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 Family
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Beekman Family
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Year book of Holland Society of NY Vols 1919
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William Beekman's Will
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Survey of Condition of New Amsterdam Fort
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Son Gerardus
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Mayor Wilhelmus Hendrickse Beekman |
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Wilhelmus or William Beekman, son of Hendrick Beekman, born at Hasselt, Overyssel, April 28, 1623; died Sept 21, 1707. He lived at a time when Europe was engaged in religious wars and Protestants had begun to seek refuge from prosecution. He was the founder of the Beekman family in America. He came to New Amsterdam, now New York, from Holland in the same vessel, the ship Princess, on May 27, 1647, with Director-General, afterwards Governor Peter Stuyvesant. Accompanying them were a number of poor persons of good family who came from the Rhine and made settlements on the Hudson River. They became, afterwards, firm supporters of their leader and benefactor, Willaim Beekman. He was from early youth interested in religious matters and at the age of twenty-one was an officer in the Reformed Church in the Netherlands, which had then become the most advanced nation in the world in learning and thought. He had a good education and a splendid home training which enabled him at once to take a position in the best society of New Amsterdam. It is said that he brought some wealth with him and that his personal charm and friendship with Stuyvesant secured him many advantages as well as a prominent position as treasurer of the Dutch West India Company. At any rate he soon cut out the suitors for the hand of Catalina de Boogh, a belle in the society of New Amsterdam and the daughter of the wealthy Hendricks de Boogh of Albany NY and on Sep 5, 1649, within two years after his arrival in the country, they were married. He was the ancestor of the well-known Beekman family prominent in the history of New York and New Jersey and his name is perpetuated in the names of William Street and Beekman Street, New York City. The Beekman homestead in New Amsterdam was built near the present corner of Pearl and Beekman Streets by William Beekman in 1670. He built the estate of Rhinebeck on the Hudson around the early to mid 1680's. |
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| Wilhelmus Beekman was the son of Hendrick Beekman and Mary Baudertius (his second wife), and was born at Hasselt, Overyssel, on April 28, 1623. He came to New York in 1647 on the "Princess" in the company o f Director General Stuyvesant. On September 5, 1649, he married Catalina de Boogh, daughter of Hendrick de Boogh, of Albany. He was Treasurer of the West India Company, one of the two Commissioners to build the wall extending along the present Wall Stree t; a Schepen, Lieutenant of the Burgher Corps (1652-1658), the Vice-Director of the colony of Swedes on the Delaware River, and Schout and Commissary at Esopus. He took the oath of allegiance to Charles II in 1664 and later (1673) became Lieutenant in the Militia and Deputy Mayor of New York (1681-1683). He occupied various residences, dying at the homestead near the present corner of Pearl and Beekman Streets on September 21, 1707. William and Beekman Streets preserve his name. |
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WILLIAM BEEKMAN, SR. In the name of God, Amen. The 13 December, 1701. I, William
Beekman, Sr., of New York, brewer, being of sound and perfect memory. I leave to my son,
Henry Beekman, €30 in lands at the orchards or lots. Also what ever land is over and above 60
feet in width that is between the lot of my grandchild, Magdalena Van Vleck, now the present
wife of Alexander Baird, and the land of Captain William Morris. Also a house and land in the
County of Ulster, which hath been in his possession since the time of his marriage, in
consideration of his privilege, as being my first born son and heir at law, which privilege is
hereby made void and null. But he is to have the first offer either to buy or hire from the rest of
the heirs, if they see cause to sell, my dwellinghouse, brew-house, mill, and mill-house, gardens,
orchards and other premises. I leave to my grandchild, Magdalena Van Vleck, now wife of
Alexander Baird, and to each of my children, one lot of land on the south side of the street where
I at present dwell. The first lot to the south side to Gerard Beekman, the second to John
