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THE ANCESTORS OF RIP VAN DAM

GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK

by Cor Snabel © 2013

With thanks to Peter Christoph, Howard Swain,

Jim Maxwell, Chris Brooks and Liz Johnson

 

 

The given name 'Rip' is and was extremely rare in the Netherlands, that's why I started researching this family, when I ran into two men (one in the Netherlands and one in the U.S.A.) with the same exceptional name: Rip van Dam.

 

The first one was a wood merchant in Amsterdam and the second was governor of New York from 1731 to 1732.

According to Pearson [1] he was born in Albany in 1660 as the son of Claes Rips van Dam and Maria Bords. Claes Ripse Van Dam, his father, traded through his carpentry business and operated as a contractor.

Until now it was unknown where Claes Ripse van Dam came from.

 

Rip van Dam, governor of New York, came from a Dutch family of carpenters and wood merchants.

 

The Dutch Ancestors

 

On 18 March 1581 Frederick Cornelisz, wood merchant from Enkhuizen, registered intentions to marry with Giertje Rippen from Amsterdam. She was accompanied by her mother Brechtje Jacobs. Frederick signed with his mark, but Giertje knew how to write, not only her name; she signed: 'by me Gyrt Rypen'. [2]

On 14 August 1598 Frederick Cornelisz bought a house on the N.Z. Voorburgwal from his mother-in-law Brecht Jacobs, the widow of Rip Claesz [3].

 

They had at least 8 children:

 

1. Ebeltgen Fredericks, born about 1583, buried in the Oude Zijds Kapel in Amsterdam on 14 December 1629 [4]. On 29 November 1618 she registered the intentions to marry with Pieter Doeckes, stierman [5].

2. Rip Fredericksz, born about 1584, follows below

3. Jacob Fredericksz, baptized in the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam on 30 April 1589 [6], he died young.

4. Tryntje Fredericksdr, baptized in the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam on 30 January 1592 [7].

5. Grietgen Fredericksdr, baptized in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 7 August 1594 [8], she died young.

6. [Twin] Fredericks, baptized in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 7 August 1594 [8]

7. Grietgen Fredericksdr, baptized in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 19 January 1597 [9].

8. Jacob Fredericksz, born about 1600 in Amsterdam. On 28 March 1626, when he registered the intentions to marry with Barbara Barents [10], he was a house carpenter and was accompanied by Frederick Cornelisz his father. Jacob and Barbara had four daughters and one son Barent, who adopted the surname 'Gelthouwer'. After Barbara Barents died, Jacob Fredericksz remarried the widow Clara Indischeraven. According to this marriage intention, dated 29 December 1645 [11], he was a wood merchant.

 

Rip Fredericksz [mentioned above] was born about 1584. When he registered the intentions to marry with Tryntje Claes on 1 June 1616 [12], he was 32 years old and a wood merchant, like his father and his younger brother Jacob. He died at the age of 77 and was buried in the Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam on 27 October 1661 [13].

 

They had at least 8 children:

 

1. Brechtje Rippen, baptized in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 21 January 1618 [14], buried in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 22 November 1679 [15]. On 22 July 1649 she registered the intentions to marry with Albert Schellingwouw [16], baptized in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 22 July 1649 [17], tinsmith in the Dykstraat, buried in the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam on 28 November 1679 [18], son of Gerrit Albertsz Schellingwouw and Giertje Andries.

2. Neeltje Rippen, baptized in the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam on 25 April 1619 [19]

3. Aefje [Eva] Rippen, baptized in the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam on 13 December 1620 [20], buried in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 28 October 1673 [21]. On 14 March 1654 she registered the intentions to marry with David Padbrue [22].

4. Giertje Rippen, baptized in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 22 May 1622 [23]

5. Dieuwertje Rippen, baptized in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 29 April 1625 [24], buried in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 6 October 1673 [25]. On 18 March 1655 she registered the intentions to marry with Gysbert Cornelisz Kruyff [26], wood merchant from Utrecht.

6. Claes Rippen, baptized in the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam on 17 January 1627 [27], follows below as the immigrant.

