moved his family to what is today, New Jersey and purchased a "browerie" (brouwery-farm) in Ahasymus (also spelled as Ahasimus or Ahisimus). Here he combined two businesses, farming and trading. Indian uprisings forced him back to New Amsterdam, where they remained for several years until peace was restored and returned to the Bergen Township at a later date." Source: "Hackensack Historical Society Yearbook, 1915".
In 1655, Casparus and family were once again driven out by the Indians (W-78) to New Amsterdam, and in consequence was given permission to "tap wine and beer" at New Amsterdam on 22 February 1656. Source: "Records of New Amsterdam", Vol. , p. 287.
Early historical family records tells of Casparus Steynmets owning a house on Winckel (Winkle) Street, (on what is now Division Street), near Fort Amsterdam, next to the home of Rev. "Dominie" Bogardus. He sold this house 27 August 1657." Source: "New Amsterdam and Its People"; p.14. "Valentine's Manuel-1861"; p. 594.
"During many of the occupations or Indian raids, the Dutch were driven out of the city; the Steynmets family, who were said to be traders, brewery proprietors and cabinet makers, buried the family silver in the backyard, and fled to New Jersey, returning after the Dutch felt that it was safe to do so. Casparus Steynmets was admitted with all Rights and Privileges of a small Burgher on April 11, 1657". Source: "Valentine's Manual-1861"; p. 594.
As a prominent gentleman, on June 21st, 1657 Casparus Steynmets was appointed a Lieutenant in the Bergen Militia and in 1663, he was again rewarded, this time being appointed Commander of the Militia at Bergen.
1658-1670: In January 1658, Casparus Steynmets and other settlers from Bergen who had fled from the fierce cruelties of the Indians, petitioned the Directors General, and their "Mighty Highnesses", to be permitted to return to and occupy their lands.
July 27th, 1658 records the date in which Casparus Steynmets purchased a house which belonged to one Hendrick H. Kip, for which he received a deed dated as above. The property is situated on the south side of Brewers Street in New Amsterdam. Source: "History of The first Settlers of New Amsterdam", J. H. Innes.
Further records found has Casparus Steynmets in the Courts of Justice on June 22, 1661. Casparus was suing one 'Douwe (Don) Hermsen' for slander. He had brought Hermsen into court after he could no longer endure his slanderous comments in the village. Not only did Hermsen fail to prove his innocence, but replied "that he had nothing good to say concerning Steinmets." At the end of the hearing Casparius was victorious. So impressive was the Court of New Amsterdam with Casparus' oratory skills that not only did he win his civil suit and ordered to receive 15 guilders for compensation from Mr. Hermsen, but on September 5th, 1661, was appointed a Schepen (or Magistrate) for a one year term in the newly formed Court of Justice at Bergen.
Another event of note was a petition approved by the Directors General and Council for certain protection against Indian raids, attacks, scalping, etc. in the form of palisading the village. Caspar Steynmets, Tilman Van Vleeck and Herman Sweedman signed the petition which was granted on March 10th, 1661.
Petition of The Magistrates of Bergen
In Albany, New York there remains the original copy of the petition (1661) which is translated below by an Archivist, by the name of, A. J. F. van Laer dated, June 22nd, 1912. The original four page document although suffering somewhat from the ravages of fire, is in fairly good condition today. This document in its original Dutch language can be located in the "Documents Relative to the Colonial History of New York", Vol. 13, pp. 232, 233. A rare and valuable piece of history to behold. (CS)
Translation: "PETITION OF THE MAGISTRATES OF BERGEN, ASKING TO BE PROVIDED WITH A CLERGYMAN.
