Manuel Gonzales-Duk and Marritje Christophers Davids
Manuel Gonzales [1] married first Marritje Christophers Davids and second Rebecca Westfall. Marritje is the daughter of Christoffel Davids and Cornelia de Vos. Marritje married first Andries Pieterse Van Leuven. Manuel died 18 Apr 1758 and is buried in Wurtsboro, Sullivan, New York. Manuel is considered to be the first white person buried in Sullivan County.
Andries and Marritje had:
- Christoffel Van Leuven, baptized 6 Oct 1678 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Andries Van Leuven, born in Marbletown, Ulster, New York, baptized 24 Apr 1681 in Kingston, Ulster, New York, married Marytje Cool 6 Dec 1703 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Johannes Van Leuven, baptized 27 Jan 1684 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Cornelia Van Leuven, born in Marbletown, Ulster, New York, baptized 18 Oct 1685 in Kingston, Ulster, New York, married Hermanus Cool 1707 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Johannes Van Leuven, born in Marbletown, Ulster, New York, baptized 12 Aug 1688 in Kingston, Ulster, New York, married 1) Barbara de Wit 25 Mar 1715 in Kingston, Ulster, New York and 2) Hillegond Roosa 22 May 1725 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Helena Van Leuven, baptized 4 Oct 1691 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Manuel Gonzales, Jr., born in Marbletown, Ulster, New York, baptized 16 Nov 1694 in Kingston, Ulster, New York, married Rymerick Quick 25 Sep 1719 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Francisca Gonzales, born in Marbletown, Ulster, New York, baptized 11 Sep 1697 in Kingston, Ulster, New York, married Jacobus Kwik 2 Jun 1718 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Rebecca Gonzales, born in Marbletown, Ulster, New York, baptized 21 Sep 1701 in Kingston, Ulster, New York, married Boudewyn Le-Conty 19 Apr 1722 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Johannes Gonzales, born in Kingston, Ulster, New York, baptized 7 May 1710 in Kingston, Ulster, New York, married Zara Kloet 14 Apr 1728 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Sara Gonzales, baptized 8 Jul 1711 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Helena Gonzales, baptized 25 Oct 1713 in Kingston, Ulster, New York, married Luer Kuykendaal 27 May 1732 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Lea Gonzales, baptized 19 Jan 1718 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Catrina Gonzales, baptized 1 Jul 1722 in Kingston, Ulster, New York, probably died young.
- Catrina Gonzales, baptized 9 Apr 1727 in Kingston, Ulster, New York.
- Jacobus Gonzales, born at Mamakatting, Ulster, New York, baptized 1 Jun 1729 in Kingston, Ulster, New York, married Sara Westbroeck 28 Jan 1753 in Minisink, Orange, New York.
Sources:
- Hoes, Roswell Randall (comp.), Baptismal and Marriage Registers of the Old Dutch Church of Kingston, Ulster County, New York, Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1997 (originally published by De Vinne Press (New York), 1891).
- Brink, Benjamin, "Manuel Gonzales, the Spaniard", Olde Ulster Magazine, June, 1910, Vol. VI, No. 6, pgs. 172-176.
- "Manuel Gonzales and His Nickname", Olde Ulster Magazine, August, 1910, Vol. VI, No. 8, pgs. 238-239, featuring letter by A.J.F. van Laer, Albany, N.Y., June 2, 1910.
- "'Who Was Emmanuel Gonsalus??': Discussion at September Meeting Draws Crowd to Bloomingburgh", The Sullivan County Historical Society Observer, Monticello, NY, Vol. I, November 9, 1964.
- Headstone of Manuel Gonsalus, Wurtsboro, Sullivan, New York.
Manuel Gonzales' Grave
Manuel Gonsalus is Gerstorven De 18 April Anno 1758
(Manuel Gonsalus died 18 April 1758.)
Records of Baptisms of the Reformed Church at Kingston, Ulster, NY.