Beekman, the third to Magdalena Baird, the fourth to Henry Beekman, and the fifth to William
Beekman. Each lot to be 60 feet wide except my son Henry's which is more or less. And in length
to the water as deep and long as my right is, and as the old foundation of Isaac Allerton doth
demonstrate. And they shall not sell without giving the others the preference. Whereas I have
sold to my son John, one small warehouse, which doth stand upon his portion, and where he
hath built a dwelling-house, I do acknowledge myself fully satisfied for the same. And whereas I
have erected, for the better support of my family, a slaughter-house, and finding no better place
for the same than the land I leave to my son John, and he having been at one half the charge of
building the same, he is to have the same provided he pay one half the cost of building the
slaughter-house, pen or crall, to Magdalena Baird, his sister's daughter, deducting 1/5, together
with the allowance of ten feet more of land on the east side of the lot. And it is my will that on the
southwest side of the lot of my son John, there shall remain 12 feet for a cartway to the
slaughter-house, and for the conveniency of a slip if they make one, and the rest of the land to
our bounds shall remain to my son, Gerard Beekman. I leave to our maid Rachel, one lot of
ground adjoining to Christopher Ellsworth, 25 feet wide, and 75 feet long, and she shall be free
at the age of thirty-one. I leave all the rest of my estate to my four sons, Henry, Gerard, John,
and William, and to Magdalena Baird. But my son William shall not have power to sell without
consent of the executors. I make my sons executors; and provided my son William shall continne
to live and settle here in New York, I give to him, in place of the lot above mentioned, a lot in the
orchard, opposite to the lot of Magdalena Baird, being in front to the street 40 feet, and in length
100, provided he gives up the lot next to his brother Henry's. And to the end that no discord may
arise in the division of the estate, which the Lord in his mercy hath lent me, my desire is that you
receive it from God, with a thankful and contented mind. And I call upon God to bless it to you
all, with the same advice that Joseph gave to his brethren, that you fall not out by the way, while
you live in the world. I would have you to have faith and a good conscience, for a good name is
better than riches.
Witnesses, Abraham De Lanoy, Johanes De Peyster, Thomas Adams. Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God to remove my son William Beekman by death, his land is to be divided among the rest, and Magdalena Baird is to have the refusal of the house and lot, if she see cause to buy. October 26, 1702. Witnesses, Bartholomew Vonck, Peter Rycken, Thomas Adams. Proved, November 8, 1708. [NOTE.--The Beekman "Orchard and Pasture," which is divided by the foregoing will, is one of the most important tracts which make up the old city of New York, its boundaries being so well known to all students of New York history, that it is needless to describe them here. The lots, each 60 feet wide, given to the children are on the south side of Pearl street, the lot No. 5 being now Fulton street, formerly called "Beekman's Slip," the other lots being north or east of this in succession. In very early times the land here was owned by Captain William Dyer, and Isaac Allerton built a dock, which at the time of the above will was almost obliterated. The north or east line of the farm was a few feet west of Ferry street.--W. S. P.] |
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In Pursuance of a Warrant directed to us the under signed by His Excelency Sir Edmund Andross, Captain-General and Governor in Chiefe of His Majesty's Territory and Dominions of New England, bearing date ye 4th Day of October, in the 4th year of the Reigne of our Sovereign Lord, King James the Second, over England, etc. Annoqe Dom. 1688.