To the Noble, Very Worshipful, His HONOR, the Director-General, and The Honorable Council of New Netherland. Show with due reverence the Schepens of the village of Bergen, that whereas your petitioners have observed and considered the fatherly direction and care of your Honorable Worships regarding the erection of churches, and school-houses, more especially that a God fearing man and preacher be secured to promote and teach the fear of the Lord in the community of Bergen and its jurisdiction; Therefore, the Schepens have thought it advisable, each for himself, to propose it, to learn what every man would be willing to pay yearly of his free will, affection, and love of God's holy and blessed word, to have a good teacher, till such a time, when the Noble Lords-Directors of the Incorporated West-India Company shall begin, according to the custom of the country, to levy tithes. After the Schepens had made these propositions, the below named persons have voluntarily declared that they will give a yearly contribution; the sum to be paid by such voluntary offerings may be calculated at 417 guilders in wampum, but there are among these people some, who have expressed themselves willing to do more according to their abilities; if God Our Lord would bless them and increase their prosperity; among the others, opposite whose names no sums are mentioned; there are some very willing, some very unwise, those, who are willing, are the majority and declare, that when a preacher comes, they too would do their best according to the circumstances, like the others. Whereas the petitioners do not know, whether the people of Haersimons (Ahasimus) come under this jurisdiction; therefore, the petitioners cannot report, what they would do, but the Schepens find it advisable and very necessary, that the village be provided with a preacher and submit to the mature consideration and decision of your Honorable Worships, that it might be notified to the Noble Lords-Directors, our Patoons, by the next ships. Your Honorable Worships know, with what courage the village of Bergen has been established by the community and that the same has maintained itself at great expense to the inhabitants, without any outlay to the Lords- Directors. The community is therefore of opinion, that their Noble Honors should take that into consideration and therefore assist the village of Bergen so much readier according to their discretion and to send one over for one or two years at their expense; during that time the land will with God's help have increased in value, so that then that which the good hearted community will liberally give, can be taken for assistance. Awaiting you Honorable Worships decision hereon the petitioners remain. Your Noble, Honorable Worships humble servants: Tielman van Vleeck, Machghyel Jansen, Herman Smedman, CASPER STEINMETS." *
List of voluntary contributors, with the sum promised by each.
Thielman van Vleeck- 50; Douwe Harmens- 06; Dirck Gerritsen- 20; Claes Pietersen,Cos of Gemenepa- 50; Jacob Leendersen- 25; Evert Coertsen- 13; Jan, The Englishman- 06; Dirck Classen- 10; Paulus Pietersen- 25; Jan Loserecht- 06; Willem Jansen-10; Gerrit Gerritsen*- 06; Joost van Linden- 10; Claes Arentsen- 08; Adrian Post*- 20; Michielsen Jansen- 25; Jacob Sergiant- 08; Harmen Smedeman- 25; Arent Louwerens- 10; Casper Steinmets*- 25; Jan Cornelis- 03; Jan Schulten- 25; Jan Cornelius,the rich- 10; Michiele Teunissen- 06; Thomas, the cooper- 03; Jan Lubbersen- 06; Cornelius Abrahams- 06; Dirck Gerritsen- 20= 417 (guilders in wampum: money)
*Author's Note: Caspar Steinmets, Adrian Post, and Gerrit Gerritsen are all ancestors to the present "Stymiest" Family.
List of those, who are willing, but give no specified sum, keeping it at their discretion. Jan Swaen, Louerens Andries, Hendrick Teunissen, Claessie Teuniss, the widow of, Englebert Steenhuisen, Romein Teuniss, Dirck Teunissen, Widow Pieter Rudolpsen, Harmen Edwarts, Nicolas Verlet. Refused have:Tyes Lubbersen, Henrich Jansen Spyer, Frerick, the cobbler.
The Lords Proprietors received the request with much enthusiasm and immediately forwarded it to the government in Holland, and in accordance with their desire, a clergyman was sent to New Amsterdam on the next available ship. Source: "Records of the Reformed Church of Bergen, New Jersey"; Yearbook (V-76): 1913, SLC Film # 1405485.