7. Tryntje Rippen, baptized in the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam on 25 June 1628 [28], buried in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 26 May 1704 [29]

8. Ybel Rippen, baptized in the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam on 26 May 1630 [30], buried in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 19 July 1702 [31]. On 30 March 1656 she registered the intentions to marry with Adriaen Jansz Mes [32], baptized in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 27 June 1627 [33], glass maker, buried in the Zuiderkerk in Amsterdam on 22 February 1673 [34], son of Jan Pleunsz and Giertje Adriaens.

 

Rip Fredericksz adopted the surname 'van Dam' between 1643 and 1654. In the 'transport-akten' [property transactions] in the Amsterdam archives I found seven documents with his name. In the first five records between 1614 en 1643 he is buying land and houses en he only used his patronymic [35]. In the last two records, dated 1656 and 1661, he is selling property and there he is referred to as Rip Fredericksz van Dam [36]. But the first time he is using the surname 'van Dam' in an official document is in March 1654 when he is present [as Rip Fredericksz van Dam] at the marriage intention of his daughter Aefje, who calls herself Eva van Dam [22].

 

Claes Ripse van Dam, the immigrant

 

Claes Rippen van Dam, baptized in the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam on 17 January 1627 [24], moved to New Netherland. He worked there as a carpenter and contractor.

He must have arrived in New Amsterdam between 1648 and 1652, when he was first mentioned in the Council Minutes:

On 4 Mar 1652 at Fort New Amsterdam --
“Claes Ripsen, plaintiff, against Hendryck Hendrix Kleermacher for the sum of f. 41,15 as the balance due for carpentry work on his house.” [37]

 

In 1654 he must have moved to Albany, since then his name began to appear on the dockets of the Beverwyck/Albany courts, usually about his involvement related to carpentry work [38].

Except for an appearance on 2 December 1654, when he is questioned on a completely different matter by Gedeon Schaets, minister, Rutger Jacobsz, elder, and Anthony de Hooges, deacon .

Here is part of the questioning:

 

First, whether Klaes Ripse does not admit having had intercourse with the sister [of] the wife of Teunis Jacopsz?

Answer: Yes.

Whether he promised to marry her, or not?

Answer: Yes, that he would marry her.

Whether he has acknowledged that he is the father of the child of which the aforesaid woman was recently delivered, or not?

Answer: Yes.

[snip]

 

The honorable court of Fort Orange and Beverwijck, having heard the arguments and debates on both sides, condemn the defendant to marry the aforesaid person even this day, and as the aforesaid woman is sickly and cannot well take the trouble [to go out], the Reverend Gedeon Schaets is requested to [perform the marriage at her house]. Otherwise, if he, Claes Ripse, refuses to do so, he shall immediately be put in irons, until he marries her. Which being proposed to him, it was found that he had nothing but frivolous excuses to offer and therefore was put in irons.

 

Although we don't have a marriage record, Claes Ripse van Dam probably gave in soon, because the entries in the van Dam Family Bible [40] indicate that he must have married Maria Bords soon after that.

This is what James Riker wrote on 26 July 1882:

 

Some years ago I copied from an old Dutch Bible the family record of Claes Ripse van Dam, father of the Hon. Rip van Dam. The record, entered in a good hand, after 1686 (the year in which the Bible was printed), was ink-eaten and partly illegible, but had contained the births of five children, of whom the first and third soon died. The second child was born October 3, 1655, and was named “Cataryna Claes van Dam”. No doubt the Catrina who married Heindrick van Nes, November 25, 1688 (“Pearson's Albany Settlers,” p. 128) The fourth was a son, but the date of his birth had perished, and also his name, except “ --------- Claessen van Dam.” This, however, was no doubt the Hon. Rip. The fifth child was a daughter, born June 5, 1664, her name also lost, except “ ------- van Dam.” But possibly it was Deborah, who married Hendrick Hansen, September 21, 1692. The identity of the fifth child of Claes Ripse van Dam, born June 5, 1664, is rendered uncertain by the fact that there was another daughter named Margaret who married Andrew van Alst (“Annals of Newtown,” p. 381). This will supplement N.Y. Genealogical and Biographical Record, Vol. II., p. 24.

 

According to the Family Bible the second child Cataryna was born October 3, 1655, then the first child must have been born as early as December 1654. As we can see in the questioning above, dated 2 December 1654:

“Whether he has acknowledged that he is the father of the child of which the aforesaid woman was recently delivered, or not? Answer: Yes.”

So this child is the first child mentioned in the Bible and the “aforesaid woman” must be Maria Bords, sister [or half-sister] of Sara Denys, wife of Teunis Jacopsz.

 

But I think James Riker made a misinterpretation [probably due to the faded ink] with the first and/or third child that he thought had died. The father wrote these entries after 1686, when his children were young adults. Then it's most unlikely that he forgot to put in one of his daughters. He wrote five entries, while four of his children were still alive, so only one died at young age, not two.

 

According to the Dutch naming tradition he named his son Rip after his father. His daughter Catharina Claes van Dam, who married Hendrick Cornelisse Van Ness was named after his mother Tryntje [Catryntje] Claes and his daughter Deborah after his sister Dieuwertje [Dutch equivalent of Deborah].

 

The names of his children Rip and Catharina prove that he was loyal to the Dutch naming system, so we can imagine that Margaret was the name of Maria Bords' mother. In my opinion Margaret must have been the first child [named after the maternal grandmother], so the third child must have died at young age, and that makes Deborah the fifth child.

 

On 15 July 1685 Claes Ripse van Dam was sponsor at the baptism in the DRC in New York for Maria van Dam, the first-born of Rip van Dam and Sara van der Spiegel.

 

 

[notes]

 

1 : Source: the Early Settlers of Albany Co., N. Y. by Jonathan Pearson.

2 : Source: marriage intentions Stadsarchief Amsterdam 18 March 1581 - DTB 402, p.15

Vrerick Cornelisz van Enckhuysen, ter eenre & Giertgen Rypen van Amsterd~ met Brecht Jacobs haere moeder, ter andre [ondertekend] by myn Gyrt Rypen, [zyn merkteken]

Translation:

Vrerick Cornelisz from Enkhuizen, on one [side] & Giertgen Rypen from Amsterdam with Brecht Jacobs her mother, on the other [side], [signed] by me Gyrt Rypen, [his mark].

3 : Source: Archief van de Schepenen: Transportakten [proporty transactions]: Stadsarchief Amsterdam NL-SAA-21599457

4 : Source: burials: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 1062, p.20vo/21

5 : Source: marriage intentions Stadsarchief Amsterdam 19 November 1618 - DTB 423, p.87

Pieter Doukers, van Bil [?], wedr. van Lobbetje Willems, stuerman, woon~ op de Boomsloot & Ebeltjen Vreerx, oud 35 jaren, de coster opgelast den vaders consent af te halen, woon~ op de Boomsloot, geass~ met Giertje Rippen, hare moeder [ondertekend] Pieter Doeckes, Ebeltie Vredericks
Translation:

Pieter Doukers, from Bil [?], widower of Lobbetje Willems, stierman, living in the Boomsloot & Ebeltjen Vreerx, 35 years old, the sexton is ordered to get the father's consent, living in the Boomsloot, assisted by Giertje Rippen, her mother. [signed] Pieter Doeckes, Ebeltie Vredericks.

6 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 2, p.13, sponsor Machtelt Rippen, sister of his mother.

7 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 2, p.122, sponsor Tryn Aerents

8 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 38, p.355, two children both Grietgen, probably error, sponsor Gellert Frerksen and Martyntge Haes.