Appointing and authorizing us to take a view and Survey of his Majesty's Fort at New York and the Fortifications of the city, and to take a particular and exact account of what repairs are wanting either within or without, the said Fort and Fortifications the houses, buildings and lodgings within the said Fort, the Pallisadoes, and out houses, and also the number of the great guns, both mounted and dismounted, and in what Condition both they and their Carriages are. And what the charge may amount to, to fit and put all in good Condition and Repaire. Also to take an account of all small arms, Powder, Matches, Balls, Bombs, Grenades and all other military stores, and Implements of war, belonging to said Forts and Fortifications. And thereof to make a due report unto his Excellency aforesaid, more or less, distinctly and plainly. We have accordingly taken two Carpenters, one Mason, and a Glazier with us and have surveyed the same accordingly, and find it as followeth, viz.: The fence about the Fort, the Posts rotten, Severall Pannels fallen down, and according to ye Carpenters now will require to mend ye same 150 Posts at 6d œ3.15.5 300 Clap boards .15. 25 Nailes .18. 100 Rayles 1.05. Workmanship 4.00. œ10.13.5 There were formerly about the Fort, Stockadoes, of about 9 feet high, 10 feet from the walls, but none now. To make it up againe would require 1800 short Stockadoes, 2400 Stockadoes of 12 foot long, the thinnest end 6 inches, at 12d per piece, œ120. And for setting up œ25, œ145. Upon the Flag mount there were 6 brass guns, demi Culverins, new Carriages and wheels, only wanting beds and coynes, we guess may cost œ12. A new Platform with Planks and labor may cost œ3. The stone wall about the Fort we find in an indifferent good Condition. The Flagg Staff is rotten, wants a new one which will cost œ5. Upon the wall curtain are two seekers and a brass with new carriages and wheels, only wanting coynes and bed. Will cost 6 shillings. Two brass mortar pieces, the one of 7 1/2 inches, ye other of 8 1/2 inches diameter, the carriages wholly rotten, wants new ones which will cost œ2. The whole Platform is rotten and must be made new, for which they will want 1400 foot of Planck of three inches thick, and 30 sleepers of 20 foot long, which will cost with the workmanship, œ24. The wall of the old Battery hangs over, so wants Buttresses, to sustain them which will cost œ3. The old well being fallen in, there wants a new one which will cost œ25. Upon the Magazine Mount are six Demi Culverins, upon Carriages. Four half worn, 1 rotten. Are not fit for the guns, all wanting beds and coynes, œ263.11. Half of them have new Platforms but too narrow, the other half none at all. Wants 1150 feet of Planck and 18 sleepers. All which will cost with the workmanship, œ30. Upon the Armory Curtains, no guns, wants one and a new carriage, beds and coynes and a Platform for which there must be 100 foot of Planck and 4 sleepers, which will cost with the workmanship (???) Upon the Iron Mount are four Seekers with two carriages, four new wheels, but too small, no Platforms, so wants two new carriage beds and coynes, 1500 foot of Planck, and 30 sleepers which will cost with the workmanship, œ40. The inner part of the Armoury Curtain is to be new made, the charges whereof are computed at œ16. The Roome over the Gate wants shutters, and ye restoring of ye same computed at œ3. Upon the Merry Mount are 4 Seekers and two brass Culverins which need new carriages, a stone Platform wants beds and Coynes, which will cost œ12. Within the Curtain at the back end of the Guard are 4 Seekers and a carriage half worn, wants beds and coynes, which will cost œ8. The Platform rotten, wants to renew it 1600 foot of Planck, and 50 sleepers, which will cost with the workmanship, œ30. Wants a smaller new house of office, computed for timber and workmanship, œ3. Then wants a new Crane for the guns, which will cost œ5. There wants aprons for all ye guns, which will cost œ3. Item, 2 new Centry boxes, besides two new ones new made, œ2.10s. In the Fort before the house two Brass guns, two new mailes but old wheels. Upon the Spur before the Gate, three Seekers, one iron and 2 brass. No Carriages nor Platform. The Breast works upon the wall most part quite out of repair, except from ye gate Room to ye Merry mount, ye reparation of ye same will cost œ45. Out of the Fort under the Flagg mount, near ye water side, 5 iron Demi Culverins, four sea carriages worth nothing. To make up the same there will be wanting 30 sleepers of 15 foot, 1600 foot of Planck, which will cost with the workmanship, œ5. The cost of the bricklayer work, for ye repairing of ye Great House, the Chimnies, souldiers rooms, officers rooms, and what further ought to be done to the Fort, is computed (besides what is done already as per Sergeant Olpherts account amounting to œ18.16.4) the sum of œ40. There wants a new Gate between ye Spur and Iron mount, for which there is to be 4 Posts, 6 Ribs and 15 laths, which will cost with ye Workmanship, œ3. The Guard and Souldiers room we find the Roof decayed and ought to be renewed with boards and shingles. All ye floor is old, ye lodgings as followeth: The 1st Room, 4 Cabbins, one new and three old beds. The 2nd Room, 5 Cabbins out of repaire. The 3d room, 6 Cabbins out of Repaire. The 4th Room, 7 Cabbins out