"The Huguenots, being desirous of forming a settlement of their own, were indebted to some extent to the acquaintanceship of Abraham Hasbrouck with Edmund Andros who was Colonial Governor at this time, having been appointed to that office when the colony of New York passed from the Dutch to the English in 1665.
"These French settlers longed for a settlement of their own where they could speak their own language, worship in their own church, and be in a community where they could govern themselves according to their own choice. The traffic with the Indians in furs was becoming less profitable. It was becoming more and more necessary to follow the occupation of cultivating the soil. The fertile lowlands of the Wallkill had undoubtedly been in the mind of Louis Du Bois as an ideal place to establish the French community. The mountains and forests lining the valley most certainly must have reminded the Huguenots of their native county in French Flanders, and the Meuse Valley through which they escaped to the Paltz.
The formation of the New Platz Paten was made prior to the Revolutionary war. New Paltz was unique at its very inception. Five years before William Penn's treaty with the Indians, this group of Huguenots first approached the Esopus Indians, the true owners of the land they desired.
The purchase price of sturdy tools, good cloth, even horses,
was hardly a bargain by Dutch or English standards. The contract of sale,
signed by five Esopus chiefs, and the confirmatory deed by 21 Esopus braves,
preceded the royal (patent) grant given under the hand of Governor Edmund
Andros on September 29, 1677. All three documents are now at the
They built the "Redoute" required by the governor as "a place of Retreat and Safeguard upon Occasion," but never, even during the troubled Revolutionary period, was this settlement in danger of Indian attack.
In 1678 then, the twelve
Patentees and their families proceeded to their new home. Upon reaching
their destination on the east bank of the
The people owned the land in common, and by that arrangement the product of their labors went into the common store. For fifty years the heads of the twelve families met in legislative and executive session to administer the affairs of New Paltz. In 1728, owing to the fact that Dutch inhabitants were increasing in number, the twelve men were elected by popular vote of all the property owners in the community. The council was called "DUZINE", meaning twelve. They apparently exercised rather wide powers, so that their enactments had to be ratified by an Act of the Legislature, confirming unto the owners the partition of land made by the "twelve men" dated 1785 and signed by Governor George Clinton. The Duzine continued to function until 1826.
The original 12 Patentees
members are as follows: (Our lineage highlighted in yellow)
1.
Louis De Bois
2.
Jean Hasbrock/Hasbrouck (Son-in-law to
L. Bevier)
3.
Christian Deyo
4. Abraham Hasbrouck (brother of Jean) (Son-in-law to L. Bevier)
5.
Louis Bevier
6. Simon LeFevre (brother to Andre)(son-in-law to C. Dayo, daughter Elisabeth)
7. Andre LeFevre (brother to Simon)
8. Anthony Crispell
9.
Hugo Freer
10. Abraham Du Bois (brother to Isaac sons of Louis) (Son-in-law to L. Bevier)
11. Isaac Du Bois (son of Louis, brother of Abraham)
12.
Pieter Deyo (son of
Christian)
"The papers relating to the Paltz Patent are among the most cherished possessions of the Huguenot Historical Society of New Paltz, New York, Inc They are written in Dutch and present a unique example of fair dealing between red men and white. LeFevre's History gives the translation as follows:
'By approbation of his Excellency Governor Edmond Andros, dated 28 April 1677, an agreement is made on this date, the 26th of May, of the year 1677, for the purchase of certain lands, between the parties herein named and the undersigned Esopus Indians.
