Wolphert Gerretse, Dutch-American farmer, co-founded New Netherland (d. 1662)

Wolfert Gerritse Van Couwenhoven, born on May 1, 1579, and passing away in 1662, was a pivotal figure in the early establishment of the Dutch colony of New Netherland. Known by various names, including Wolphert Gerretse van Kouwenhoven and Wolphert Gerretse, he was not merely an early settler but a foundational character who shaped the nascent communities of what would become a significant part of the United States. His multifaceted roles as an original patentee, a director of bouweries, and a primary founder underscore his immense contribution to the colonial endeavor.

Contributions to New Netherland and Beyond

In the challenging environment of the early 17th century, Van Couwenhoven emerged as a key leader. As an original patentee, he was among the first individuals granted official land patents by the Dutch West India Company, a crucial step in formalizing European claims and encouraging settlement. His expertise extended to agriculture, where he served as a director of bouweries, overseeing and managing the vital farming operations that sustained the growing colony. These bouweries, or farms, were the economic backbone of New Netherland, providing food and resources essential for survival and expansion.

Beyond his administrative and agricultural roles, Van Couwenhoven is credited with founding the first European settlement on Long Island. This significant outpost, established amidst the vast natural landscape, was named New Amersfoort, a nod to a city in the Netherlands. Today, this historic site is recognized as Flatlands, a neighborhood within the borough of Brooklyn, New York City, demonstrating the long-lasting impact of his pioneering efforts. His commitment to civic life was further cemented in 1654 when he served as a Schepen of New Amsterdam. A Schepen was a local magistrate or councilman, indicating his trusted position within the community's governance and legal system, playing a direct role in maintaining order and administering justice in the bustling settlement that would eventually become New York City.

A Legacy of Foundation

Historians widely acknowledge Wolfert Gerritse Van Couwenhoven for his "active role in laying the foundations" of several communities that would grow into major urban centers. His influence can be traced directly to the nascent stages of settlements that evolved into modern-day Manhattan, the heart of New York City; Albany, the state capital; Rensselaer, another vital upstate community; and Brooklyn, one of New York City's most populous boroughs. This extensive involvement across such a wide geographical and developmental spectrum solidifies his standing as a true architect of early American colonial life.

The Vanderbilt Connection

Intriguingly, the story of Wolfert Gerritse Van Couwenhoven's family is also intertwined with the origins of one of America's most prominent industrialist dynasties, the Vanderbilts. In 1650, Jan Aertszoon, also known as Jan Aertson, emigrated from the village of De Bilt in Utrecht, Netherlands, to the burgeoning Dutch colony of New Netherland. Jan Aertszoon, a Dutch farmer who would later become the progenitor of the illustrious Vanderbilt family, arrived as an indentured servant to the Van Kouwenhoven family. This arrangement meant he was bound by contract to work for a specified period, typically to repay the cost of his passage to the New World. This historical connection highlights the diverse social fabric of early colonial life and the surprising links between foundational families and those who would later achieve immense wealth and influence, underscoring the deep roots of American lineage in these initial settlements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Wolfert Gerritse Van Couwenhoven?
He was a prominent Dutch settler, an original patentee, director of bouweries (farms), and a key founder of the New Netherland colony.
What was his main contribution to Long Island?
He founded New Amersfoort, the first European settlement on Long Island, which is now known as Flatlands in Brooklyn.
What does "Schepen" mean in this context?
A Schepen was a local magistrate or councilman in the Dutch colonial administration, signifying a role in local governance and justice in New Amsterdam.
How is he connected to the Vanderbilt family?
The progenitor of the Vanderbilt family, Jan Aertszoon, emigrated to New Netherland in 1650 as an indentured servant to the Van Kouwenhoven family.
What was a "bouwerie"?
A bouwerie was a Dutch colonial farm, vital for the economic sustenance and growth of the New Netherland colony.