Page Number Baptism Number Baptism Date Parents Child Witnesses 10 156 1678 Andries Pietersse Christoffel Joris Davidts. 6 Oct. Maertie Davidts Jannetie Loperts. Gerrit Gysbertse. 14 222 1681 Andrys Pietersen Andris Moysys de Pu. 24 April Merytyen Davits Marya Wincoeps. 21 349 1684 Andries Pieterz Johannes Henricus Beekman. 27 Jan. Marretie Davidtz Henric Claasz. Debora Claasz. 24 433 1685 Andries Pieterz Cornelia Henricus Beeckman. 18 Oct. Marretie Davidtz Jannetie Davitz. 32 583 1688 Andries Pieterse Van Leuven Johannes Jacob Rutsen. 12 Aug. Maritje Davidse Maritje Hans. Isaac Davidsen. 36 678 1691 Andries Pietersen Helena Gysbert Crom. 4 Oct. Marie Davidsen Geertje Crom. 43 823 1694 Manuel Gonsalis Manuel Cornelis Cool. 16 Nov. Marritje Davids Jannetje Lamberts. 51 989 1697 Manuel van Salis Duck Franciscus (No witnesses named). 11 Sept. Marritje Christophers Davids 63 1266 1701 Emanuel van Salisduck Rebecca Richard Bradet. 21 Sept. Marritje Davids Wyntje Bradet. 88 1820 1710 Manuel Gonsales Johannes Jan Post. 7 May Rebecca Westfaalen Cornelia Yselstyn. 95 1967 1711 Manuel Van Sale Sara Gosen Van Wagening. 8 July Rebekka Westphaal Marytjen Steenbergen. 104 2172 1713 Manuel Gonsalisdolk Helena (No witnesses named). 25 Oct. Rebekka Westvaal 121 2552 1718 Manuel Consalus-duk Lea Pieter Ploeg. 19 Jan. Rebekka Westvaal Aaltjen Peeling. 142 3018 1722 Manuel Gonsalis-duk Catrina Abraham a Steenbergen. 1 July Rebekka Westvaal Zara a Steenbergen. 168 3595 1727 Manuel Consalus duk Catrina Salomon Freer. 9 April Rebekka Westvaal Klaartjen Westvaal. 181 3889 1729 Manuel Consalis duk Jacobus Jacobus Elvendorff. 1 June Rebekka Westvaal Ariaantje Nieuw kerk. Kingston Marriage Register.
Page 521, Marriage Number 219
1703
6 Dec.
ANDRIES VAN LEUWEN, j. m., born and resid. in Mormeltouwn (Marbletown), and MARYTJE COOL, born at Mormel (Marbletown), and resid. in Mombackes (Mombaccus). Banns published, but dates not given.Page 523, Marriage Number 248
1707
(Date of marriage not given.)
HERMANUS COOL, j. m., born in Marmer (Marbletown), and resid. in Rochester, and CORNELIA VAN LEUVEN, j. d., born in Marmelton (Marbletown), and resid. in Rochester. First publication of Banns, 5 April.Page 529, Marriage Number 321
1715
25 March
JOHANNES VAN LEUVEN, j. m., and BARBARA DE WIT, j. d., both born in Mormel (Marbletown). Banns registered, 6 March.Page 534, Marriage Number 389
1718
2 June
JACOBUS KWIK, j. m., born in N. Jork (New York), and FRANCISCA CONSALUS-DUK, j. d., born in Mormel (Marbletown), and both resid. in Raysester (Rochester). Banns registered, 11 May.Page 536, Marriage Number 414
1719
25 Sept.
MANUEL CONSALIS-DUK, j. m., born and resid. in Mormel (Marbletown), and REYMERIG KWIK, j. d., born in Raysester (Rochester), and resid. in Menissing (Minisink). Banns registered, 6 Sept.Page 541, Marriage Number 473
1722
19 April
BOUDEWYN LE-CONTY, j. m., born in Kingstown, and REBEKKA GON ZALUS-DUK, j. d., born in Mormel, (Marbletown). Banns registered, 1 April.Page 548, Marriage Number 561
1725
22 May
JOHANNES VAN LEUVEN, widower of BARBER DE WIT, and HILLEGOND ROOSA, j. d., both parties born and resid. in Mormel (Marbletown). Banns registered, 2 May.Page 554, Marriage Number 639
1728
14 April
JOHANNES CONSALIS-DUK, j. m., born under the jurisdiction of the Corporation of Kingstown, and ZARA KLOET, j. d., born in Nistigioenen, [2] and now resid. here, under the jurisdiction of Kingstown. Banns registered, 24 March.Page 536, Marriage Number 748
1732
27 May
LUER KUYKENDAAL, j. m., born in Menissing (Minisink), and LENA CONSALIS-DUK, j. d., born under the jurisdiction of Kingstown, "and each resid. in the aforenamed place." Banns registered, 30 April.Source: Hoes, Roswell Randall (comp.), Baptismal and Marriage Registers of the Old Dutch Church of Kingston, Ulster County, New York, Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1997 (originally published by De Vinne Press (New York), 1891).
Marriage Record-1737-97 (Machackemeck)
Page 269
1752-December 31. Jacobus Gunsales, young man, born at Mammekatting and dwelling there, to Sara Westbroeck, young woman, born at Namenack, and dwelling there, married the 28th of January, 1753.Source: Minisink Valley Reformed Dutch Church Records, 1716-1830, facsimile reprint by Heritage Books, Bowie, MD, 1992.