'Matsaysay, Nekahakaway, Magakahas, Assinnerakan, Wawawanis, acknowledge to have sold to Lowies du Booys and his partners the land described as follows: Beginning from the high hills at a place named Moggonck, from thence south-east toward the river to a point named Juffrous Hoock (Juffrons Hook), lying in the Long Reach, named by the Indians Magaatramis (Great River), then north up along the river to the island called by the Indians Raphoes (Rappoos, on the Kroonme Elbow), then west toward the high hills to a place called Waratahaes and Tawaentaqui, along the high hills south-west to Moggonck, being described by the four corners with everything included within these boundaries, hills, dales, waters, etc., and a right of way to the Ronduyt kill (Rondout Kill - New Paltz) as directly as it can be found, and also that the Indians shall have the same right to hunt and to fish as the Christians, for which land the Indians have agreed to accept the articles here specified:
'40 kettles, 10 large, 30 small; 40 axes, 40 adzes; 40 shirts, 400 fathoms of white net-work; 300 fathoms of black net-work; 60 pairs of stockings, half small sizes; 100 bars of lead; 1 keg of powder; 100 knives; 4 kegs of wine; 40 oars; 40 pieces of duffel (heavy woolen cloth); 60 blankets; 100 needles; 100 awls; 1 measure of tobacco; 2 horses - 1 stallion, 1 mare.
'Parties on both sides acknowledge to be fully satisfied herewith and have affixed their own signatures ad ut supra.
'I do allow of the within Bargaine and shall Grant patents for y Same when payments made accordingly before mee or Magistrates of Esopus.
Andross,'
"This contract of sale, signed by the five chiefs of the Esopus and the twelve patentees of New Paltz, was followed on 15 September 1677 by a deed signed by 29 heads of families of the Esopus (including two women), and is translated as follows:
'We the undersigned persons, former owners of the land sold to Lowies du Booys and his partners acknowledge to have been fully satisfied by them according to agreement we therefore transfer the designated land with a free right of way for them and their heirs, and relinquishing forever our right and title, will protect them against further claims, in token whereof we have affixed our signatures in the presence of the Justice, Sheriff, Magistrates and Bystanders, on the 15 September 1677 at Hurley, Esopus Sackmakers
'Witnesses: Sewakuny x his mark; Hamerwack x his mark; Manvest x her mark; Mahente; Papoehkies x his mark; Pochquqet x his mark; Haroman x his mark; Pagotamin x his mark; Haromini x his mark; Wingatiek x his mark; Wissinahkan x his mark; Mattawessick x his mark; Matsayay x his mark; Asserwvaka x his mark; Umtronok x his mark; Wawanies x sister in his absence called Warawenhtow; Magakhoos x her mark; Wawejask x his mark; Nawas x his mark; Tomaehkapray x his mark; Sagarowanto x his mark; Sawanawams x his mark; Machkamoeke x his mark.
'Witnesses: Jan Eltinge; Roelof Hendrycke; John Ward; Gars x Harris; Albert Jansen.
'Testis: Thomas Chambers; Hall Sherrife; Wessel Ten Broeck; Dirck Schepmoes; Hendrik Jochemsen; Joost de Yadus; Garit x Cornelise; Lambert x Huybertse.
'Mattay has publicly proclaimed and acknowledged in the presence of all the Indian bystanders that the land had been fully paid for in which all concurred.
'Testis:
"The grant by Gov. Edmund Andros confirming this purchase of land from the Indians is in English as follows:
'KNOW YEE that by vertue of his Ma'ties Letters Patents and the Commission and authority unto mee given by his Royall Highness, I have given, Ratifyed, confirmed and granted, and by these presents doe hereby give, ratify, confirme & grant unto the said Lewis Du Bois and Partners, Thatt is to say, Christian Doyo, Abraham Haesbroecq, Andries Lefevre, Jean Broecq, Pierre Doyo, Laurens Biverie, Anthony Crespell, Abraham Du Bois , Hugo Frere, Isaack Du Bois , and Symeon LeFebre, their heyres and Assignes, the afore recited piece of Land and premises; Together with all the Lands, Soyles, Woods, Hills, Dales, meadowes, pastures, Marshes, Lakes, waters, Rivers, fishing, Hawking, Hunting and fowling, and all other Profitts, Commoditys, and Emoluments whatsoever to the said piece of land and premises belonging, with their & every of their appurtenances, & of every part and parcell thereof; TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said piece of Land and Premises, with all and Singular the appurtenances unto the said Lewis Du Bois and partners their heyres and Assignes, to the proper use and behoofe of him the said Lewis Du Bois and partners their heyres and Assignes for ever. AND that the plantacons which shall bee settled upon the said piece of land bee a Township and that the Inhabitants to have liberty to make a High Way between them and the Redout Creeke or Kill for their Convenience. Hee, the said Lewis Du Bois and partners their heyres and Assigns, Returning due Surveys & makeing improvem't thereon according to Law; And Yielding and paying therefore yearely and every yeare unto his Royall Highnesse use as an acknowledgment or Quitt Rent att the Redout in Esopus five bushells of good Winter Wheat unto such Officer or Officers as shall be empowered to receive the same:
'Given under my hand and Sealed with y Seale of the Province in New Yorke this 29th day of September in the 29th yeare of his Ma'ties Reigne, Anno Domini 1677.
