Jacob Jansen Gardenier
1638
The Van Rensselaer manuscripts record the first ships and principal settlers of Rensselaerswyck, beginning in 1630, on land around the first trading post of Fort Nassau/Orange, which today is the Albany metro. Jacob was amongst the first 62 settlers and arrived on the sixth ship, the DEN HARINCK (“the herring”), which sailed from the Texel after September 31, 1637 and, after a stop in Bermuda, arrived in New Amsterdam on March 28, 1638. Also aboard were Director Willem Kieft, Oloff Stevensen, and Claes Jansz Ruyter, whom Jacob served as a “knecht,” or servant. In the records, he is also referred to as “Jacob Jansz” and most frequently by his nickname, “Flodder.” In 1642, after a five year indenture was over, he was back in Amsterdam asking Kiliaen Van Rensselaer for permission to perform carpentry in the colony, which he was granted, but not without asking for more than Van Rensselaer wanted to pay. He was also directly known by Peter Stuyvesant and operated frequently between Rensselaerswyck and New Amsterdam. From meager beginnings, his industriousness led to his ownership and control of saw mills, grist mills, land, rivers, creeks, and vessels in which he traded goods up and down the Hudson. To his descendants, he will be forever known as the person so distracted that he ignored repeated notices and warnings and therefore lost a waterfront lot at the foot of Wall Street on Manhattan. In 1654, Jacob purchased a lot in New Amsterdam from Claes Hendricksen fronting the wall and river (present day Pearl St. was the waterfront) for one thousand pieces of green planks. This is the triangular block between Wall St, Hanover St, Beaver St, and Pearl St. He sold lots off in 1656 but kept a small house on a strip of property along the shore. Waterfront owners were required to fortify the riverbank to prevent its being washed away by the strong tides. Jacob’s property was “suffered to be dilapidated and wholly come to ruin” with no upkeep of the retaining wall and “neglected to the great prejudice of the neighbors in particular and also of the inhabitants in general.” This failure to do so – and his absence further up the Hudson – led to its confiscation, forfeiture to “his Royal Highness” and re-granting to another colonist, Balthazar de Haart, on June 28, 1667.
June 3, 1642
Kiliaen van Rensselaer – Memorandum for Johannes Megapolensis, this 3d of June 1642, in Amsterdam. Jacob Jansen flodder, carpenter, has been to see me to ask permission to do carpenter work in the colony. I was willing to engage him at the daily wagers agreed upon with the freeman; but as he wanted a good deal more, I would not take him on daily wages but agreed that, if he wanted to do certain work, I would be willing to contract with him upon definite specifications and at a definite price. I have no intention whatever of increasing their appointed daily wages at their pleasure; it seems that they contract with me here only pro forma and on their arrival there do as they please….And as at present, carpenters are somewhat scarce there, especially journeymen, we must exercise prudence and rather have a little patience than get under obligations to these people.
April 23, 1648
Court Minutes of Rensselaerswyck, The matter of Jacob Jansz Flodder, in regard to the contract of the new mill and the two stallions, is put over to next Thursday. As to the payment for the kill, two of us will be appointed to sign and give a receipt.
August 12, 1649
At the office of the secretary of New Netherland…appeared Andries Roelofsz from Masterlant [an island off the coast of Sweden], who in the presence of the undersigned witnesses declared that he appointed and empowered Jan Laurensz Appel to demand, collect and receive in his, the principal’s name from…Jacob Jansz Floder, five beavers, due to him by balance of account….In witness whereof this is signed in the record by Andries Roelofsz, with Jan Schepmoes and Adrieen van Tienhoven, as witnesses, this 12th of August 1649, in New Amsterdam. (original)
November 18, 1649
Evert Pels and Willem Fredericksz summoned by Director Slichtenhorst in regard to the rent for the farm formerly occupied by Cryn Cornelisz and the mill formerly used by Jacob Flodder, for which he is to give security according to the contract of the farm and the mills.
January 12, 1650
The honorable director, plaintiff, against Jochem Kettelheym, defendant. 1648, December 27, Jochem confessed that during divine service he had been sitting in the tavern, drinking brandy with Flodder, [Poulus] the Noorman, Capitayn [Abraham Stevensz], and Rem [Jansz], the smith, for which according to the ordinance of May 28, 1648, and that of the Manhatans, is due fl. 6:-
Spring 1650
Hired Hans Jansz Eencluys as an interpreter to purchase land from Indians.
March 3, 1650
The director, plaintiff, against Jacob Flodder, defendant. The director demands that Jacob aforesaid, for having wounded Poulus, the Noorman, in the head with a tankard, be fined fl. 300, according to the ordinance. The defense of Jacob and Poulus is put over until a week from this day.
March 7, 1650
Jacob Flodder says here [in court] that Poulus called him a rascal, for which he is fined by the director. Jacob Flodder denies that the director saw him drinking at the house of Gysbert Cornelisz, tavernkeeper, on Sunday morning, December [13?] 1648. The director, Jacob Flodder and Poulus, the Noorman, submit their differences for final decision to the commissioners and councilors of this colony. Ryck Rutgersz acknowledges that he sold to Jacob Flodder the lumber which is ready for the house or barn.
1651
Memorandum of farms in the colony.. Rent (Guilders), Morgens, Horses, Cows. A farm…on the east side of the North or Great river on the mainland…a farm used by Cornelis van Bruckelen, on the high hill of crystal; a fine farm…for tithes and rent of two sawmills used by Jacob Janse Flooder, f125, 2 Morgens.
