USA > New York > New York City > The minutes of the Orphanmasters of New Amsterdam, 1655 to 1663 > Part 7
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are directed to make as soon as possible a complete inventory of all the goods and property, left by Jan Coppe, his debts and credits here in the country, as well in this place as elsewhere, and to report the same to the Orphans Court, to be then disposed of, as shall be deemed advisable. Done as above.
Secretary Nevius and Courtmessenger Claas van Elslant are directed and authorized, to bring to the Orphans Court the chest with the goods and papers, left by Jacob Coppe dec'd., to be disposed of, as then shall be decided.
Jan Teunissen asks by petition for payment out of Jacob Coppe's estate for four pigs, sold to Jacob Coppe according to affidavit. Marginal order : As the proof, that the pigs have been delivered to Jacob Coppe, is not sufficient, the Orphanmasters cannot see, that petitioner has anything to claim from the estate.
Nicolaas Velthuysen produces to the Board the inventory of the property, left by his late wife, without a specification of all her debts and credits. Whereupon it is ordered : As Nicolaas Velthuysen has not in the inventory of the estate of Janneke Willems dec'd., his late wife specified her debts and credits, but given them only in a lump sum, there- fore he is hereby ordered for the last time, to hand . in to this Board next Wednesday, the first of October, a pertinent statement of the debts due and the credits claimed, under a penalty to be fixed, if he remains in default.
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Minutes of the Orphan Masters
Friday, October 17th, 1659, at the City Hall pres- ent Messrs. Allard Anthony and Paulus L. van der Grift.
Before the Board appeared Timotheus de Gabry, who was informed, the Orphanmasters had learned from Mrs. Ebbingh, that he had in his charge a note in her favour drawn on Abraham Pietersen Mole- naar (the miller) for 350 fl. in wampum, which she wanted to have for record in the register of orphans' property. He answers, he would not surrender it, as it was confided to him, but if the Court com- pelled him, he might be able to justify the surrender. He was told, the Court had nothing to do with it and the Orphanmasters directed their Secretary to write the following order to Gabry : Timotheus de Gabry is hereby ordered by the Orphanmasters to hand to Secretary Joannes Nevius the promissory note of Abraham Pietersen Molenaar (miller), for 350 fl. deposited with him as belonging to the estate of Joannes de Hulter's children, so that it may be recorded in the register of orphans' property. Done as above.
Courtmessenger Pieter Schabanck, ordered by the Orphanmasters to summon Nicolas Velthuysen to appear immediately, returning reports, said Vel- thuysen had said, he could not come, as he had in- jured his head in a fall.
Jeems Brady and Josep Fouler, appearing before the board, institute an action against each other, whereupon Jeems Brady was ordered by the Orphan-
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masters, to pay out of the estate of Tomas Tanikraft £2 stlg. to Jan Tounsen" and then Jan Tounsen was directed to return to Josep Fouler all such goods, belonging to Fouler, as are in his hands.
Jeems Brady and Jan Tounsen, administrators of the estate of Tomas Tanikraft and wife, both dec'd., are herewith ordered by the Orphanmasters, to appear before them as soon as possible, bringing with them a complete inventory of said estate.
Court Messenger Pieter Schabanck, ordered by the Orphanmasters immediately to bring Reintje the skipper before them, returns reporting he could not find him.
Jan Teunissen petitions for payment of the pigs, sold to Jacob Coppe dec'd. and is referred to the answer, given September 27 last.
Gerrit Hendricksen, appearing before the Board, states that he intends to marry again and names the Honble Pieter van Couwenhoven and Hendrick Hend- ricksen Obe as guardians of his three children, called Otte Gerrits, 13 years, Jan, 9 years, and Lysbet Gerrits, 6 years old.
Commission of the said guardians.
Whereas Ytje, wife of Gerrit Hendricksen, the present Farmer of the Weighscales, has died this year, leaving besides the widower, three minor children, named Otte, Jan and Lysbett Gerrits, whereas said Gerrit Hendricksen intending to marry
16 Formerly called Teunissen.
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again and the Orphanmasters considering it neces- sary, that guardians should be appointed for the children of said Ytje dec'd., he has chosen the Honble Pieter van Couwenhoven and Hendrik Hen- dricksen Obe, Therefore the Orphanmasters herewith direct and authorize said guardians to take as soon as possible an inventory of the property, left by said Ytje dec'd., to agree with the widower on behalf of the children for a settlement of their maternal inherit- ance and report the same to this Board.