As an Ordinance in 1661, which was passed by the Directors General and Councillors of New Amsterdam, a new Court of Justice was to be formed in Bergen. Peter Stuyvesant, therefore on 16 October, 1662 on behalf of the "Mighty Lords Proprietors", did choose as judges honest intelligent persons, owners of real estate, who were lovers of peace, promoters and professors of the Reformed Religion as it is taught in the Word of God and in order of the Synod of Dordrecht in Holland, to consist of one Schout (Sheriff) and three Schepens. The Schepens appointed were Caspar Steinmets, Michael Jensen and Herman Sweedman. This action taken of the "Lords Proprietors" established the first Municipal Government in New Jersey. Casparus Steynmets and others had to swear an Oath of Allegiance in a colourful ceremony which took place in the Stadhuis (City Hall) following their appointment. They dressed in their long cloaks and huge bell-crowned hats and solemnly took their Oath of Office and bowed their heads for a benediction: "We thank Thee that ...it has pleased Thee to make us the rulers of the people of this place." (CS)
Author's Notes: In one Family History reference there is a notation that Caspar Steynmets was appointed "Schout", but in checking the source cited, Caspar was named a "Schepen". The first appointed Schout of Bergen was Van Vleeck (also spelled Van Vleck). In New Jersey, a statue of Peter Stuyvesant stands, and on an attached plaque is listed the names of his Schepens, one of which is Casparus Steynmets.(JS)(CS)
A petition was presented on January 24th, 1662 to the court asking for a public well to be excavated in Bergen. Caspar Steynmets signed the petition, with others interested and on its being presented to the Court in New Amsterdam to the Directors General and Council, permission was granted.
An Order in Council by the new elected Municipal Government was enacted January 28th, 1662. It proposed for the excavation of a public well inside the palisaded enclosure; to be erected to protect the village from the Indians. This act was signed by Casparus Steynmets, Van Vleeck, Sweedman and Jensen. The petition was finally approved on February 9th, 1662. It is reported that the said 'well' was still in use as late as 1895. (CS)
His first year as Schepen was remarkable to say the least; showing his expertise in all areas of law and municipal governing. The Court of New Amsterdam, once again, because of his "natural talents", re appointed him as Schepen of Bergen in 1663.
Philip Carteret appointed new Governor of New Jersey in July 1662 assumed control and authorized Capt. Verlath to call and constitute a Court. Casparus Steynmets was once again chosen. This time he was appointed a Magistrate in the Town of Bergen along with his friends, Herman Sweedman and Elias Michaels. As officers of Carteret's Court, they had to swear an Oath of Allegiance binding themselves to the West India Company, as maintained in New Amsterdam and Bergen. This was to continue from 1661-1666.
On December 28th, 1662, Casparus Steynmets found himself once again in the Court of New Amsterdam. This time a complaint stated that he and Schout Van Vleeck and one Herman Sweedman "fenced-in" too much land. They were all ordered to appear before the Court for a hearing. At the hearing Michael Jansen and Adrian Post appeared on behalf of the inhabitants of Bergen. As deputies they stated, "that it would cause damage to the inhabitants of the village if the parties continued with their fencing. The aforesaid, Steinmets, Van Vleeck and Sweedman maintained that no obstacle whatever could arise therefrom." It was then ordered that the land be surveyed and the surveyors report to the Directors General and afterwards, directions would be given. This was done and full permission was given to go on with the fencing, so long as they did not trespass on the public pasture land.
1664 proved to be a disappointing year for the Dutch colonies and after the surrender of the Dutch Government to the English, Casparus Steynmets and other officers were continued in office under Governor Carteret, and later in 1664, a Court of Adjudication was organized for the Town of Bergen, with Capt. Verlath as President, and Casparus Steynmets and others as Assistants and Judges. Thus, "officers, Steinmets, Jensen and Sweedman were appointed Judges for the local Court of Bergen." Source: V-78
Governor Carteret continued in the capacity as Governor after the English take-over, with his headquarters at Elizabeth Town. In August of 1665, Carteret decided to reorganize the Court of Bergen, Gememopen, Ahasymus and Hoboken. Casparus Steynmets was appointed its first Judge (1665) for the County. Many Dutch including Casparus, fearing the success of an English takeover reluctantly swore an "Oath of Allegiance" to the English in 1665. This was the initial "planting of the seed" for later generations which would eventually lead to Benjamin Stymiest II, Casparus' descendant, to come to Canada as a United Empire Loyalist.