September 6, 1651
As to the matter in dispute between Jacob Jansz Flodder, plaintiff, and Hendrick Andriesz, defendant, the court has thought best to call in two impartial person to examine the boards and to determine whether they are merchantable, or not, to which purpose are appointed the following persons, namely: Mr Abram Pietersz and Harman Bastiaensz, who are to make their report to the court, which shall then adjudge the matter as it shall see fit. Whereas Jacob Jansz Flodder sold a certain quantity of boards to Hendrick Andriesz, which were to be merchantable and now form the subject of a dispute because the delivery is said to have taken place out of season, the honorable court has thought fit to refer the matter to Harman Bastiaensz and Willem Fredericksz Bout, to examine said boards and to determine whether they are merchantable, or not. The persons aforesaid having declared before the court that some of ‘the boards are not merchantable, the honorable court haye decided and adjudged that in their opinion Jacob Jansz Flodder is bound to take back the boards and Hendrick Andriesz is ordered to return said boards at his expense to Jacob Jansz Flodder, or to make payment therefor. The costs of coavening the court in extraordinary session are to be paid by Jacob Jansz. Done in.collegio, ,the 6th of September 1651.
January 18, 1652
Hans Jansz from Rotterdam denies that he fought with Jacob Flodder, much less that he drew a knife.
February 18, 1653
Commissary Dijkman, plaintiff, against Jacob Flodder, defendant, for fighting last Sunday with a tankard against Elbert, at the house of Pieter Bronck. Commissary Dijckman, plaintiff, against Elbert Gerbertsz, defendant, for drawing his knife against Jacob last Sunday at the house of Pieter Bronck.
April 13, 1654
Surveyed and measured a piece of land on Island Manhattans extending from late Jan Damen’s land on East river [original grant by Willem Kieft April 25, 1654]. By order and command of Abm. I. Planck and also in his presence measured for Jacob Flodder also present; it is long along the wall of City New Amsterdam 22 r. and 4 ft.; thence along the Sheep Pasture (Schapeweytge) S. W. in br. 19 r., 8K ft.; further along G. Loockermans’s land 24 r., ^^ r. further to first place of departure, along the fence of D. Lytscho in br. 7 r., 6 ft.; this 13th of April, 1654. (Signed) Claes Van Elslandt. Secretary Kip is requested from this bill of survey to make out a deed for Sander Leendertsen with stipulation in said deed that heirs of A. Caveye (jiV) wid. of J. Damen have sold and delivered said land and received pay therefor from Sander Leendertsen, 1654.
August 28, 1654
Appeared before me Joannes Dyckman in the servcice, etc., the Honorable Jacob Janse Flodder [alias Gardenier] who declared before him that he is fully paid the sum of eighty beavers, which Eldert Gerbertse has given him, to be repaid again to him, Eldert Gerbertse, by said Jacob Janse Flodder within six weeks, and until it be repaid, the sloop of Jacob Janse Flodder shall be specifically mortgaged, and neither chartered nor alienated before the said eighty beavers to Eldert Gerbertse be again returned; further, pledging his person, to wit, Jacob Flodder and estate, personal and real, present and future, nothing excepted, also acknowledging that he has accepted Claas Hendrickse Van Utrecht carpenter and Elbert Gerbertse as partners in the hire of the saw mill of Jacob Jans Flodder; all under a mutual pledge of their persons and estates, according to law. In acknowledgement of the truth of the same, they have subscribed with their own hands, in Fort Orange on the date aforesaid, in presence of Jan Thomase [Mingael] and Pieter Hartgerts, commissaries of the honorable court here, as witnesses hereto called. Signed – Jacob Janse Flodder, Claas Hendryckse.
September 1654
Claes Hendricksen desires to sell on the following conditions an inlaid oak cabinet on the following conditions by order of Jacob Jansz Flodder, to wit: that the buyer shall be obligated to make payment tomorrow punctually in good whole beavers. In case he fails to pay or furnish surety, it shall be immediately reauctioned at his cost and charges. The cabinet was bought on the above-stated conditions by the undersigned final bidder for the sum of twenty-two beavers and ten guilders in beavers
January 13, 1655
Honorable Jan Dirrickse van Bremen. Whereas diverse creditors of yours have shared with us in the grain, therefore we have ordered that you sell no grain before the following persons shall have been fully paid: Evert Pels, for the sum of two hundred and seventy; and Pieter Hertgerts, the sum of fl270; and Willem Fredericksz having satisfied the foregoing [ ] discharged from the arrest [ ] your honor [ ] expressly to [ ] this our given order, on pain of [ ] [3 lines illegible] 13 January 1655. The court of Fort Orange and Beverwijck
May 9, 1655
Fort Orange. The commissary and officer is ordered to pay within the space of forty-eight hours to Jacob Jansz Flodder the sum of fifty-six guilders, being the same as what the officer received from the hands of the aforesaid Flodder on account of the late Hendrixsz, but the officer retains, nevertheless, entirely his cause of action on account of his misbehaviour in the public street on Saturday last in calling the honorable commissary and some magistrates of the court here bloodhounds and tyrants steeped in strong drink, for which he may proceed against him when time and opportunity offer themselves.
January 22, 1656
Cornelis Van Tienhoven, Abram Verplanck, and Jan Vinje, heirs of the deceased Arijaentie Cuvilje, widow of the late Jan Damen, to Sander Leendertsen, agent of Jacob Flodder. – Vicinity of present William and Hanover streets, south of Wall Street. A parcel of land or lots along the city wall, about the Sheep Pasture, in the rear of Govert Loockermans and the next adjoining lots there; breadth, from the lot of Daniel Litschoe westward up along city wall, 22 rods 4 feet; further, from the hook, southwest to the – 19 rods 8 1/2 feet ; and along the land of Govert Loockermans, 24 1/2 rods; further to the corner (hook) of Daniel Litschoe, long 7 rods G feet. Being premises patented to said Jam Damen, deceased.
June 24, 1656
Sander Leendersen, agent of Jacob Flodder, of Fort Orange, to Jacob Jansen Moesman. A lot west of the city wall, abutting on the east, the street and wall, and on the south, Pieter Cornelis Van Veen; breadth, front and rear 30 running feet (pout voeten) ; depth on north side, 15 rods and 6 roe feet; and on south, 14 rods and 3 roe feet. Also, a hook or neck of land on the most northerly side of said lot; breadth in rear or west side, 3 rods 1 foot; and in front or east, 13 feet more, and runs generally along the passage-way of Mr. Jacob Varvanger’s lot, being granter’s uttermost bounds. Being premises conveyed by the heirs of the late Argaentie Cuvilje to said Leendersen, 22d June instant.