Wednesday, November 5th, 1659, at the City Hall present as before.
Before the Board appeared Gerrit Hendricksen van Hardewyck, who was asked, why he has not delivered a statement of the estate, left by his de- ceased wife. He answers, he does not intend to give any information about it, saying "Give me money for my goods." Whereupon the Orphan- masters resolve, to report the matter to the Burgo- masters.
Jeene Hom appears before the Board and asks for 100 fl., which, as Herry Bresar says, Jan Hutsitson has bequeathed to her child. She was asked, whether she had witnesses and answers No, only Herry Bresar and his wife. Then the statement of Herry Bresar was communicated to her, in which he declares, that when Jan Hutsitson made his last will, the persons, who were around him, went out and left him, Bresar, alone with him, who said the
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same to him and that he must bring other witnesses. The wife of Herry Bresar requests to have the money, which she has to claim from the estate of Jan Hutsitson, whereupon she is asked, why she does not demand it from Reintje. "What shall I do with Reintje," she says, "you have taken hold of the estate." She is told, the Orphanmasters are not willing, to pay her out of their own pockets.
Timotheus Gabry, appearing before the Board, requests to be discharged from the administrator- ship of the estate of Jacob Coppe, as he shall not be here this winter. Considering this the Orphanmas- ters appoint in his place Jacob Fis. Said Gabry hands in [the bond ], deposited with him, on behalf of Joanna de Laat, widow of Joannes de Hulter.
The Board resolved, to give a power of attorney to Philip Pietersen Schuylaart," to collect with François Boon all the property, which said Joanna de Laat has at Fort Orange and neighbourhood and they are not to pay out any money to any body without the knowledge of the Orphanmasters.
Commission of Jacobus Vis.
Whereas Timotheus Gabry and Isaack Kip have been appointed administrators of the estate, left by Jacob Coppe, and whereas Timotheus Gabry has given sufficient reasons, why he cannot act as such administrator and it becomes necessary to appoint somebody else in his place, Therefore the Orphan-
17 Schuyler.
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Minutes of the Orphan Masters
masters herewith elect and authorize Sieur Jacobus Vis, who is directed to make as soon as possible, with Isaack Kip, a complete inventory of the goods, effects, debts and credits, here in the place and else- where in this country, left by said Coppe at his death, and to report the same to the Board for further disposition.
Done etc November 5, 1659.
By order etc.
Power of Attorney for Philipp Pietersen Schuy- laardt.
Whereas Mrs. Joanna de Laat, widow of Joannes de Hulter, has again married and become the wife of Sieur Jeronimus Ebbinck and has reported to this Orphans Chamber the inventory of the estate and property with the debts and credits, of which the largest items are entered as of Fort Orange and for the collection of which Francois Boon has been empowered, who has all bonds and notes with everything pertaining to them, hypothecated to the Orphanmasters and whereas the Orphanmasters consider it their duty towards the minor children, left by said Joannes de Hulter, that they may have their paternal inheritance, Therefore they herewith constitute as their attorney Philipp Pietersen Schuyl- lardt with said François Boon, giving full authority to demand and receive all debts on behalf of said children, to give acquittances and in case of opposi- tion or refusal to proceed in law, observing for this purpose all sessions of Court, receiving judgment
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and calling for execution, also if necessary to insist upon the attachment of the debtor's person and property, when the case makes it advisable etc etc. etc. Done Novbr. 5, 1659.
Letter sent to Philipp Pietersen Schuylaard with the foregoing power of attorney.
Amsterdam in N. N., November 24, 1659. To Sieur Philipp Pietersen Schuylaardt.
Worthy, Discreet and Good Friend, Greeting.
We have, as Orphanmasters of this City, for the children of Joannes de Hulter dec'd., a mortgage on all the effects and debts, left by him, and as we are in duty bound, to receive as much as possible of what belongs to them, we have authorized you by the enclosed power of attorney, to demand and collect, with François Boon, the attorney of Joannes de Hulter's widow, all outstanding debts and generally to take care of all the property left and in the hands of François Boon, looking after all and that without your knowledge nothing is done by said Boon. Which doing you will oblige us, who remain
Your affectionate friends
The Orphanmasters of the City of Amsterdam. By order JOANNES NEVIUS, Secry.
Thursday, November 13, 1659, at the City Hall present Messrs. Nicasius de Sille, Marten Cregier, Oloff Stevensen Cortlant, Burgomasters, Allard Anthony and Paulus Leenderzen van der Grift.