"On May 8th, 1666, Casparus Steynmets demanded payment for use of his home in New York (New Amsterdam) as a schoolhouse." His petition requested a sum of some 260 florins. The court in this instance asked Casparus to wait as there was "no money in the treasury", however, he asked them again, and a second reply of "no money" was once more the response. Source: (RNA -VI-4).
"On March 12th, 1668, Casparus Steynmets purchased in the village of Bergen a large tract of land once belonging to Governor Philip Carteret.
1671-1702:
"Page 111.--Bond of Captain JOHN PALMER, to Colonel Thomas Dongan, Governor of this Province. This bond is to secure the annual rent of 10 (pounds sterling), payable by Casper Stymets, for a farm or Bowery at Harsamus, in East Jersey, belonging to his majesty, King James. Dated February 20, 1685. Witnesses, Frederick Flypsen, Rombout Phillipse. Acknowledged, February 20, 1685, before Frederick Flypsen." Source: "New York City Wills, 1708-28", p. 111.
"On May 12th, 1688, he received confirmatory patent on several plots of land in and around the Village of Bergen." (SEE: MAP OF BERGEN and BUYTEN TUYN, 1660 in PART II: A Beginning in the New World; and APPENDIX E). One of the houses that he owned was assessed at $1,000.00 which was a considerable amount of money during those times. (CS) Source: "New Jersey Archives"; XXI-4,6.
Jannetje Gerritsen Van Wagenen, his second wife, died in 1670; and as he had a large family of nine small children, Casparus soon found his third wife, Tryntje Jacobs (Jacobus Walling) Van Winkle Tades Stoffleson*. Their "banns" were published February 26th, 1671. They married, March 15th, 1671 before the Court at Bergen. (M-13). Source: *"Records of The Reformed Church of Bergen, NJ", Yrbk. 1914, Item # 13; recorded 26 February 1671.
"On 4 September 1673, when the Dutch had come into possession of the territories again, Casparus was made Captain of the Militia at Bergen." In Governor Carteret's time, the legislature consisted of the Governor with his council of seven members in the Upper House, or Senate. The citizens of the town of Bergen 1673 were ordered by the Lords Proprietors of New Orange to swear an "Oath of Allegiance" or to be constrained thereto by the force of arms. The new Oath of Allegiance was stated as follows: "We do promise and swear in the presence of Almighty God, To be Loyal and Faithful to Their Mighty Highnesses, The Lords States General of the United Netherlands and His Serene Highness, The Prince of Orange, and the Governor already appointed or to be appointed, and to comfort ourselves on all occasions as Loyal and Faithful Subjects and bound to do." Source: (DCHNY: 11-597).
"In 1674, Casparus Steynmets signed a petition granted to the Lutherans of New Jersey." "He served as Deputy from Bergen in the Council of New Orange (New York) in 1674; and as a representative from Bergen in the First and Second Assembly of New Jersey." Source: (V-76).
"At the death of his third wife Tryntje Jacobs, 1677; he gave the farm and homestead to his sons, Johannes Steynmets and Gerrit Steynmets. Johannes would later will his portion of his father's estate to his sister Joanna (Steynmets) Prior, and she in turn gave it to her son, Jacob Prior. On May 12th, 1677 his third wife, Tryntje Jacobs was buried in New York (D-43). Casparus, an hier to the estate of Tryntje Jacobs, received on October 11th, 1677 a patent, "in right of Tryntje Jacobs Walling (Van Winkle), his deceased wife, formerly widow of Jacob Stoffelsen, six acres for a garden at Horsemes." Source: "New Jersey Archives": XXI-28.
After the death of his third wife, Caspar Steynmets in 1678 hired a servant woman by the name of Arientje Gerrits van Huysen, to look after the children and his household. He eventually chose her as his fourth wife and married his 'bride-to-be' in October, 1693. There are no known children from this marriage.(B-252).