July 6, 1659
Jeremias van Rensselaer – to – OLEFF STEVENSEN VAN CORTLANDT, WORTHY, VERY DISCREET, GOOD FRIEND: My last letter to you was sent by the yacht of Flodder, in which I asked you to
have the lime burned, as I had also requested you to have done in my preceding letter, even if it should cost a stiver or two more per barrel, and to have the same loaded in the said Flodder’s yacht.
August 20, 1659
Jeremias van Rensselaer – to Sr JACOB VAN DER LINDEN, WORTHY, GOOD FRIEND, SALUTE! This serves to request you to be pleased to see to it that the small case with beavers, marked
No: JVR: 1:, which I shipped in the yacht of Jacob [Flodder], may at the first opportunity be put on board the ship of skipper Jacob Jansz Staet, in order that it may be put in a good place, but you will first, please, have it entered. It contains 290 whole beavers and 8 half-beavers.
September 23, 1659
In the City Hall, Nicolaas Velthuyzen requests by petition to get back his ox sold to Jacob Janzen Flodder and not paid for…Petitioner has to summon Flodder or in his absence his agent and to institute his action against him.
November 29, 1659
Jeremias van Rensselaer – to – PETRUS STUYVESANT – ….. Ending herewith, I commend your honor after hearty greetings to the protection of the Lord. Meanwhile I remain, Honorable, worthy, wise, prudent and very discreet Sir, This 29th of November Ao 1659 – By the yacht of Flodder
November 9, 1661
With the knowledge and consent of the Honorable Commys La Montagne and the Honorable Abraham Staets and Phillip Pietersz Schuyler, magistrates of Fort Orange and Beverwyck, at the request of Jacob Jansz Flodder, an inventory and list was made of what was found on the sloop named the Eendracht (Union), together with the cables and anchors by which said sloop lies in the roadstead here, as also the boat and oars belonging thereto, as follows:
First, a cable and horse line with two anchors by which the sloop now lies at anchor
A cable and a half cable in the hold
A piece of horse line
A cask of tar, full
A small cask of hammer scales
Two tackle blocks bound with iron
A mizzen and a foresail, a fore-topsail, a jib and a small sail for the boat
An hour-glass; a compass
The boat with two oars
Two oars for the sloop
An iron pot
A gridiron
Two wooden bowls
The sloop with her standing rigging
On this day, the 9th of November 1661, the Messrs Jeremias van Rensselaer, director of the colony of Rensselaerswyck and Phillip Pietersz Schuyler, magistrate of Fort Orange, in the name and at the request of Jacob Jansz Flodder (he being present), have sold, and Luycas Andriessz and Jan Joosten of them have bought, the sloop of said Jacob Flodder, named the Eendracht (Union), at present lying at anchor here, with all that belongs to her, anchors, cables, and running and standing rigging, according to inventory thereof: for which said sloop the buyers promise to pay to Mr. Rensselaer aforenamed the sum of twenty-eight hundred guilders in money hereafter named, in three instalments, to wit: a just third part within the time of six weeks from the date hereof in good strung seawan, amounting to nine hundred and thirty-three guilders, six stivers and five and one-third pence; the second payment in the same currency and amount in the month of April 1662; and the third payment in good whole beavers reckoned at twenty guilders seawan apiece in the month of July 1663; for the satisfaction and payment of which said sums on the respective days of payment Mr. Daniel van Donck and Mr Folckert Jansz offer themselves as sureties, in order that if need be the amount may be recovered from them without expense or loss. Therefore, said sloop is hereby turned over to the buyers free and unincumbered, to be used from now on on all streams and rivers and to be disposed of by them as they might dispose of their own property, said Flodder releasing the buyers from all future demands on his part with regard to said sloop. For the performance and fufilment of all that is hereinbefore written parties on both sides, each as far as he is concerned, bind their respective persons and estates, nothing excepted, subject to all courts and judges. Done in Beverwyck, on the date above written. Signed – Jacob Jansen Flodder, Jeremias van Rensselaer, Philip Pieterse Schuyler, Lucas Andriessz, Jan Joosten, Daniel van Donck, Volckart Jansz
November 25, 1661
Names of Persons Who Supplied Wheat at the Esopus. Received wheat from the following persons and shipped it in the yacht of Flodder…157 schepels of wheat
June 6, 1662
In the City Hall. Dirck Wiggerzen, arrestant and pltf. v/s Jacob Janzen Flodder, arrested and deft. Pltf’s wife entering demands from deft, a balance of a note, amounting yet to twenty-seven beavers and one hundred and thirty oak plank, deducting what has been paid. Deft, acknowledges to owe the twenty-seven beavers; requests by petition leave to depart, promising to pay next August: if he cannot arrange with his skipper Bartelt Sybransen, otherwise as soon as he shall have settled with the aforesaid Bartelt, he will produce the money or give bail for the payment. Burgomasters and Schepens order the deft, to pay pltf. in the month of July; in the meanwhile the arrest is declared valid, until he shall have entered sufficient security for the payment.