9 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 38, p.551, sponsor Tryn Zegers

10 : Source: marriage intentions: Stadsarchief Amsterdam 28 March 1626 - DTB 431, p.112

Jacob Freecksz, van A, huystimmergesel, out 26 jaer, geass~ met Frerick Cornelisz, syn vader, woon~ op de N.Z. Voorb~wal & Barbara Baerens, van A, out 24 jaer, geen ouders hebbend, geass~ met Jan Jansz Kaescoper, haer oom & voogt, woon~ op de Keysersgracht [ondertekend] Jacob Vrericksen, [haar merkteken]
Translation:

Jacob Freecksz, from Amsterdam, house carpenter apprentice, 26 years old, assisted by Frerick Cornelisz, his father, living on the N.Z. Voorburgwal & Barbara Baerens, from Amsterdam, 24 years old, parents dead, assisted by Jan Jansz Kaescoper, her uncle & guardian, living on the Keizersgracht. [signed] Jacob Vrericksen, [her mark]

11 : Source: marriage intentions: Stadsarchief Amsterdam 29 December 1645 - DTB 462, p.469

Jacob Frerixsz, van A, houtcoper, wedr. van Barbara Barents, woon~ op Vloiburgh & Claertie Jacobs Indischraven, van A, wed. van Dirik Aertsz de Keyser, woon~ als voorn~, Andries Joosten, stadtbode, in de name van de Heer President Huydecoper segt aen dat de geboden voortgank mogen hebben. [ondertekend] Jacob Vreredrycksz, Claertgen Jacobs.

Translation:

Jacob Frerixsz, from Amsterdam, wood merchant, widower of Barbara Barents, living on Vlooienburg & Claertie Jacobs Indischraven, from Amsterdam, widow of Dirik Aertsz de Keyser, living as above, Andries Joosten, messenger of the Town Hall, in the name of Lord President [Mayor] Huydecoper, declares that the banns can be published. [signed] Jacob Vreredrycksz, Claertgen Jacobs
12 : Source: marriage intentions: Stadsarchief Amsterdam 1 June 1616 - DTB 420, p.202

Rip Fredrix, houtcoper, woon~ op Vloyenb~ op de Nieuwe Houtstraet, oud omtr. 32 jaeren, geasst. met Frerick Corstz, zijn vader & Tryntgen Claes, oud omtr. 25 jaren, geasst. met Diewer Claes, haer moeder, woon~ op de Wael [ondertekend] Rip Vreericksen, Trintken Claese
Translation:

Rip Fredrix, wood merchant, living on Vlooienburg in the Nieuwe Houtstraat, abt. 32 years old, assisted by Frerick Corstz, his father & Tryntgen Claes, abt. 25 years old, assisted by Diewer Claes, her mother, living on the [Oude] Wael [signed] Rip Vreericksen, Trintken Claese.

13 : Source: burials: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 1055, p.129vo/130

14 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 39, p.485, sponsor Giertje Rippen, her paternal grandmother.

15 : Source: burials: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 1056, p.180/181

16 : Source: marriage intentions: Stadsarchief Amsterdam 22 July 1649 - DTB 467, p.73

Albert Gerritss Schellingwouw, van A, tinnegietersgesel, out 32 jaer, geasst. met syn moeder Giertie Andriess, woon~ om de hoek van de Dyckstraet & Brechtie Rippen, van A, out 30 jaer, geasst. met Rip Frericx, haer vader, om de hoeck van de Santstraet [ondertekend] Albert Gerrits Schellingwouw, Brecht Rippen

Translation:

Albert Gerritss Schellingwouw, from Amsterdam, tinsmith apprentice, 32 years old, assisted by his mother Giertje Andriess, living around the corner of the Dykstraat & Brechtje Rippen, from Amsterdam, 30 years old, assisted by Rip Frericx, her father, around the corner of the Zandstraat. [signed] Albert Gerrits Schellingwouw, Brecht Rippen.

17 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 40, p.13

18 : Source: burials: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 1047, p.270/271

19 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 5, p.282, sponsor Frederick Cornelisz, her paternal grandfather and Dieuwer Claes, her maternal grandmother.

20 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 5, p.337, sponsor Griet Fredericks, sister of her father and Giertje Claes [probably] sister of her mother.