Andross.
'Examined by mee, Matthias: Nicolls, Secr.'
"Some land transfers in
�
"6 February 1688: Lewis Du Bois �to Anthony Dilba, a house and lot in
� "16 March 1689: Joachim Van Name to Louis Du Bois , a certain fly (meadow) being upon the Great Binnewater.
� "8 August 1689: Trustees of the Corporation of Kingston to Louis Du Bois , a tract upon the Great Binnewater, north of Town.
� "20 May 1691: Matthys Matthysen to Louis Du Bois , a house and lot adjoining the land of the said Du Bois.
� "5 November 1698: Trustees of the Corporation of Kingston to heirs of Louis Du Bois , Twenty acres formerly owned by John Hendrickse."
Louis died at
The Ulster County Genealogy Archive included a brief biography which stated:
"There is a memorial to Louis in the Dutch Reformed Churchyard, right
across from the Post Office. His actual burial place is unknown, but it is
somewhere on the Churchyards grounds."
The �Huguenots� were French Protestants most of whom eventually came to follow the teachings of John Calvin, and who, due to religious persecution, were forced to flee France to other countries in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Some remained, practicing their Faith in secret.
The Protestant Reformation began by Martin Luther in Germany about 1517, spread rapidly in
France, especially among those having grievances against the established order of
government. As Protestantism grew and developed in France it generally abandoned the
Lutheran form, and took the shape of Calvinism. The new "Reformed
religion" practiced by many members of the French nobility and social
middle-class, based on a belief in salvation through individual faith without
the need for the intercession of a church hierarchy and on the belief in an
individual's right to interpret scriptures for themselves, placed these French
Protestants in direct theological conflict with both the Catholic Church and
the King of France in the theocratic system which prevailed at that time.
Followers of this new Protestantism were soon accused of heresy against the
Catholic government and the established religion of
The Edict of Nantes, signed by Henry IV in April, 1598,
ended the Wars of Religion, and allowed the Huguenots some religious freedoms,
including free exercise of their religion in 20 specified towns of
Half a million of subjects of the French king left their native country and fled to foreign lands. Borne on this wave of immigration and prizing liberty of conscience above everything else, the brave-hearted men, who afterward settled New Paltz, fled across the frontier, and found an asylum in that part of Germany known as the Palatinate or Paltz, the name being borne now only by a castle on the Rhine. Here they could not long remain in peace, for the armies of their cruel monarch, in the wars which he almost constantly carried on with other European powers, repeatedly invaded and ravaged the Palatinate. In 1664 an army under Turenne, one of his generals, desolated that province without mercy, and it may be at this time some of our forefathers resolved to cross the Atlantic and escape from their merciless foes.
At this time the Huguenots were flying to different portions of the New World, as well as Europe, for protection. As early as 1625 several families settled in New York, then in possession of the Dutch, and were the first permanent settlers. Others were to be found in Virginia, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and especially in South Carolina, where a large portion of the most honored names are of Huguenot origin. Scattered like leaves by the autumn blast, they were tossed hither and thither, and it is probable that by 1663 a score or more had found their way to Kingston; called Esopus by the Dutch, then a flourishing village.
We know that Louis DuBois, who was one of the first New Paltz immigrants, had been there two or three years at least before that time. In 1663 Kingston was burned by the Indians, and the wife and three children of Louis DuBois, the Walloon, as he was called, were among those carried away captive.
Click here for the detail story of the Indian attack and rescue of the families taken
This Louis DuBois, who became the leader of the settlement at New Paltz, was usually called Louis, the Walloon, the Walloons being the residents of that part of Flanders lying between the Scheldt and Lys. He was born in the hamlet of Wicres, near Lille, in the province of Artois, in French Flanders, October 27, 1626, and was the son of Chretien DuBois, whose farm is still pointed out. Louis moved to Manheim, on the Rhine, the capital of the Palatinate, or Paltz; a little principality now incorporated in Baden. There Louis married Catharine Blan�on/Blanchan, the daughter of a burgher residing there, named Matthew Blan�on/Blanchan who was also a native of Artois. Manheim was, at that time, a refuge for the Protestants from the neighboring parts of France, and Baird, in his Huguenot Emigration, says: "The Le-Fevers, Hasbroucks, Crispells, etc., were associated with Louis DuBois at Manheim."
* There is no uniformity in the early records in the spelling of French surnames and therefore none is attempted in this book.
Anthony Crispell was the first of the New Paltz patentees to come to America. He came in company with his father-in-law, Matthew Blanchan,* on the Gilded Otter, arriving at New York in June, 1660. Governor Stuyvesant gave Blanchan a letter to Sergeant Romp, in Esopus, whither they at once proceeded.
Louis DuBois, who was also a son-in-law of Blanchan, came over on the ship �St. Jan Baptist�, which landed August 6, 1661. Blanchan had sojourned in England before crossing the ocean and probably his two sons-in-law, likewise. Blanchan, DuBois and Crispell all got land at Hurley. In 1661 Louis DuBois' third son, Jacob, was presented for baptism at the church at Kingston, as still shown by the church register, that being one of the earliest entries.
The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes by Louis XIV in
October, 1685, began anew persecution of the Huguenots, and hundreds of
thousands of Huguenots fled
Since the Huguenots of France were in large part artisans,
craftsmen, and professional people, they were usually well-received in the
countries to which they fled for refuge when religious discrimination or overt
persecution caused them to leave
These 12 Patentees settled in the
"The Huguenots, being desirous of forming a settlement of their own, were indebted to some extent to the acquaintanceship of Abraham Hasbrouck with Edmund Andros who was Colonial Governor at this time, having been appointed to that office when the colony of New York passed from the Dutch to the English in 1665.
"These French settlers longed for a settlement of their own where they could speak their own language, worship in their own church, and be in a community where they could govern themselves according to their own choice. The traffic with the Indians in furs was becoming less profitable. It was becoming more and more necessary to follow the occupation of cultivating the soil. The fertile lowlands of the Wallkill had undoubtedly been in the mind of Louis Du Bois as an ideal place to establish the French community. The mountains and forests lining the valley most certainly must have reminded the Huguenots of their native county in French Flanders, and the Meuse Valley through which they escaped to the Paltz.
The formation of the New Platz Paten was made prior to the Revolutionary war. New Paltz was unique at its very inception. Five years before William Penn's treaty with the Indians, this group of Huguenots first approached the Esopus Indians, the true owners of the land they desired.
The purchase price of sturdy tools, good cloth, even horses,
was hardly a bargain by Dutch or English standards. The contract of sale,
signed by five Esopus chiefs, and the confirmatory deed by 21 Esopus braves,
preceded the royal (patent) grant given under the hand of Governor Edmund
Andros on September 29, 1677. All three documents are now at the
They built the "Redoute" required by the governor as "a place of Retreat and Safeguard upon Occasion," but never, even during the troubled Revolutionary period, was this settlement in danger of Indian attack.
In 1678 then, the twelve
Patentees and their families proceeded to their new home. Upon reaching
their destination on the east bank of the
The people owned the land in common, and by that arrangement the product of their labors went into the common store. For fifty years the heads of the twelve families met in legislative and executive session to administer the affairs of New Paltz. In 1728, owing to the fact that Dutch inhabitants were increasing in number, the twelve men were elected by popular vote of all the property owners in the community. The council was called "DUZINE", meaning twelve. They apparently exercised rather wide powers, so that their enactments had to be ratified by an Act of the Legislature, confirming unto the owners the partition of land made by the "twelve men" dated 1785 and signed by Governor George Clinton. The Duzine continued to function until 1826.
The original 12 Patentees
members are as follows: (Our lineage highlighted in yellow)
1.
Louis De Bois
2.
Jean Hasbrock/Hasbrouck (Son-in-law to
L. Bevier)
3.
Christian Deyo
4. Abraham Hasbrouck (brother of Jean) (Son-in-law to L. Bevier)
5.
Louis Bevier
6. Simon LeFevre (brother to Andre)(son-in-law to C. Dayo, daughter Elisabeth)
7. Andre LeFevre (brother to Simon)
8. Anthony Crispell
9.
Hugo Freer
10. Abraham Du Bois (brother to Isaac sons of Louis) (Son-in-law to L. Bevier)
11. Isaac Du Bois (son of Louis, brother of Abraham)
12.
Pieter Deyo (son of
Christian)
"The papers relating to the Paltz Patent are among the most cherished possessions of the Huguenot Historical Society of New Paltz, New York, Inc They are written in Dutch and present a unique example of fair dealing between red men and white. LeFevre's History gives the translation as follows:
'By approbation of his Excellency Governor Edmond Andros, dated 28 April 1677, an agreement is made on this date, the 26th of May, of the year 1677, for the purchase of certain lands, between the parties herein named and the undersigned Esopus Indians.
'Matsaysay, Nekahakaway, Magakahas, Assinnerakan, Wawawanis, acknowledge to have sold to Lowies du Booys and his partners the land described as follows: Beginning from the high hills at a place named Moggonck, from thence south-east toward the river to a point named Juffrous Hoock (Juffrons Hook), lying in the Long Reach, named by the Indians Magaatramis (Great River), then north up along the river to the island called by the Indians Raphoes (Rappoos, on the Kroonme Elbow), then west toward the high hills to a place called Waratahaes and Tawaentaqui, along the high hills south-west to Moggonck, being described by the four corners with everything included within these boundaries, hills, dales, waters, etc., and a right of way to the Ronduyt kill (Rondout Kill - New Paltz) as directly as it can be found, and also that the Indians shall have the same right to hunt and to fish as the Christians, for which land the Indians have agreed to accept the articles here specified:
'40 kettles, 10 large, 30 small; 40 axes, 40 adzes; 40 shirts, 400 fathoms of white net-work; 300 fathoms of black net-work; 60 pairs of stockings, half small sizes; 100 bars of lead; 1 keg of powder; 100 knives; 4 kegs of wine; 40 oars; 40 pieces of duffel (heavy woolen cloth); 60 blankets; 100 needles; 100 awls; 1 measure of tobacco; 2 horses - 1 stallion, 1 mare.
'Parties on both sides acknowledge to be fully satisfied herewith and have affixed their own signatures ad ut supra.
'I do allow of the within Bargaine and shall Grant patents for y Same when payments made accordingly before mee or Magistrates of Esopus.
Andross,'
"This contract of sale, signed by the five chiefs of the Esopus and the twelve patentees of New Paltz, was followed on 15 September 1677 by a deed signed by 29 heads of families of the Esopus (including two women), and is translated as follows:
'We the undersigned persons, former owners of the land sold to Lowies du Booys and his partners acknowledge to have been fully satisfied by them according to agreement we therefore transfer the designated land with a free right of way for them and their heirs, and relinquishing forever our right and title, will protect them against further claims, in token whereof we have affixed our signatures in the presence of the Justice, Sheriff, Magistrates and Bystanders, on the 15 September 1677 at Hurley, Esopus Sackmakers
'Witnesses: Sewakuny x his mark; Hamerwack x his mark; Manvest x her mark; Mahente; Papoehkies x his mark; Pochquqet x his mark; Haroman x his mark; Pagotamin x his mark; Haromini x his mark; Wingatiek x his mark; Wissinahkan x his mark; Mattawessick x his mark; Matsayay x his mark; Asserwvaka x his mark; Umtronok x his mark; Wawanies x sister in his absence called Warawenhtow; Magakhoos x her mark; Wawejask x his mark; Nawas x his mark; Tomaehkapray x his mark; Sagarowanto x his mark; Sawanawams x his mark; Machkamoeke x his mark.
'Witnesses: Jan Eltinge; Roelof Hendrycke; John Ward; Gars x Harris; Albert Jansen.
'Testis: Thomas Chambers; Hall Sherrife; Wessel Ten Broeck; Dirck Schepmoes; Hendrik Jochemsen; Joost de Yadus; Garit x Cornelise; Lambert x Huybertse.
'Mattay has publicly proclaimed and acknowledged in the presence of all the Indian bystanders that the land had been fully paid for in which all concurred.
'Testis:
"The grant by Gov. Edmund Andros confirming this purchase of land from the Indians is in English as follows:
'KNOW YEE that by vertue of his Ma'ties Letters Patents and the Commission and authority unto mee given by his Royall Highness, I have given, Ratifyed, confirmed and granted, and by these presents doe hereby give, ratify, confirme & grant unto the said Lewis Du Bois and Partners, Thatt is to say, Christian Doyo, Abraham Haesbroecq, Andries Lefevre, Jean Broecq, Pierre Doyo, Laurens Biverie, Anthony Crespell, Abraham Du Bois , Hugo Frere, Isaack Du Bois , and Symeon LeFebre, their heyres and Assignes, the afore recited piece of Land and premises; Together with all the Lands, Soyles, Woods, Hills, Dales, meadowes, pastures, Marshes, Lakes, waters, Rivers, fishing, Hawking, Hunting and fowling, and all other Profitts, Commoditys, and Emoluments whatsoever to the said piece of land and premises belonging, with their & every of their appurtenances, & of every part and parcell thereof; TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said piece of Land and Premises, with all and Singular the appurtenances unto the said Lewis Du Bois and partners their heyres and Assignes, to the proper use and behoofe of him the said Lewis Du Bois and partners their heyres and Assignes for ever. AND that the plantacons which shall bee settled upon the said piece of land bee a Township and that the Inhabitants to have liberty to make a High Way between them and the Redout Creeke or Kill for their Convenience. Hee, the said Lewis Du Bois and partners their heyres and Assigns, Returning due Surveys & makeing improvem't thereon according to Law; And Yielding and paying therefore yearely and every yeare unto his Royall Highnesse use as an acknowledgment or Quitt Rent att the Redout in Esopus five bushells of good Winter Wheat unto such Officer or Officers as shall be empowered to receive the same:
'Given under my hand and Sealed with y Seale of the Province in New Yorke this 29th day of September in the 29th yeare of his Ma'ties Reigne, Anno Domini 1677.
Andross.
'Examined by mee, Matthias: Nicolls, Secr.'
"Some land transfers in
"6 February 1688: Lewis Du Bois to Anthony Dilba, a house and lot in
"16 March 1689: Joachim Van Name to Louis Du Bois , a certain fly (meadow) being upon the Great Binnewater.
"8 August 1689: Trustees of the Corporation of Kingston to Louis Du Bois , a tract upon the Great Binnewater, north of Town.
"20 May 1691: Matthys Matthysen to Louis Du Bois , a house and lot adjoining the land of the said Du Bois.
"5 November 1698: Trustees of the Corporation of Kingston to heirs of Louis Du Bois , Twenty acres formerly owned by John Hendrickse."
Louis died at
The Ulster County Genealogy Archive included a brief biography which stated:
"There is a memorial to Louis in the Dutch Reformed Churchyard, right
across from the Post Office. His actual burial place is unknown, but it is
somewhere on the Churchyards grounds."
The Huguenots were French Protestants most of whom eventually came to follow the teachings of John Calvin, and who, due to religious persecution, were forced to flee France to other countries in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Some remained, practicing their Faith in secret.