July 5, 1663
Contract with Flodder to hire his yacht to the government as a transport vessel during the Esopus War (original) and the related inventory of the boat. (original)
May 28, 1664
Today, the 14th of May anno 1664 appeared before me, Johannes La Montagne, in the service of the general chartered West India Company, admitted by the lord director general and councilors of New Netherland vice director and commissary at Fort Orange and the village of Beverwijck, in the presence of the honorable Jan Hendericksz van Bael and Jan Costersen van Aken, magistrates of the same court, these Indians mentioned below named Queskimiet, son of Pacies, Aepie, Wickepe, Kleijn Davidtie, who, at the request of Jan Tomassen and Volckert Janssen, and translated by Jan Dareth, testify and declare as follows: First, they say that it is eighteen years ago that Jacob Janssen Flodder bought the Gojers kil, but no land with it, only a small piece to the north of the aforesaid kil, which was allowed to him to make a garden, for which they, witnesses owners have received only one piece of cloth for rent. The witnesses being asked whether Jacob Janssen Flodder has bought any land at Schotack, unanimously declare no, but that he only has had a small piece of land that they had consented to him for one year to sow oats upon; furthermore, that he has had a hay barrack there, which was to store his grain for the winter, but that he never has had any property there. The witnesses asked again, who are the right owners of Schotack and the mainland as far as the island extends, they declare Jan Tomassen and Volckert Janssen to be the true owners, who have bought the same and paid for it, and nobody else. They also declare that, according to the bill of sale of Wattawit, dated the 4th of October anno 1663, that Wattawit has been the true owner of the land on the mainland where Machack Notas’ house has stood. They say that yesterday, the 13th of this month, they also have declared all of the above at the house of Mr. Renselaert, in the presence of the translator Jan Daret and Marten Gerritsen. Thus done in Fort Orange, the 14th of May anno 1664.
June 17, 1664
Jeremias van Rensselaer – to – Sr Oloff Stevensz van Cortlandt, Dear Father-in-Law :… As to there being still 5 1/3 beavers due to Oom Dirck from Jacob Jansz Flodder on account of the yacht, he will have to demand that from him himself, for I bought the yacht from him free and he, Flodder, can easily pay the remainder to him, whether in boards or otherwise
November 24, 1664
This day, Jacob Janssz Flodder acknowledged that he had hired Symon Claesz Turck, who also acknowledged that he had bound himself to serve said Flodder in all faithfulness and diligence, especially in building and what- ever else he may be able to do, except farming and the cutting of logs to be sawn in the sawmill, but including the sawing itself, for the term of one year commencing on Monday November next; in consideration of which service the said Flodder, besides reasonable board and lodging, promises to pay to him, Turck, the quantity of seventy-five beavers reckoned at eight guilders apiece, or else seawan reckoned at twenty guilders the beaver, or other wares and merchandise at beavers’ price at the choice of said Flodder; and in case said Symon Turck becomes wilfully negligent in said service, so much shall be deducted and retained from his stipulated wages (computed or estimated according to what each day amounts to) as the lost days may come to. For the performance and execution of what is hereinbefore written the parties on both sides, each as far as he is concerned, bind their respective persons and estates, nothing excepted, subject to all courts and judges. Done in the colony of Rensselaerswyck, dated as above. Jacob Janse Flodder Symen Clasen Turck In my presence, D. V. Schelluyne, Secretary 1664
May 19, 1665
In the City Hall. The Board resolved to write the following letter to the Court of Albany. Honourable Prudent Sirs – Whereas we have heretofore notified Jacob Flodder, that he shall have to build up and line the bank situate before his lot on the East river within this City next to the house and lot of the widow Litsco, wherein he remains as yet in default, We therefore request your Honors to notify the aforesaid Jacob Flodder by your Court Messenger, at the earliest occasion, that he shall immediately perform it or otherwise through neglect the aforesaid lot shall be sold by order of the Honorable Governer Nicolls and he shall be deprived of his right therein. Requesting to communicate to us in writing the answer given to the notice by the abovenamed Jacob Flodder we shall hold ourselves bound in like cases. Your Honors affectionate friends, Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens of the City of N. Yorck situate on Manhatan Island, By order of the same, Joannes Nevius, Secretary.
October 9, 1666
At a Mayor’s Court held at New York. Mr. John Laurens informs the W. Court, that Jacob Jansen Flodder, residing at Fort Albania, has a lot in this City, next to the house and lot of informant, of which lot said Flodder allows the fence and sheet piling to fall in decay to the injury of his neighbors. He, Laurens, therefore requests the W. Court to issue a pertinent order; upon this request the following letter was sent to the Court of Albania: Honorable, Prudent and very Discreet Friends:
Jacob Jansen Flodder, living at Albania, owns a lot in this City near the Waterport, next to the house and lot of Mr. John Laurens and whereas complaints have been made to us, that said Flodder allows the fences and piling of said lot to decay to the great injury of his neighbours, it has been ordered by us, that said Flodder shall within 6 weeks from this date properly repair his fences and piling or in default the lot will be sold by execution to pay for the expenses of repairing etc. We request you herewith, that you will inform said Flodder hereof by your Court Messenger, so that he may guard against loss. By doing this, you will oblige us to be on similar occasions.
October 21, 1667
A letter is sent by order of the hon. Dep’ty Mayor to Jeremias van Renselaer informing him, in substance that Uncle Dirck has attached here a certain yacht, sold by one Jacob Flodder to Jer: V Renselaer and by said Renselaer to Claes Lock and Davit Schuyler; because the abovenamed Dirck (as he alleges) has not been paid in full for the building of said yacht, but that a balance of fl. 46. is still due him in beavers; which he is required to take care to have paid or to send attornies to defend the said action, inasmuch as sd. Renselaer has obliged himself to the aforesaid Schuyler and Lock to free said yacht from all claims.
October 29, 1668
Ursel, the wife of Anthony Jansz, plaintiff, against Jaob Jansz Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff demands of the dfendant fl. 537:9 in seawan, according to his bond. The defendant admits his debt.
November 12, 1668
Laurens van Alen, plaintiff, against Jacob Jansz Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff demands of the defendant eight beavers and 33 boards, arising from the purchase of his father-in-law’s land. The defendant says that he ownes but 7 ½ beavers and 33 boards, and requests that the land be surveyed, as he does not have the just half and was obliged to buy more land. The defendant, therefore, maintains that he is not bound to satisfy the plaintiff. The honorable court having heard the parties on both sides reject the plea and condem the defendant to pay the plaintiff the eight beavers and 33 boards demanded, and this within the space of two months. Meanwhile, if the surveyour comes up the river in the spring, the land will be surveyed and he will receive his half.
February 18, 1668/9
Jacob Sanderz Glen, servant of the late Jan Bastiaensz, plaintiff, against Jacob Jansz Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff demans of the defendant fl.211:17, according to his bond, in beavers or in golden winter wheat, and in addition fl.157 interest, amounting together to fl.368:17.
June 10, 1668
Jeremias van Rensselaer – to – Sr Jan Baptist Van Rensselaer, Dear Brother: … What this year handicaps me most and makes my money go is the fact that to my sorrow I am busy building a house. As I had put my brewery on the other side, in the Grene Bos, it was very inconvenient for me in the spring and in the fall to get my beer across the river, so that to run a brewery there did not work, for at the most important season we had to sit still. I have therefore, upon the advice of good friends, torn down my brewery and erected it again on this side, near the grist mill which Flodder
built on the Fifth Kill, in a conveniently located place where, with [the help of] God, no danger from ice drifts is to be expected. As since the ice drift I had planted an orchard there on account of the situation of the ground and the spaciousness of the location, I am now busy building a dwelling house near it, only straight and plain, of two rooms, but the cellar built of stone and further with a stone foundation.
February 2, 1670/1
Jan Cornelisz Vyselaer gives notice of an attachment placed on 45 schepels of wheat on the farm of Jacob Jansz Flodder, behind the Kinderhoeck, belonging to the said Flodder and requests that the said attachment may be declared valid. Tryntie Claes, appearing in court, says that she has had an attachment placed on 106 schepels of wheat belonging to Flodder behind the Kinderhoeck; likewise an attachment on 200 boards at the said Flodder’s kill, and requests that the said attachment may be declared valid.
February 16, 1670/1
Jan Cornelisz Vyselaer, plaintiff, against Jacob Jansz Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff demands of the defendant 45 schepels of wheat and one vim of oat sheaves, which he has had attached, and requests payment. Cornelis Cornelisa, plaintiff, against Jacob Jansz Flodder, defendant. The plintiff demands of the defendant 27 ½ schepels of wheat for wages.
April 13, 1671
Juriaen Theunisz, plaintiff, against Jacob Jansz Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff demands of the dfendant 200 boards of fl. 200 in sewan, according to his bond. The dfendant admits the debt and says that he can not well pay it for the present, as the mill is out of order. Jacob Schermerhorn, plaintiff, against Jacob Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff says that the defendant along the river side at Schotack has a small strip of land which is not fenced in, whereby they suffer much damage. He requests that he may be ordered to fence in the same. The defendant answers that on account of a small strip of land he can not be forced to protect their entire land. The honorable court having heard the parties on both sides, order each person to fence in his own land, in order that no one may suffer damage, or otherwise the damage will have to be made good by him through whose neglect it occured.
March 28, 1672
Symon Turck, plaintiff, against Jacob Jansz Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff demands of the defendant for wages and saws delivered, being the remainder of the defendant’s account, the sum of fl. 1353 in seawan. The defendant answers that he does not owe him anything, as he has paid more than the plaintiff has credited him with. Furthermore, he denies that he owes for the saws, as they were paid for aside from the account. Also, as to the 106 days, which are put down at fl.8 a day, it was agreed that he would have to pay only fl.7.
October 10, 1672
Sweer Theunisz, plaintiff, against Jan Cornelisz, defendant. The plaintiff demands of the defendant a pair of millstones with the shaft and crank, which he bought of him according to the contract thereof executed in the presence of trustworthy witnesses; and this cum expensis. The defendant answers that he was drunk and never thought of it that he had presented the stones to Flodder. The plaintiff replies that this is not true and that he, the defendant, afterwards entered into such a plot with Flodder, as shown by the affidavits produced. The honorable court, having heard the parties and examined the documents, order the defendant to deliver the aforesaid millstones to the plaintiff, with the shaft and the crank, within the space of 24 hours, and condemn him to pay the costs of court.
May 2, 1676
Jan Comelise, plaintiff, against Jacob Janse Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff demands of the defendant fl.280:16 in beavers for 108 working days which he worked last year and also for board for other working days and various claims, according to his account. The defendant answers that the plaintiff has not worked so many days. Also, that when the contract was made, he did not stipulate that he was to have board during the year, whether he worked or not. Jan Spoor, appearing in court, says that he was present when the contract between the plaintiff and the defendant was made and that he heard the plaintiff stipulate board for the entire year when he was put to work, which he confirms by oath. The plaintiff also swears that he has worked 108 days, at 5 days for one beaver, amounting to fl. 172:16 in beavers. The honorable court, having heard the parties on both sides, condemn the defendant to pay the plaintiff- the above mentioned sum of fl. 1 72:16, beavers’ value, in beavers or boards at beavers’ price, according to his oath, within the space of 14 days, cum expensis. As to the millstones and other claims presented by the plaintiff, he is ordered to bring further proof of the matter. Claes Janse Stavast, plaintiff, against Jacob Janse Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff demands of the defendant 25 schepels of wheat and 71 gl. and 18 st. in seawan, according to his account. The defendant answers and says that he agreed to pay 250 boards. The plaintiff, in reply, declares that the defendant failed to carry out the contract. The honorable court, having heard the parties on both sides, condemn the defendant to pay the plaintiff according to the first agreement, to wit, 25 schepels of wheat and 71 gl. [18 st.] in seawan, cum expensis.
June 12, 1677
Roeloff Janse, plaintiff, against Jan Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff says that he was wounded by the defendant, who refused to pay the surgeon’s fees, and that the surgeon attached the money which he was to have for his pain and suffering. The honorable court order the defendant to pay the surgeon’s fees within the space of 14 days, cum expensis, and vacate the attachment of the boards.