Cornelis Aarzen and Jan van der Bilt request,
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that they with some other persons may be author- ized by the Worshipful Orphanmasters, to admin- ister upon the estate, left by Jacob Coppe dec'd., as their children are heirs of his property. It is ordered thereupon : The petition is granted and petitioners may administer upon said estate with the guardians, on condition of giving sufficient security.
Gerrit Hendrickzen van Harderwyck appearing is asked by the Burgomasters, why he does not make an inventory of the property, left by his deceased wife, and he is ordered to make it on pain of impris- onment, but if he can agree with the guardians, he may do so, reporting to the Orphanmasters: which he promises to do.
Nicolacs Velthuyzen comes before the Board and is informed by the Burgomasters, that great com- plaints are made against him by the Orphanmasters, because he does not present a statement and inven- tory of the estate, left by his deceased wife and be- cause there is a great difference between the inventory, made by Secretary Nevius and that, made by van Vleeck. He is therefore asked, where the goods are, mentioned in the inventory by Secretary Nevius; he says, they are still there. Further asked, where the goods are, of which a list was read to him, he answers, he has paid debts therewith. Then he is ordered, to appear before the Orphan- masters to-morrow at 8 o. c. precisely, bringing with him his books, to satisfy the Board in the presence of the Schout.
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Schout de Sille and Burgomasters Marten Cregier and Olof Stevenzen Cortlant leave the meeting.
Before the Orphanmasters appeared Mrs. Catharyna Brull, widow of Anthony Rademan dec'd., who, as she intends to become the wife of Jan Janzen de Jongh, shows to the Board a testament, made by her and her deceased husband, before Notary Pieter de Bary and witnesses February 27, 1654, first stating, that they, the testators, revoke and annul all former testaments, codicils, trusts and other last dispositions, hither-to made, and that con- sidering the conditions of their articles of marriage they dispose anew and institute as heirs of the deceased their child or children, on condition, that the survivor shall remain in possession of the whole estate, manage and administer upon it to the best advantage, bring up the children, let them learn, occasion offering, what would help them to go honestly through the world and when they came of age to establish them, as discretion shall allow, the costs of bringing up to be set off against the legiti- mate share and surplus in deduction of what is due from the paternal or maternal estate : all this with- out the survivor being directly or indirectly asked by anybody for an accounting, settlement and reliqua or statement and inventory, and marrying again the survivor is, before the ceremony, to choose two respectable and well-to-do persons from among friends or others as guardians of the children, giving them a complete statement and inventory of the
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whole estate, which the survivor shall verify as true and correct by signing it without being compelled to confirm it under oath. The survivor is to make with the guardians a proper division of all the shares and this being done the guardianship of said persons shall be at an end, the survivor alone remaining guardian. For this purpose testators exclude the Orphanschamber of the City of Amsterdam in Europe and all others, no matter, who of the two should die first, also not requiring to advertise, in case of remarriage, the estate in part or in the whole.
After said testament had been read to the Orphan- masters, said Catharina de Brull was informed, that she had nothing to do with this Chamber, it being excluded, whereupon she left.
Jan Janzen de Jongh, widower of Cornelia van Vloet dec'd., intending to marry Mrs. Catharina Brull, shows a testament, made by him and his late wife before Notary Dirck van Schelluyne and witnesses October 31, 1655, containing the last will of both as follows : they first revoke and annul all former testa- ments, last wills etc, made by them either singly or jointly, especially the testament, made before said Notary and witnesses May 13, 1653, wherein they name and institute as heir, as they have no child, the survivor of them both, to have all property, real and personal, stocks, credits, money, gold, silver, coined or not coined, jewels, clothing, linnen or woollen, household goods and others, including legacies and
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bequests, either already received by testators from their parents or collateral relatives or to be received from intestates or under a testament during the life of the first one of them dying, nothing in the world excepted or reserved, as well here in the country, as in Holland, Brabant, the Manor of Bos, the Barony of Breda or elsewhere, to have all forever, use it as inherited property and do therewith as is done with own, free property, without anybody's interference, they, testators, promising each other never to act against or change this, their last will.
Said testament having been read, the Orphan- masters declare, that said Jan Jansen de Jongh has nothing to do with this Chamber, but when said Jan took his leave, the Board decided, to deliberate on the testament to-morrow and consult the Schout.
