Little is known of her other than that she was the mother of 5
children born in New Amsterdam and baptized in the Dutch Reform Church
of New York. She appears to have made a trip back to Holland for her
name is found on a passenger list among immigrants to the Middle
Colonies:
"Vroutgen Gerritsen, wife of Cosyn Gerritsen, wheelwright," set sail
for New Amsterdam on 12 February 1659, on the DeTrouw (The Faith) with
Capt. Jan Jansen Bestevaer, and 98 other people, including Epke Jacob
and family (progenitor of the Banta family in America), and Gillis
Jansen van Garder and family (de Mandeville). They all arrived
sometime in April.
A translation has not been found for Vroutje from the Dutch into
English, although the Quick genealogy suggests it means "little wife."
On 31 Jan 1666 Vrouwtje Gerrits and Lambert Huybertszen were witnesses
at the baptism of Barber., child of his unmarried daughter, Geertie
Lamberts. I think that woman is this Vrouwtje Gerrits for in Nov 1673,
at the baptism of Coenraet, son of Geertie Lamberts and her husband,
Hans Jacobszen [Harte], the witnesses were Abraham Lambertszen,
Grietie Cozyns, Vrouwtje's daughter.
The following is from the editor of The New Netherland Connection -
"Dear Sherron, I consulted with my friend Pim Nieuwenhuis about the
"troublesome" notarial record you asked about at the bottom of page 56
of NNC 5:2. Here is his reply. I have dug up more detailed
genealogical information and will send that in another message
shortly.
Dorothy A. Koenig
dkoenig@library.berkeley.edu
---------- Forwarded message ---------- Dear Dorothy, I am afraid that I cannot solve the confusion that your corresdondant
1. Cosijn Gerritsz depart (when ?) for New Netherland (with wife
2. Wouter Gerritsz promises Cosijn that he would support Cosijn's wife
3. Wouter asks Harmen and Gillis if they would be so kind as to visit
4. On the first of January 1659, the two witnesses visit Vroutgen
5. The two witnesses make their statement on the 6th of the same month
6. On the 12th of February of the same year, the two witnesses (with
The baptism/marriage books of Kootwijk start 1638. Have those been
Cosijn Gerritsz occupation is given in the original as 'wagenmaker'
I hope this helps a bit, but I am afraid that that is not the case.
All the best, Pim."
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2000 22:36:58 +0200
From: Pim Nieuwenhuis
To: dorothy koenig dkoenig@library.berkeley.edu
Cc: pim nieuwenhuis pimn@wxs.nl
Subject: The trouble with Vroutgen
pointed out regarding Vroutgen Gerritsz. For after all, the matter is
very strange. I can only sum up some of the more remarkable happenings
and add some new questions.
Vroutgen ?)
until he (Wouter) could also go to New Netherland. Cosijn would then
be in a position to refund Wouter his expenses.
Vroutgen Gerritsz (in Kootwijk ?). Apparently Vroutgen had refused to
be supported by Wouter. Note that all participants live quite near
each other in the province of Gelderland (Kootwijk, Voorthuizen en
Garderen; the residence of Vroutgen is not given).
Gerritsz and hear (from her own mouth) that indeed she had refused the
support by Wouter.
for the notary public. Note that to have a notarial statement drawn up
was a costly affair. The notary is paid probably by Wouter who must
have thought this worth his while. Apparently Wouter was afraid that
Vroutgen would later deny her refusal.
wives and kids) AND Vroutgen AND Wouter (alone) sail on the Trouw to
New Netherland. Wouter clenching the notarial deed in his hands?
investigated?
which is cartwright. I have the impression this word is used in
Holland interchangeable with 'rademaker' which is wheelwright. Maybe
'wagenmaker' sounded slightly more dignified to a notary's ears.