August 14, 1677
Matthys van der Heyden, servant and attorney of Mr Corn. Steenwyck, plaintiff, against Jacob Janse Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff demands of the defendant 395 1-inch boards, by virtue of a bond and special mortgage, dated August 5, 1672. The defendant admits the debt. The honorable court condemn the defendant to deliver the 395 1-inch boards to Mr Steenwyck, or his order, immediately, cum expensis. Jan Becker, plaintiff, against Jacob Janse Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff demands of the defendant one mudde1 of wheat and 2 bags sent to him. The defendant admits the debt. The honorable court condemn the defendant to pay to the plaintiff the mudde of wheat and to deliver the 2 bags within the space of 14 days, cum expensis.
September 8, 1677
Before me, Robert Livingston, secretary of Albany, Colony Renselaerswijck and Schaenhechtady, and in the presence of the highly esteemed gentlemen Mr. Richard Pretty and Mr. Andries Teller, magistrates of the same court, there appeared Evert Luycasse Backer, who declared that he has, in true, rightful, free ownership, granted, conveyed and transferred to and for benefit of Jacob Janse Gardenier, a certain farm, being the just half of the land located behind the Kinder- hoeck, in which is included the rights which were presented to Volkert Janse by the rightful owner Watawit, whose right and title the grantor possesses, namely, all the aforesaid land to wit, the southerly just half with all the rights, title and ownership of the same, lying on the east side of the kill, being the middlemost piece of land there, which he, the grantor, does by virtue of the patent given to him by the right honorable lord Gov. Richard Nicolls dated the 26th of June 1668, and that free and unencumbered, without any claims standing or issuing against the same (excepting the lord’s right), and without the grantor making the least claim thereon any more; acknowledging that he is fully satisfied and paid for it, the first penny with the last, and giving for it plaenam actionem cessam and full power to the aforesaid Jacob Janse Gardenier, his heirs and descendants or those who may obtain his right and title, to do with and dispose of the same as he might do with his patrimonial estate and effects; promising to defend the aforesaid piece of land against each and every person, and to free it from all trouble, claims or charges, which is right, and further, never more to do nor allow anything to be done against [it], either with or without law in any manner whatsoever, under obligation as provided for it according to law. Done in Albany on the 8th of September 1677. Signed – Richard Pretty, A. Teller, Evert Luycas. In my presence, Ro. Livingston, secretary.
September 9, 1677
On this the 9th of Sept. 1677 before me Robert Livingston, secretary of Alb., Colony Rensselaerswijck and Schaenhechtady, etc. in the presence of the witnesses named below, there appeared Jacob Janse Gar- denier alias Flodder, who acknowledged that last January he sold to Adam Dingemans the farm at Kinderhoeck, on which he, Dingemans, presently resides, in the manner described as follows: and the same shall be delivered to Adam Dingemans, with all his right, title and ownership of the same, as it lies in its fence, with the house, lot, barracks, and bam, as he at present occupies it, with a cart and a half of a horse; and that for the sum of five hundred guilders Holland money, to be paid in bill of exchange in Holland whenever the seller shall desire the bill of exchange, with this reservation, that if this bill of exchange returns with protest or if the money be not paid there, then the sale shall be voided and the buyer shall be held to pay yearly rent as before; to which end the contracting parties mutually pledge their respective persons and estates, real and personal, present and future, nothing excepted, placing the same in subjection to all the lord’s laws and judges. Done in Albany, without craft or guile, in the presence of Amout Comelise Viele and Hendrik vande Water, called as witnesses hereto. Wintesses: Arnout Corn. Viele, Hendrick vande Water, Jacob Jansen Flodder, Adam Dingemans. Acknowledged before me, Ro. Livingston, secretary.
December 4, 1677
Marte Crigier, plaintiff, against Jan Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff demands of the defendant 11 Yl beavers by balance of account for goods received by him. The defendant says that he has not received the keg of soap which is put on the account. The plaintiff offers to swear to it that he received the keg of soap. The honorable court condemn the defendant to pay the sum of 11 Y l beavers according to the plaintiff’s demand within the space of 14 days, cum expensis.
July 3, 1678
Appeared before me, Ro: Livingston, secretary of Albany, colony of Renslaerswyck and Shaenhechtady, etc., in presence of the hereinafter named witnesses, Jacob Janse Gardinier alias Flodder, who acknowledges that he is well and truly indebted and in arrears to Geertruy Barents, wife of Jacob Hevick, in the sum of one hundred and sixty-eight guilders in beavers, growing out of house rent due from his wife Barentie Straetsmans, which aforesaid twenty- one beavers the appearer promises to pay to Geertruy Barents or her order next May 1679, in beavers, seawan, wheat, or boards, all merchantable and at market price, binding thereto his person and estate, real and personal, nothing excepted, submitting the same to the jurisdiction of all lords, courts, tribunals and judges; in witness of the truth of which he has subscribed this in presence of Cornelis van der Hoeven and Paulus Marten., called as witnesses hereto. Done in Albany, the 3d of July 1678
September 3, 1678
Johannes Provoost, in his capacity of officer, plaintiff, against Evert Cornelise, defendant. The plaintiff produces a written complaint and states that the defendant shot the horse of Jacob Jansen Flodder with a shotgun. He demands that the defendant be condemned to make good the loss suffered by the complainant and in addition be made to pay a fine of fl.100, cum expensis. The defendant denies that he did it. The honorable court order Jacob Jansen Flodder, who is present in court, to produce his evidence on the next court day.
December 3, 1678
Jacob Janse Flodder, plaintiff, against Evert Cornelise, defendant. Case according to the preceding minutes. The plaintiff still claims from the defendant compensation for the damage which he suffered through the shooting of his horse with buck shot and says that he has evidence. The defendant denies it and demands that the plaintiff prove it to him. Jacob Shermerhooren, being sworn, says that he saw the horse after it was wounded, but does not know how it happened. The honorable court, having taken the matter into consideration, do not find that the plaintiff has produced sufficient evidence. They therefore nonsuit him and condemn him to pay the costs of court.
December 3, 1678
Mr. Richard Pretty, sheriff, plaintiff, against Jacob Shermerhooren, defendant. Plaintiff produces a written bill of complaint, stating that the defendant has twice by warrant been summoned to appear before the court to give testimony to the truth in the case pending between Jacob Janse Flodder and Evert Cornelise, all of which is contrary to law, as no one may fail to appear without weighty reason and even if such reason existed he should have notified the court. He therefore concludes that the defendant for such contempt ought to make good all loss and damage which Flodder has suffered thereby and in addition ought to be condemned to pay a fine of 100 gl. in seawan; all cum expensis. The defendant excuses himself by saying that each time he received the warrant on Sunday, before the court day, and that he then had no canoe, his wife being in the city. The honorable court condemn him to pay the plaintiff fl. 12 in seawan for his trouble in summoning him for the third time; cum expensis.
June 8, 1680
Wm Parker, plaintiff, against Jacob Flodder, defendant. The plaintiff, by virtue of a bond in favor of Capt. J. Backer, dated October 3, 1676, assigned to the plaintiff, demands the quantity of 140 boards, by balance of [the payment due for] Backer’s half of the land possessed in company with the said Flodder. The defendant says that he is willing to deliver to the plaintiff the 140 boards if he will bind himself to deliver him a proper conveyance and patent for the land. The plaintiff replies that the defendant in the bond acknowledges that he received the contract of sale and the patent. The honorable court, having examined the bond, find that the defendant admits that he received the contract of sale and the patent. They, therefore, condemn him to pay the plaintiff the quantity of 140 boards, cum expensis, on condition that the plaintiff is to give him an authentic receipt for the entire sum, executed by the secretary.
February 14, 1681/2
Jacob Flodder and Jan Bronk have agreed before the court about the suit tried at the last session of the court regarding the logs, as follows: Flodder is to haul the 26 logs which are lying ready on the shore at Coxhachky and if Jan Bronk does not have the remaining 25 logs ready when he comes to fetch the 26 logs, Jan Bronk is to deliver them in the kill near Flodder’s [mill]. Herewith their dispute is ended.
January 3, 1682/3
Contract to Sell Land on the East Side of Hudson’s River Near Magdalen Island. This day, the 3rd of January 1682-3 appeared before me Adrian van Ilpendam, Notary Public residing in New Albany, and before the undersigned witnesses and Esopus Indian, called Capt. Jan Bachter, who engages himself herewith to the effect, that he will not sell the land or the kils and creeks to anybode else, but to those, who have given him already earnest-money upon his promise of the said land, to wit Jacob Jansen Gardenier and Jurian Teunissen van Tappen and Harman van Ganesvoort.
July 4, 1682
A petition of Jacob Flodder is presented, in which he complains that Pieter Winne causes his hogs to be bitten because they get into his grain, as he has no sufficient fence. Pieter Winne says that it is impossible to build a fence that will keep his hogs out, as they are so wild that they jump over the fence and destroy his grain. He requests reparation. The honorable court order and authorize Claes van Petten and Gerrit Gysbertse to inspect the fence in question on the mainland and to report to the court whether it is an adequate fence or not, and if the fence is found to be adequate to estimate the loss which Pieter Winne has suffered in his grain.
October 2, 1682
Appeared before me, Ro’. Livingston, secretary of Albany, colony of Renselaerswyk and Schaenhechtady, etc., in the presence of the afternamed magistrates, Peter Bosie of the one side and Jan Jacobse Gardenier of the other side, who declared that they had con- tracted with each other respecting the purchase of his, Ptr. Bosie’s land and property in manner following:
First, said Bosie acknowledges that he has sold to Jan Jacobse Gardenier, and Jan Jacobse that he has bought of him, all his, Peeter Bosie’s, rights in the land which he bought of Ger. Jacobse, consisting of a large flat whereof a part is inclosed and a small flat of about two morgens, lying at Kinderhoek, on the south side of the Kinderhoek kill, together with all his horses, cattle, farming tools, household furniture, etc., according to inventory thereof made by Jacob Abr. Vosburgh, constable, and Jochem Lambertse, nothing in the world excepted or reserved excepting his winter wheat raised this year, one ox, two hogs and the clothing and bedding of himself and wife and children, with an empty chest, but all the rest, Jan Jacobs has bought of said Bosie: which land and movable goods shall be at once delivered over to the buyer, for which the buyer promises to pay the seller the quantity of three hundred good, merchantable beaver skins reckoned at 8 gl. apiece, in 4 instalments, each time a just fourth part, to wit, seventy-five beavers in the summer of 1683, seventy-five beavers in the summer of 1684, seventy-five beavers in the summer of 1685, and the last fourth part being seventy-five beavers in the summer of 1686, which aforenamed 300 beavers the buyer can pay in silver, wheat, seawan, peas or boards, all according to the just value of a merchantable beaver of f4 lb- Dutch, and if the buyer deliver boards he shall beholden to deliver the same in the summer on the river bank that they may be transported in boats, always with the understanding that the same must be good salable inch boards, and a boat load be delivered at a time and if he deliver beavers, silver, seawan, wheat, or peas, he shall be holden to deliver the same here in this place, all according to the just value of a beaver, but shall have respite till December 1683, 1684, 1685, 1686, every time a just fourth part of the aforesaid purchase money. And as the seller has so far no conveyance for the aforesaid land, Mr Jan van Loon, mastersmith of this place, binds himself that said land shall be conveyed free and unincumbered on the last payment and for the payment of said three hundred beavers Jan Jacobse Gardenier hereby specially binds the aforenamed land consisting of two plats, his house and sawmill and gristmill, together with his person and estate, real and personal, present and future, nothing excepted, submitting the same to the authority of all lords, courts, tribunals and judges for the payment without loss or costs of said 300 beavers. Done in Albany without craft or guile in presence of Mr. Marte Gerritse and Mr. Cornells van Dyk, magistrates called as witnesses hereto, on the 2d of October Anno Domini 1682.