Manuel Gonzales, the Spaniard
(from Olde Ulster Magazine, June, 1910, Vol. VI, No. 6, pgs. 172-176)This magazine has frequently spoken of the admixture of white races among the earliest settlers of Ulster county. There was not a nation of northern, western, or southwestern Europe that had none of its sons among the people of this country before the year 1700 closed the sixteenth century. Among them was a Spaniard of whom too little is known. He figures so much, so often and so prominently in some of its local history and his name, or that of some one of his descendants, is perpetuated so often as a local name, or a geographical designation that those who would be well informed in the history of the region desire to know much more of this early Spanish settler. Tradition has been active with his story, but tradition is so utterly unreliable that one longs for what can be verified concerning him.
His name first appears upon the records of the old First Dutch Church of Kingston, New York, as a witness to the baptism of Marritje, child of Isaac Davis, November 13, 1692. The other witness was Marritje Davids, who appears two years later as the wife of Gonzales. On the 16th of November, 1694 they had a child baptized in Kingston and named Manuel, after his father. The marriage of this son Manuel to Reymerig Kwik (Quick) is recorded as taking place September 25th, 1719. Manuel, the elder, next appears as the husband of Rebecca Westfalen. May 7th, 1710 they presented their son Johannes for baptism. October 25th, 1713 they appeared with a daughter Helena and July 1st, 1722 with a daughter Catrina.
The younger Manuel and Remerig Kwik, his wife, presented for baptism a son Daniel February 3rd, 1723 and another son, Benjamin, October 25th, 1724.
In the records the name Gonzales does not often appear thus. It is usually "Gonsalis-dolf," "Gonsalus-duk" or "Gons Zalus-duk." Why this appellation? Romance, which seems to be entwining without ceasing it additions to Ulster county history, will have it that Gonzales was a Spanish Puritan nobleman who was compelled to flee to America from religious persecution in his homeland. In proof it shows that in the above records he had his children baptized in a Protestant church and is called "Gonzales the duke." Those who thus build an argument forget that the records upon which they draw for their proof were kept in the language of the Dutch. The Dutch word for duke is not the same word used in English, but "hertog." Besides, in one of these entries he is called "dolf." While the etymology of the word is uncertain it seems that the suffix relates to some personal characteristic of the man to whom it was applied rather than to any rank or privilege to which he may have been entitled.
In the record of the marriage of Manuel Gonzales, the younger, it is stated that he was born in Marbletown. His mother was of the Davis family who were among the earliest settlers of that town. Manuel is usually spoken of as the first white settler of the present county of Sullivan. At least his grave is known and two miles from Wurtsboro, in that county, is a plain bluestone with this inscription "Manuel Gonsalus is Gerstorven De 18 April Anno 1758 (Manuel Gonsalus died 18 April 1758)."
One of the notable spots in the Shawangunk mountains is named Sam's point after Samuel Gonsalus, a celebrated character of the Revolution. Sam was a son of Manuel, the younger. The old mine near Ellenville is called "The Spanish Mine" to this day and is said to be named after Manuel Gonzales.
As to the affix to the name of Manuel Gonsalis, Senior, it is, in all probability, the word "dolf," the preterit of the word for delving or digging. This brings us back to the story "The Spanish Mine." In the article in Olde Ulster for February, 1907 (Vol. III., pages 33-41) the story of "The Old Mine Road" to the Delaware Water Gap was told. A suggestion was thrown out that the Spanish mine might have been so called from Gonsalis. The writer, while in the records in the office of the clerk of Ulster county came across that of a deed of a part of Hussey's Hill, in the present town of Esopus, given March 9th, 1723 to Manuel Gonsalis, Junior, by Manuel Gonsalis, Senior, which is described to be part of the land conveyed to Gonsalis, Senior, by Frederick Hussey. This mountain, known as Hussey's Hill, has been a favorite from early days with prospectors for precious metals and it may have been exploited by Gonsalis in the earliest days of the settlement.
Searching farther it was found that Colonel Jacob Rutsen conveyed to Manuel Gonsalis, Junior, "of Hussey's Hill," for a consideration of sixty pounds, one hundred and twenty acres of land on the 25th of July, 1727, which land lay one hundred chains west of "the Indian Tatapagh's wigwam." It was far up the valley of the Rondout and must have been in the vicinity of the spot near Wurtsboro spoken of above. The special feature that demands notice in the deed is a right to the minerals on the tract conveyed. One seems to be driven to the conclusion that both of these members of the family were prospectors and miners. If so, the suggestion that the affix to the name of Gonzalis is "dolf" explains the matter.
This magazine has spoken of the attempts to mine lead during the Revolution in the Shawangunks (Olde Ulster, Vol VI., pages 79-81). Samuel Gonsalis seems to have been one of the men always confident that mineral treasures could be found in this range of mountains. He acquired many acres of this mountain land, among which was the massive boulder lying on the eastern brow of the mountain, known to this as "Sam's Point," which is our illustration for this issue. A majestic view is stretched outto the visitor over the valley of the Wallkill and over the Hudson. Tradition has much to say of the Indian fights and feats of strength of him for whom the rock is named. With these this magazine has nothing to do.