Friday, November 14th, 1659, at the City Hall present Messrs. Nicasius de Sille, Allard Anthony, Paulus Leenderzen van der Grift and Joannes de Peister.
Before the Board appears Reintje Pieters van Bolsart. As he has no beavers to pay for the work on the yacht, built for him by Jan Hutsitson, he offers to Herry Bresar for his claim against the estate of said Hutsitson payment in linnen, which having been proposed to Bresar's wife, who was present, and she having been asked, whether she was satisfied with it, she answers, her husband being away from home she could not take that upon her-
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self, making many words and saying among others, the Orphanmasters had wronged her and other improper things.
The Officer was authorized and directed, to keep Nicolaes Velthuysen a prisoner in his own house and have him guarded by the Court Messenger.
Reintje Pieters van Bolsart re-entering has made an agreement with the Orphanmasters concerning the 904 fl. in beavers, amounting to 113 beavers, which are to be paid in wampum at 12 fl. the beaver. He promises to pay 500 fl. within eight days, keeping the balance for a while yet, for which he will give sufficient bail.
Nicolaes Velthuyzen appearing, the inventory of the property, left by his deceased wife and surrendered by him, as made by Secretary Nevius in the presence of Sieur Isaack de Foreest and Timotheus Gabry, is shown to him and he says, there was not so much wampum as stated, that he has bought linnen for the pieces of 8 18 after his wife's death and expended the beavers for house rent to the widow of Goodman Herck and he delivers his account books to the Board, as ordered yesterday. Asked whether he has not more books, he answers No. At the request of the Schout and the Orphanmasters the Worshipful Burgomasters Olof Stevensen and Marten Cregier came, who were told, that Nicolas Velthuysen had brought his books and being asked, what should be done with them, they decided after mature consideration, to put the
18 A piece of & was equal to 121/2 cents.
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same into the hands of Notary Mattheus de Vos, who is to draw from the books a correct statement of the estate, examining for this purpose all bills and accounts, for which labour he is to be paid.
Order of Authorization for Mattheus de Vos.
Herewith Notary Mattheus de Vos is authorized by the Orphanmasters of this City to examine the books and accounts of Nicolaas Velthuysen, to draw out from them a statement of all the debts and credits entered by said Velthuysen, that is until April 22ª of this year, and not since that date, as well as of the debts, paid in full or in part by Velthuysen after April 22. He is to do this as soon as possible. Done etc. Novbr. 14, 1659.
By order etc.
Jeene Hom appearing before the Board requests, as before, to have the money, left to her children by the last will of Jan Hutsitson. She says, she can prove it and is ordered, to come again next week.
To-day, November 19, 1659, Pieter van Couven- hoven and Hendrick Obe, by the Orphanmasters of this City elected guardians of the children of Jetje Jans dec'd., parties of the first part, and Gerrit Hendricksen van Harderwyck, father of said children, party of the second part, have agreed about the purchase by said Gerrit of the property, inherited by the children from their mother, to-wit, said Gerrit Hendricksen shall pay, which he promises to do, to his said children, when they come of age to marry,
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the sum of 650 fl., that is to Otto Gerritsen 200 fl., to Jan Gerritsen, because of his infirmities, 250 fl. and to Lysbet Gerrits 200 fl., and not more, all in good merchantable wampum, he remaining in possession of the whole estate, left by said Ytje Jans at her death and giving as security for the before men- tioned payments his house and lot, as more fully appears by the mortgage, executed before Secretary Joannes Nevius and witnesses on the date, as above.
Thursday, November 27, 1659, at the City Hall present Messrs. Allard Anthony and Paulus Leender- zen van der Grift.