of repaire. The 5th Room, 7 Cabbins, and new beds ye men had at Albany, and two new beds they had new made. The Armourer's room, 6 cabbins. For ye repairing of all this there wants, according to ye carpenter's calculation, 32 beams of 18 foot, 50 beams of 20 foot 7-8-9 inches square, 60 Rafters 14 foot 5-7 inches square, 2400 feet of oak Planck for ye first floor, 2400 foot ditto for ye middle floor, 2400 foot ditto for ye upper floor, 3360 foot ditto, for ye Roofe, 7000 Cedar shingles 3 foot long, 250 pounds of nayles. Which will cost, with ye workmanship besides ye reparation already done by ye carpenters, and materials used, amounting, as per ye carpenter's accounts, ye sum of œ24.13.1 1/2. The Great House wants some Shutters, doors, ye floor is to be mended. Shores under ye beames in ye cellar, Stairs in ye Garrett, and several other reparations. Ye material and workmanship whereof will cost, according to ye carpenter's calculations, œ9. The steps into the Powder room are all rotten. To make new ones will cost about œ1.5. The Glazier, taking a view of all ye Glazier's work, brings in his report of glass to be made and mended as per account amounting to œ3.7.4., viz., 9 glasses in ye kitchen, and 4 to be mended, 5 new glasses in the Linto (Leanto). In ye Armory two new glasses and 17 to be mended. In the Court Guard, 8 new ones and 5 to be mended, œ13.9. There is wanting at ye outward door of ye Great House and at ye doors within, locks, some hinges and other iron works, which by computation may cost œ3.10. Cost of iron works there will be wanting when all is to be made, but not in good condition, cannot well be said at present. The Great Gate of the Fort and ye gate of ye wood yard must be repaired, which may cost œ3. There is also necessary to be made one great Ladder and two small ones, œ1.10. Also Twelve Leather Buckets, œ4.4. The Sally Port wants a new door and door case, locks and bars, which will cost œ2. There wants two Barrels of Tar for ye carriage wheels, etc., œ1.4. Total, œ707,03s. The military stores and implements of war are as followeth: 56 barrels of Powder in ye Powder room. The store keeper gives an account of 10 barrels sent to Albany and 6 barrels used for ye Fort. 78 Pikes, viz., 6 in ye passage of ye Great House, and 72 in the armoury, and ye store keeper gives an account of 60 Pikes sent to Albany. 7 Halberds in ye armoury, 12 sent to Albany. 2 Partizans in ye armoury. The store keeper gives an account of 11 Dragoon's fire arms sent to Albany. Also of 87 Basanetts sent to Albany. 50 fire lock musquets, ditto, new. 204 fire locks, viz., above ye souldiers room, 13 in ye passage of ye Great House, 8 in the armourers Shop, 188 in the armoury, 22 broken musquets in the armoury, 198 match locks, viz., 191 in ye armoury, 7 in ye armourers room. 1 Pair of (???) in ye passage of the Great House, 12 barrels of musquet balls, viz., 1 in the armoury, 11 in the Great House. 150 Colers of Bandileers in 26 bundles in ye armoury, 160 carried off to Albany. The armourer gives an account of 88 Cartouch boxes sent to Albany. One great iron Borer for ye wheels in ye armoury. Three iron crows, 1 in the armoury and 2 in ye armourer's room. One hand saw, 1000 pieces of match above ye souldiers' room, by guess. 214 shovels and spades, 29 saddles, and 3 sent to Albany. 13 worms and 2 sent to Albany. 45 sponge staves, and 15 sent to Albany. 10 horns and priming irons. A parcel of old bed pieces in ye cellar under ye officers' rooms. 140 Culverin shot, 280 high sequier, 2300 low sequier. 280 Reffuse shot. 173 Grenades shells. 50 Falcon shot. 45 pieces of sleeper, fit for to lay under ye Platform, and 6 used. In a room over ye Guard are cabbins and a standing bed stead, with 2 Albany beds. A great old Clock in ye armourer's room. A Flagg of Bear port. 16 broken shovels. 44 Pick axes. 21 iron crows over ye souldiers' rooms. 4 iron bands to ye wheels. 92 cartridge cases. 200 pounds of old iron by guess. 19 broken musquets in ye Smith shop. 11 Colers Bandileers over ye souldiers' rooms. 1 Lanthorne. 5 old Powder cases. 