"Tatapagh's wigwam" was one of the features of "The Old Mine Road" from the Esopus to the Delaware in olden days. In the deed to Colonel Jacob Rutsen of 1713 he is called "Tautapagh, a medicine man." It was a great stopping place for those who had occasion to journey between Kingston and the Delaware Water Gap. It was near Mamakating (Wurtsboro), Sullivan county, and upon the property thus acquired by Manuel Gonsalis, the second, that he built a tavern which became the noted hostelry along the road.
Manuel Gonzales and His Nickname
(from Olde Ulster Magazine, August, 1910, Vol. VI, No. 8, pgs. 238-239)The following letter explains itself. The article appeared upon pages 172-176 of the June, 1910 number of Olde Ulster. The suggestion regarding the suffix to the name of Manuel Gonzales was given for what it was worth. The editor of this magazine has no theories. He threw out the suggestion that it might ascertain the truth in the matter. He would say in this connection that the second edition of the "Nederlandsch-Engelsch Woordenboek (1892)" of Calisch thus defines delven: "v.a. irr. (pret. Dolf, p.p. gedolven), to dig, delve, hollow." The editor of Olde Ulster does not pretend to be a Dutch scholar and know little of Dutch usage in such matters and appreciates being set right. The editor thus gives his readers the benefit of the letter of Mr. Van Laer:
New York State Education Department Manuscripts Section
New York State Library A.J.F. van Laer
James I. Wyer, Jr., Director ArchivistAlbany, N.Y., June 2, 1910.
My dear Mr. Brink:
Having just read your interesting article about Manuel Gonzales, the Spaniard, in the June number of "Olde Ulster," I feel impelled to say that I can not agree with you as to the probable meaning of the nickname of "dolf" or "duk," used after the name of the elder Manuel Gonzales. To assume that "dolf" may be the preterit of the verb "delven," seems to me entirely contrary to the Dutch usage in forming nicknames, which, in all instances that I can recall, are composed of a noun, or an adjective, or a combination of the two, but not of a verbal tense. As a matter of fact, the name appears in the printed Kingston Church Records, as Manuel Gonsalis dolk, not dolf. "Dolk," as you know, means poniard, a familiar weapon of the Spaniards, and it seems to me much more likely therefore that this Spaniard was in the habit of carrying a poniard and so received his nickname. "Duk" may be a careless reading of the same word, the o and l having been imperfect and together been mistaken for u.
Offering this suggestion for what it is worth, I am,
Very truly yours
A.J.F. van Laer.
Excerpts from 'Who Was Emmanuel Gonsalus??'
(from The Sullivan County Historical Society Observer, Monticello, NY, Vol. I, November 9, 1964)A large crowd of interested persons attended the regular September meeting at the Bloomingburgh Grange Hall, to hear Ulster County Historian Kenneth E. Hasbrouck speak on the peregrinations of Emmanuel Gonsalus, whose grave at Wurtsboro is the oldest non-Indian interment in Sullivan county. While no hard and fast answers were supplied, much food for thought was thoroughly digested by the audience...
...Mr. Hasbrouck traced the movements of Emmanuel Gonsalus from Schenectady, to Kingston, to Dutchess county and thence to Sullivan county. Very little is known of the man himself, particularly his antecedents. Clues and hints show that he, Gonsalus, might have been Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Jewish, or even a Moor. His progeny seemed to have married into the line of most of the old families in Sullivan and Ulster counties.
Records do show that a son of this early colonist, Emmanuel, Junior, did settle in the Wurtsboro region in the middle of the eighteen century. In his ninety-second year, the elder Gonsalus left his home in Dutchess county and came to visit his son in what is now Sullivan county. Here he died and here he is buried. While the grave of the patriarch of the Gonsalus' is clearly marked, the site of the grave of his son and namesake is as unknown as the burial on Mt. Nebo...
Footnotes
[1] Manuel is found in records with Duk (Duck, Dolk) at the end of his name. One suggestion is that he was of the Spanish nobility, forced to flee because of his Protestant faith (thus "duke"). This is not widely accepted since the Dutch community he lived in would have used the Dutch word for duke-"herzog". Other suggestions are that the suffix refers to his possible occupation as a miner or to a weapon he may have carried. These theories are covered by articles in the Olde Ulster Magazine. A more recent suggestion is that, if he is Spanish, the suffix may be his mother's maiden name or a variation on it. This is based on the Spanish naming tradition of using the father's last name and mother's maiden name that is still used today.
[2] Note from R. R. Hoes: "Also called Canastagione, now Niskayuna."