Casparus Steynmets II, the first generation of "Stymiest's" in North America, lived a full and productive life. He died in 1702 at the age of ninety-two. This possibly beginning the descending gene of "longevity" known to so many in the "Stymiest" family. He was one of early America's most respected immigrants and pioneers. Through four marriages, he fathered eleven children, and was step-father to one that we know about. He is buried in the Old Bergen Cemetery.(CS)
Author's Note: Casparus Johannes Steynmets II was inducted into "America's First Families" on December 19th, 2000. A "Roll of Honor" certificate was presented to his 10th generation great-grandson, (Carlyle William Wayne Stymiest of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) in Portland, Oregon, USA. (CS)
Primary Sources: *"Founders and Patriots of Early American Families"; Colkert, Meredith B., Jr. 1985, p. 276. (Source Code:1262) "Emigrants From Europe: 1607-1657"; Ohio Founders and Patriots, Cleveland, 1975, p. 366. "German Immigrants in New York: 1630-1674". "Abstracts of Wills on File in Surrogate's Office: 1665-1707"; New York City. "America's First Families", Oregon, 2000.
More About Casparus Johannes Steynmets II: Appointments: 16 October 1662, first Schepen appointment made at Fort Amsterdam.184, 185 Baptism: April 1612, Dutch Church, Leyden, Netherlands.186 Burial: Abt. 1702, Bergen Co., New Jersey. Census: 1671, listed as living in Bergen Co., NJ (as per New Jersey Census: Bef. 1772-1890). Comment: 19 December 2000, inducted into "America's First Families: Roll of Honor" certificate presented to 10th generation great grandson, Carlyle W. W. Stymiest in Oregon USA.187 Emigration: March 1631, New Amsterdam (New York).188, 189 Event: 22 February 1656, obtained a license to tap beer and wine in New Amsterdam. Event #2: 11 April 1657, admitted "to all the rights of a small Burgher". Event #3: 10 March 1661, petition of The Magistrates of Bergen.190 Land: Bet. 1665 - 1675, property form Dirck Gerritsen Van Tright to Casper Steynmitz (Ref. 15, p. 174).191 Marriage Witnesses: 1648, witnesses to Baptism of Michael Misner (Miscaer) were: Caspar Steynmets, Roeloff Cornelison and Gerrit Gerritson.192 Military service: 21 June 1657, commissioned Lieutenant of the Company, Bergen, NJ. Military service #2: 1663, appointed Commander of the Militia, Bergen, NJ. Moved Residence: 1670, Bergen Co., NJ. Other Surname Spellings: 1648, Stymers/Stimers/Stimets/Steymets/Stymus/Steynmaetz. Property #1: Bet. 1631 - 1702, owned land in Meadow-lots (now Coney Island).193 Property #2: Bet. 1646 - 1660, owner of Block E, Lot 11(New Amsterdam) Source: Castello Map (List of Inhabitants) 1660. Property #3: 27 July 1658, purchased home belonging to Hendrick H. Kip, for which he received a deed; property is situated on the south side of Brewers Street in New Amsterdam. Religion: 01 November 1656, listed as a Lutheran in New Netherland.194 Residence: 1652, moved his family to the "Bowerie" (farm) in Bergen, NJ. Residences: Bet. 1652 - 1702, lived in Bergen and Ahasymus, NJ and Albany, NY.
More About Casparus Johannes Steynmets II and Jannetje Gerritsen Van Steenwyck: Banns: 31 March 1652, Reformed Dutch Church of New Amsterdam. Marriage: 31 March 1652, New Amsterdam, New York.195
Marriage Notes for Casparus Johannes Steynmets II and Jannetje Gerritsen Van Steenwyck: Vol 1 Marriages of Dutch Reformed Church: 1639-1801, p.16 One source records: "m. 15 Mar 1671, Bergen, New Jersey". (CS) Source: "Sample/Semple Family Project: Ancestors and Descendants of Thomas Eric Sample and Rubena Elizabeth Hart"; compiled by James Maurice Sample, Toronto, Ontario.
Children of Casparus Johannes Steynmets II and Jannetje Gerritsen Van Steenwyck are:
Capt. Casparus Johannes Steynmets II (b. 11 January 1610, d. 1702)
Notes for Casparus Johannes Steynmets II: