Notes for ROELOF JANSEN:
Roelof came over in 1630 with his wife and 3 daughters Sara, Catrina and
Sytie (Fytie) one and all said to have been born in Masterlant, Sweden [
name for island of Marstrand, off the coast of Sweden near Goteborg] He
had a contract to serve Patroon Van Rensselaer as a farm superintendent.
Served for a time on de Laets Bouwerie 1 Jul 1632 was appointed a
scheppen. He carried on his own trade with the Indians. A stream in
Columbia Co. NY still bears the name Roelof Jansen's Kill. He didn't
serve out his full term of service with the Patroon. The names of his
children, wife and himself are listed as deserters. He went to New
Amsterdam where he received a grant of 62 acres of land from Director
General Wouter Van Twiller. This land was on the Hudson River north of
the West India Co.'s bouwerie ( contiguous to it) It would seen that he
was held in esteem by that company. It appears that he (possibly his wife
and family) must have gone to the West India Co's settlements in Brazil.
Sara Roelofs eldest child of Roelof Jansen was baptised 29 Oct 1634 at
Reciff Brazil. It is possible that Roelof Jansen may have died in Reciff.
Source: NY Gen & Biog Record vol 56 p 204