Notes for MATTHYS GERRITSZEN VAN VELSEN:
Son of Gerritt Thyszen and Harmentjie (Harmonus) Van Velsen.
Born: Abt. June 24, 1665 in New York City, New York.
Baptism: June 24, 1665 in New York City, New York.
Died: After 1738 in Unknown.
Married: (1) Unknown Wife About 1688 in Unknown.
Matthys, "son of Gerrit" appears to be the first generation of family members born in the New World. Matthys was born right after the Dutch had lost political control over New York, recently renamed after the surrender of Fort Amsterdam by Director General Pieter Stuyvesant on September 8, 1664. Fort Orange capitulated on September 24, 1664. On August 7, 1673,m the Dutch temporarily reclaimed their land by attacking Fort James (the name the British had given Fort Amsterdam). With the fall of the fort, the Dutch had retaken New York. They then took control of Albany and New Jersey, changing the name of the area to New Orange in honor of William of Orange. However, their gains were only temporary. References Notes exist on Matthys Gerritszen Van Velsen from the 1701 Bellman of City, New York City Minutes of Council.