In the quaint village of Gelderland Province, Meteren (Métere) lay nestled within the Dutch lowlands during the middle ages. There stood an imposing castle that housed the respected Lord Jan Joosten Van Meteren. Jan was a man of wisdom, known for his fair judgments and benevolent rule over the people of his land. As a devout Dutch Protestant, his lordship was deeply rooted in the religious fervor that marked the 17th century.
The year was 1662, a time when the winds of change whispered across the Netherlands, fueled by the spirit of exploration and colonization. The Dutch East India Company had established trade routes to the farthest corners of the globe, bringing tales of distant lands and untold riches. Lord Jan Joosten intrigued by the allure of the New World, felt a calling to venture beyond the familiar territories of the Netherlands.
As Jan Joosten prepared for the journey, he recognized the importance of bringing with him not only his family but also the skilled members of his household. Among them were the village baker, a seasoned blacksmith, diligent laborers and trusted servants who had been part of the Van Meteren estate for generations.
The decision to include these essential members of his household was strategic, as they possessed the expertise needed to establish a new settlement in the foreign land. The baker would ensure a stable food supply, the blacksmith would forge tools necessary for construction and daily life, and the laborers would contribute their skills to the various tasks required to build a thriving community.
With his wife, Lady Maijke Hendricx and their five children, Lord Jan Joosten made the daring decision to leave their ancestral home and embark on a journey to the New Amsterdam colony. The family set sail aboard a sturdy Dutch ship, its sails billowing in the North Sea breeze. As the castle of Huise Van Meteren disappeared on the horizon, the intrepid voyagers carried with them the hopes and dreams of a new beginning.
The Van Meteren family, accompanied by their skilled entourage, set sail on the ship named D’Vos – a vessel sturdy and reliable, crafted for the unpredictable waters of the Atlantic. The name, meaning “The Fox” in Dutch, symbolized both cunning and adaptability, qualities that Jan Joosten VanMeteren hoped would serve them well in the uncharted territories of the New World.
The historical currents of the time played a significant role in their decision. The 17th century was marked by religious conflicts and Dutch Protestants sought freedom from the political and religious constraints imposed upon them. The New World, with its promises of religious tolerance and economic opportunities, became a beacon of hope for those seeking a fresh start.
The journey across the vast ocean was arduous, filled with challenges and uncertainty. Yet, the Van Meterens and their companions weathered the storms and faced the unknown with resilience. As they approached the shores of the New Amsterdam colony, the sight of the burgeoning settlement filled them with a sense of anticipation and hope.
Upon arriving in New Amsterdam, the bustling Dutch settlement that would later become New York City, Jan Joosten Van Meteren and his family were met with both challenges and opportunities. The multicultural tapestry of the colony provided a stark contrast to the familiar landscapes of Gelderland Province. The Van Meterens embraced the diversity, quickly adapting to the New World’s dynamic environment. They yearned to go beyond the breech and ultimately chose to venture into what is currently New York and New Jersey.
Upon their arrival, the skilled members of VanMeteren’s household immediately set to work, utilizing their expertise to contribute to the development of the fledgling community. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air as the village baker worked tirelessly and the rhythmic sounds of the blacksmith’s hammer echoed in the distance.
The presence of Jan Joosten’s skilled household proved invaluable, laying the foundation for a thriving settlement in the New World. The Van Meteren estate expanded, becoming a hub of economic activity and cultural exchange within the growing colony. The family’s presence rooted itself not only in the land, but in the burgeoning new growth of faith’s freedom.
The ship D’Vos, having carried them across the vast expanse of the Atlantic, became a symbol of their journey – a vessel that not only transported them physically but also carried the aspirations and dreams of a Dutch nobleman and his household seeking a new life in the unexplored territories of America. The legacy of Jan Joosten Van Meteren and his companions would live on, woven into the fabric of New Amsterdam’s history as pioneers who brought with them not just ambition, but also the practical skills that laid the groundwork for a flourishing community in the New World.