Reintje Pieters van Bolsart entering shows the accounts of several people, to whom he has paid for some things for the yacht, which Jan Hutsitson dec'd. should have furnished, as he did not wish to expend anything on the yacht, but had agreed on building it under such conditions and delivered it bare. He is asked, whether he had made a written con- tract with Jan Hutsitson for the plan of the yacht, and answers No, he himself wanted to do it, but Hutsit- son was opposed to it saying : " We have done other business together." Whereas they trusted each other and whereas no written evidence of a contract for building the yacht is produced, the Orphanmasters made the following agreement with Reintje Pieters :
To-day, November 27, 1659, appeared before the Orphanmasters of the City of Amsterdam in N. N. Reintje Pieters van Bolsaart, skipper, who,-having
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bound himself by an obligation, executed before Secretary Joannes Nevius and witnesses by his partner, Lauwerens Lauwerensen, Novbr. 12, 1658, to pay to the administrators of the estate of Jan Hutsitson dec'd., appointed by the Orphanmasters, for enlarging the yacht, now used by him and built for him by said Hutsitson, on condition of receiving compensation, if any further expenditures had to be made for the yacht above what was orally agreed upon with Hutsitson, as he says,-agrees as follows, to-wit : the pay for enlarging said yacht shall be set off against the charges, which he has paid and still has to pay. He shall besides be and he is, for reasons, discharged by the Orphanmasters from the payment of two beavers, so that he owes on the aforesaid obligation of Novbr. 12, 1658, a balance only of 70 beavers, which he promises to pay in six months from date with 10 p. c. interest until its full payment, giving as security two notes to his order, made by Pieter Bronck of Fort Orange, of which one ' for 60 beavers has no date, but is numbered Nº I and has fallen due in June, 1658, the other of 64 beavers is dated September 8, 1657, and had also fallen due in June, 1658, being numbered on the back Nº 2: so that in default of his paying the money may be recovered without loss or expense from these notes. He further binds his person and property, real and personal, present and future, nothing excepted, submitting the same to all courts, judges and laws. In witness whereof has said
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Minutes of the Orphan Masters
Reintje Pieters signed the original of this copy on the date, as above at Amsterdam in N. N. It was signed : This is the mark of Reintje Pieters van Bolsart, made by himself. Below stood : In my presence Joannes Nevius, Secretary.
On the 28th of November, 1659, Reintje Pieters van Bolsaart has deposited in the Orphans Court the two above described obligations for the payment of said sum.
Authorization.
Whereas Cornelis Herpersen Jager (huntsman) has died at the house of Hans Stein on the 18th of December, leaving some property here, therefore the Orphanmasters of this City herewith appoint and authorize Sieur Jacobus Backer and Hans Stein to make, in the presence of Schepen Hendrick Jansen van der Vin, an inventory of said property and report it to this Board. Done etc December 22, , 1659. By order etc.
To-day, December 31, 1659, Schepen Pieter van Couwenhoven and Adriaan Vincent, by the Orphan- masters appointed guardians of the minor child of Margriet Crommete, parties of the first part, and Jan de Pre, father of said child, party of the second part, have made an agreement concerning the settle- ment upon said child of the maternal estate, to-wit : said Jan de Pre shall pay to the child, as he promises to do, when of age or about to marry, the sum of
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200 fl. current wampum and no more, remaining in the sole possession of the property, left by said Margriet at her death, and giving as security for the payment as above his house and lot, as more fully appears by the deed, executed before Secretary Joannes Nevius and witnesses this day.
Friday, January 30, 1660, at the City Hall present Orphanmasters Allard Anthony, Paulus Leenderzen van der Grift and Joannes de Peister.
The Board decided, that if Herry Bresar will not accept the payment in wampum for what claim he has against the estate of Jan Hutsitson dec'd., the wampum shall remain at his charge in deposit at the Secretary's office.
As the wife of Herry Bresar is dissatisfied with the offer of the Orphanmasters, concerning the pay- ment of goods, received from Reintje Pieters van Bolsaart, saying, she loses thereby one third, the Orphanmasters decide to pay her the balance in wampum.
Herry Bresar entering, he is offered the wampum in payment of his claim against the estate of Jan Hutsitson, and answers, he will not take wampum. Again asked whether he will accept the wampum, he repeats he will not have it, but considering he says, he will take it, provided his wife may count it. This was granted, but it shall be done at a conveni- ent time in presence of Secretary Nevius at the City Hall.
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Minutes of the Orphan Masters
Jacobus Backer and Hans Stein, as creditors of the estate of Cornelis Herpersen Jager authorized to make an inventory of said estate in presence of Schepen Hendrick Jansen van der Vin, appear be- fore the Board and produce the inventory : as therein is mentioned a barrel of brandy in the Ware- house of the Company, belonging to said Cornelis Herpersen Jager, and as Nicolaas Verlett claims it as preferred creditor, they contend, that it belongs to the general mass for the benefit of all creditors and therefore will go to law with him, for he is not a preferred creditor, but must come in concurrence with the others according to an extract from Jager's account books, showing his debts.
Hans Stein excusing himself by his vocation and saying, he has not the time to assist in bringing into order the estate, the Orphanmasters appoint in his place as administrator with Jacobus Backer Timo- theus Gabry by the following document :
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