21 : Source: burials: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 1056, p.88/89

22 : Source: marriage intentions: Stadsarchief Amsterdam 14 March 1654 - DTB 473, p.57

David Padbrue, van A, proponent, out 25 jaer, geasst. met syn vader Willem Padbrue, woon~ in de St. Annestraet & Eva van Dam, van A, out 30 jaer, geasst. met haer vader Rippe Frerixsz van Dam, woon~ op de Anthonisbreestraet [ondertekend] David Padbrue, Eva van Dam

Translation:

David Padbrue, from Amsterdam, theology student, 25 years old, assisted by his father Willem Padbrue, living in the St. Annenstraat & Eva van Dam, from Amsterdam, 30 years old, assisted by her father Rippe Frerixsz van Dam, living in the Antoniebreestraat [signed] David Padbrue, Eva van Dam.

23 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 40, p.170, sponsor Ebeltjen Fredericks, sister of her father.

24 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 40, p.301, sponsor Giertje Claes [probably] sister of her mother.

25 : Source: burials: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 1056, p.88/89

26 : Source: marriage intentions: Stadsarchief Amsterdam 18 March 1655 - DTB 474, p.226

Gijsbert Cornelis Kruyf, van Utrecht, houtkoper, wedr. van Heyltje Meynderts, woonde op Vloonburgh & Diewertje Rippen, van A, out 30 jaer, geasst. met haer vader Rip Frerixsz, woonde op de Anthonisbreestraet [ondertekend] Gijsbert Cornelisz Kruyf, Diewerten Rippen

translated:

Gijsbert Cornelis Kruyf, from Utrecht, wood merchant, widower of Heyltje Meynderts, living on Vlooienburg & Diewertje Rippen, from Amsterdam, 30 years old, assisted by her father Rip Frerixsz, living in the Antoniebreestraat [signed] Gijsbert Cornelisz Kruyf, Diewerten Rippen

27 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 6, p.163, sponsor Jacob Fredericksz, brother of his father and Dieuwer Claes, his maternal grandmother.

28 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 6, p.209, sponsor Jacob Fredericksz, brother of her father and Giertje Claes [probably] sister of her mother.

29 : Source: burials: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 1057, p.99v/100

30 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 6, p.274, sponsor Jacob Fredericksz, brother of her father.

31 : Source: burials: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 1057, p.88vo/89

32 : Source: marriage intentions: Stadsarchief Amsterdam 30 March 1656 - DTB 475, p.426

Adriaen Jansz Mes, van A, oud 28 jaren, glasemaker, geassisteert met syn vader Jan Pleunen, woont op de Binnen Amstel & Ybeltje Rippen, van Amster~, oudt 24 jaren, geassisteert met Rip Fredricksz, haer vader, op de Leprozenburgwal [ondertekend] Adriaan Jansz Mes, Ibeltie Rippen

Translation:

Adriaen Jansz Mes, from Amsterdam, 28 years old, glass maker, assisted by his father Jan Pleunen, living on the Binnen Amstel & Ybeltje Rippen, from Amsterdam, 24 years old, assisted by Rip Fredricksz, her father, living on the Leprozenburgwal [signed] Adriaan Jansz Mes, Ibeltie Rippen

33 : Source: baptisms: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 40, p.402

34 : Source: burials: Stadsarchief Amsterdam DTB 1091, p.126vo/127

35 : Source: Transportakten voor 1811: NL-SAA-21606873 dated 13 December 1614, NL-SAA-21579716 dated 28 June 1621, NL-SAA-21580172 dated 24 January 1628, NL-SAA-21581217 dated 29 March 1636 and NL-SAA-21736945 dated 29 January 1643.

36 : Source: Transportakten voor 1811: NL-SAA-21624547 dated 10 November 1656 and NL-SAA-21626726 dated 15 November 1661

37 : Source: New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch; vol. V; Council Minutes 1652-1654; trans. and ed. by Charles T. Gehring; pp. 17-18

38 : Source: Fort Orange Court Minutes, 1652-1660 by Charles T. Gehring

39 : Source: Fort Orange Court Minutes, 1652-1660 by Charles T. Gehring, volume 1, 1652-1656, page 171-173

40 : Source: NYG&B Records, vol 13, page 201

 

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