The Protestant Reformation began by Martin Luther in Germany about 1517, spread rapidly in
France, especially among those having grievances against the established order of
government. As Protestantism grew and developed in France it generally abandoned the
Lutheran form, and took the shape of Calvinism. The new "Reformed
religion" practiced by many members of the French nobility and social
middle-class, based on a belief in salvation through individual faith without
the need for the intercession of a church hierarchy and on the belief in an
individual's right to interpret scriptures for themselves, placed these French
Protestants in direct theological conflict with both the Catholic Church and
the King of France in the theocratic system which prevailed at that time.
Followers of this new Protestantism were soon accused of heresy against the
Catholic government and the established religion of
The Edict of Nantes, signed by Henry IV in April, 1598,
ended the Wars of Religion, and allowed the Huguenots some religious freedoms,
including free exercise of their religion in 20 specified towns of
Half a million of subjects of the French king left their native country and fled to foreign lands. Borne on this wave of immigration and prizing liberty of conscience above everything else, the brave-hearted men, who afterward settled New Paltz, fled across the frontier, and found an asylum in that part of Germany known as the Palatinate or Paltz, the name being borne now only by a castle on the Rhine. Here they could not long remain in peace, for the armies of their cruel monarch, in the wars which he almost constantly carried on with other European powers, repeatedly invaded and ravaged the Palatinate. In 1664 an army under Turenne, one of his generals, desolated that province without mercy, and it may be at this time some of our forefathers resolved to cross the Atlantic and escape from their merciless foes.
At this time the Huguenots were flying to different portions of the New World, as well as Europe, for protection. As early as 1625 several families settled in New York, then in possession of the Dutch, and were the first permanent settlers. Others were to be found in Virginia, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and especially in South Carolina, where a large portion of the most honored names are of Huguenot origin. Scattered like leaves by the autumn blast, they were tossed hither and thither, and it is probable that by 1663 a score or more had found their way to Kingston; called Esopus by the Dutch, then a flourishing village.
We know that Louis DuBois, who was one of the first New Paltz immigrants, had been there two or three years at least before that time. In 1663 Kingston was burned by the Indians, and the wife and three children of Louis DuBois, the Walloon, as he was called, were among those carried away captive.
Click here for the detail story of the Indian attack and rescue of the families taken
This Louis DuBois, who became the leader of the settlement at New Paltz, was usually called Louis, the Walloon, the Walloons being the residents of that part of Flanders lying between the Scheldt and Lys. He was born in the hamlet of Wicres, near Lille, in the province of Artois, in French Flanders, October 27, 1626, and was the son of Chretien DuBois, whose farm is still pointed out. Louis moved to Manheim, on the Rhine, the capital of the Palatinate, or Paltz; a little principality now incorporated in Baden. There Louis married Catharine Blanchon/Blanchan, the daughter of a burgher residing there, named Matthew Blanchon/Blanchan who was also a native of Artois. Manheim was, at that time, a refuge for the Protestants from the neighboring parts of France, and Baird, in his Huguenot Emigration, says: "The Le-Fevers, Hasbroucks, Crispells, etc., were associated with Louis DuBois at Manheim."
* There is no uniformity in the early records in the spelling of French surnames and therefore none is attempted in this book.
Anthony Crispell was the first of the New Paltz patentees to come to America. He came in company with his father-in-law, Matthew Blanchan,* on the Gilded Otter, arriving at New York in June, 1660. Governor Stuyvesant gave Blanchan a letter to Sergeant Romp, in Esopus, whither they at once proceeded.
Louis DuBois, who was also a son-in-law of Blanchan, came over on the ship ‘St. Jan Baptist’, which landed August 6, 1661. Blanchan had sojourned in England before crossing the ocean and probably his two sons-in-law, likewise. Blanchan, DuBois and Crispell all got land at Hurley. In 1661 Louis DuBois' third son, Jacob, was presented for baptism at the church at Kingston, as still shown by the church register, that being one of the earliest entries.
The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes by Louis XIV in
October, 1685, began anew persecution of the Huguenots, and hundreds of
thousands of Huguenots fled
Since the Huguenots of France were in large part artisans,
craftsmen, and professional people, they were usually well-received in the
countries to which they fled for refuge when religious discrimination or overt
persecution caused them to leave
These 12 Patentees settled in the