October 3, 1682
Jacob Janse Flodder, plaintiff, against Carsten Frederikse, defendant. The plaintiff demands of the defendant according to his account fl. 103:13 in beavers for boards, etc., delivered to him. The defendant says that he has not received so many boards and that they are priced too high at 10 per beaver. Also, that there are some other items which do not concern him. The plaintiff swears that he delivered the 6 8 pine boards and 8 oak boards; also an iron bar worth 1 beaver, 2 fowls, 1 schepel of meal and 2 schepels of rape, amounting together to fl. 4:14 in beavers. The honorable court are of the opinion that in the year 1663 more than 10 pine boards could be bought for 1 beaver and they have therefore requested Mr Jan Janse Bleeker, commissary, to examine the book of Johannes Witthart, and they find that at that time 20 one-inch pine boards sold for 1 beaver. The defendant, therefore is ordered to pay for the 68 boards at the rate of 20 to the beaver and for the 8 oaken boards at the rate of [blank] per beaver; also, the beaver for the iron and fl. 4:14 in beavers for the other miscellaneous items, cum expensis.
May 11, 1684
Richard van Rensselaer to Maria van Rensselaer – You have written to me several times to have for yourself the ownership of the land of Broer Cornelis and the grist-mill. In my opinion, the mill must above all else remain part of the jurisdiction of the colony. The value of the mill, like that of all other mills, must be judged not according to the structure, which amounts to little, but according to the water rights, which likewise belong to the jurisdiction of the colony, on account of which such a mill, which stands so close to the village and which must grind the grain of all the inhabitants, is of no small value. In Flodder’s time it was leased for fl. 1200 to fl. 1500 in seawan a year, when the seawan was worth more than in my time, or now, while since that time the number of the inhabitants has increased.
July 26, 1684
Appeared before me, Rob’. Livingston, clerk of Albany, colony of Renselaerswyk and Shinnechtady, etc., in presence of the Honorable Mr Dirk Wessells and Mr Jan Janse Bleeker, magistrates of the same jurisdiction, Jannetie Pawel, widow of the late Thomas Pawel, deceased, who declared that she granted, conveyed and made over in true, rightful and free ownership to and for the behoof of Jacob Janse Gardenier a lot lying at Kinderhoek whereon said Tacob Janse has built a house, having to the west P. Moree, to the east Lawrence van Ale, to the south the kill and to the north the hill: being in breadth in front 19 rods and in the rear thirty- seven rods; which she, the grantor, does by virtue of the patent granted to her husband, deceased, by the late Governor General Richard Nicolls dated the 13th of April 1667, to which reference is herein made ; and that free and unincumbered, without any charges thereon, or issuing out of the same (saving the lord’s right), without the grantor’s having any further claim in the lea.st thereon, therefore giving flenam actionem cessam and full power to the aforenamed Jacob Janse Gardenier, his heirs, successors, or assigns the afore- said lot to have and to hold forever to him the aforesaid Jacob Janse, his heirs and successors to do with and dispose thereof as he could do with his own patrimonial estate and effects, without the opposition or contradiction of anyone. Done in Albany, the 26th of July 1684.
August 4, 1684
Appeared to us, the undersigned magistrates, Maes Cornelise, attorney for Jacob Janse Gardenier, who declared that he granted and conveyed to and for the behoof of Adam Dingemans, his heirs [and assigns], a lot lying at Kinderhoek on which said Jacob Janse has built a house, having to the west Pieter Moree, to the east Lawrence van Ale, to the south the kill of Kinderhoek and to the north the hill, being in breadth in front nineteen rods and in the rear thirty-seven rods, which he, the grantor, does by virtue of the conveyance to him given by Jannetie Powells, widow of the late Thom. Powel, deceased, of date the 26th of July last past, to which reference is herein made and that free and unincumbered (saving the lord’s right); likewise is conveyed to said Adam Dingemans the farm on which he now dwells as it lies in its fence and as it came to him, the grantor, from Evert Luykasse by conveyance dated the 8th of September 1677, being the just half of the land Evert Luykasse there owned, lying on the south side, with all the rights, property and appurtenances thereof lying on the east side of the kill of Kinderhoek, being the middle piece of land there; which he, the grantor, does by virtue of said conveyance dated the 8th of September 1677, and that free and unincumbered (saving the lord’s right), for which lot of land and farm the grantor in the capacity aforesaid acknowledges that satisfaction has been given to Jacob Janse and promises to defend the land from all future claims, binding himself thereto as by law pro- vided. Done at Albany, the 4th of August 1684.
November 12, 1684
Maria van Rensselaer to Richard van Rensselaer – That I have written several times that I should like to own the land and the grist-mill is true, but as you can not consent to it, I shall keep possession of them, for it might happen within a short time that you would not get a stiver for them and that some one else got hold of them. As to your thinking that because the mill stands so near the town it must yield much revenue, that is not so, for there are mills everywhere, so that there is no specially large amount of grinding. Moreover, those of Albany are not allowed to have their grain ground outside, so that it goes badly with us. The other mill stands idle. The old mill must be repaired and it needs two new millstones, for the stones are so old that they are broken and held together by an iron band. Neither I, nor my father and brother doubted but that you would have granted me the mill, as I have no other [means of support and] we can not [live] in Holland with our father’s family. For this reason brother Steven has sent me a pair of stones, which are already up here for my personal use, but which now must be left lying around, for there is no need to repair the mill for a stranger. I must say one thing more, namely, that the governor and others have told me that my husband, deceased, had entered into Jacob Janse Flodder’s contract, for the grist-mill belonged to Flodder himself, as he had had it built, but as the patroon’s mills, which stood on the strand, were carried away by the ice, he had to deliver another mill, which my husband did. I never knew that. Therefore, I beg you, sell me the small grist-mill which stands next to Spitsenberg’s mill, on appraisal by impartial persons. It is conveniently located; I only want it for a stiver on Sundays for the poor, for as you know I can do nothing and I am daily getting weaker. I could manage it with a Negro if there was anything to grind, for I must live and my children are growing up and father, deceased, founded the colony with that idea in mind.