10 yards of azenbriggs for shot bags. Two old chests to keep cartridges in. There wants for present use Cortass Paper, thread, twine and needles, flints and drums. The city Fortifications are as follows, viz.: Before ye Towne Hall, a half moone, most ruined and washed away by ye sea, there are three demi-culverins, and three rotten carriages, fit for nothing, ye stone wall from ye Town Hall to ye half moone by Burgers Path also washed away. But there is new lots laid out before them to low water mark for people to build upon, which will be wharfed out by the several owners of said lots. The half moone by Burgers Path is also most ruined and beaten down by ye water. There are 4 seekers and one minion. No carriages. The stone wall from said half moon to ye water gate ruined, and most part broken down by the water. The half moone by ye water gate and ye mount all fallen down and washed away. There is two seekers and no carriages, ye water gate all down. The Curtine from ye water gate to the Artillery mount was formerly double stockadoed and a ditch with breastworks within of salt sod and now all down. The ground is laid out in lots, some built, some a building, and layd out to build upon. The Artillery mount has no guns, ye walls indifferent good, ye sod work out of repair, as also ye Ditch and Stockadoes ruined. A small old house in ye middle of ye mount. The Curtine from ye Artillery mount to ye land gate mount, formerly double stocadoed, with a ditch and breast works, now all gone. The mount by the land gate, ye stone wall to ye north west post ruined, ye breast or sod work also; ye ground laid out to build upon. The land gate ready to fall down. The Curtine from ye town gate to ye Locust Trees, formerly stock-adoed with a ditch and breastworks, now none. The King's Garden by ye Locust trees, all ruined. The Pasty mount formerly Stockadoed, about now falling down. There are 2 seekers, one old carriage all rotten. The Curtine from ye Pasty mount to ye point of ye merry mount of Fort James was all Stockadoed and breast work but none now. There is no military or other stores at all in ye City of New York, otherwise than is above expressed. We are informed by his Excellency Colonel Dongan that he intended to inlarge ye city and, if occasion, to lay ye Fortifications further out. How much ye charges of Fortifying the city anew will come to we cannot compute till it be laid out and surveyed by some artist, and such one there is none here at present. This report, containing 12 pages, is hereby offered unto your Excellency by your Humble Servants. Francis Nicholson, Colonel N. Bayard, Wm. Beekman, S. VanCortlandt, Matthew Plowman, G. Minveille. Dated ye 15 November 1688. |
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Gerardus Beekman was a physician and surgeon and
resided in New York and Flat Bush, Long Island, and occasionally on his
estate on the Millstone River, New Jersey. In 1685, he was Justice of
King's County, New York. He was captain of militia at Flatbush in 1681,
and in 1689 he took the oath of allegiance and was appointed Major of all
the horse and boot in King's County as appears by his military commission
published in "Historical Documents of New York, Vol. 36, page 142. In
1690 and 1691, he was a member of Leisler's Council. He did not
thoroughly agree with Leisler in politics and when Leisler's conduct caused
distrubances, Dr. Beekman prepared and delivered an addres in
pacification of the people.
When Colonel Sloughter came to New York as Deputy Governor in 1691 to succeed Deputy Governor Nicholson, whose government after the accession of William of Orange had been overthrown by Leisler, Dr. Beekman was arrested with Leisler and others and was in prison for seventeen months, but was later pardoned. The unfortunate patriot Leisler was hanged. Governor Benjamin Fletcher, who succeeded Colonel Sloughter was in turn succeeded by Governor Bellomont. In 1700, Dr. Beekman was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel and then Colonel, under Richard Coote, Earl of Bellomont. The same documentary history of New York has under the heading "Province of New York" the following curious entry: List of ye present officers of ye Militia in his Ma'tys Province of New York in America commissioned by his Excel. Rich'd (Coote) Earl of Bellomont Capt. General and Gov'r in Chief in and over his Ma'tys said province, etc. (viz.): 'of ye Regiment of Militia in King's County on ye said Island (Nassau): Stephen Cortlandt, Colonel; Gerardus Beekman, Lieut. Col.; and Corn. Van Brunt, Maj'r - field officers.' 'of ye Foot Compa in ye town of New Uytreyt: John Van Dyke, Capt.; Joost Van Brunt, Lieut.; Matys Smake, Ensigne.'
After the death of the Earl of Bellomont, March 5, 1701, the King
appointed as his successor, Lord Cornbury, who began his administration
on the third of May, 1702, assisted by a Council, consisting of the following
members: William Atwood, William Smith, Peter Schuyler, Abraham de
Peyster, Samuel Staats, Roberts Walters, Thomas Weaver, Sampson
Shelton Broughton, Wolfgang William Romar, William Lawrence,
Gerardus Beekman and Rip Van Dam.
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(28 April 1623, Statselt, prov Overysel, Holland)