The Starr Family of America

[Hahn-Powell-Ford.FTW]

GERRET VANSWERINGEN was born in 1636, in Reensterdwan (or Beemsterdam),Holland. When he was about twenty years old, the Dutch West India Company"sold out its interest to the city of Amsterdam" and the Dutch governmentappointed Gerret "supercargo" on the "Prince Maurice" which was to go toNew Amstel, DE (first called Fort Casimir, now New Castle) in support ofthe Dutch colonists there. The ship sailed on 25 December 1656 but wasseverely damaged by storms near the end of the journey. The 180passengers went ashore at Long Island on 8 March 1657. The ship called"Beaver" was sent from New York and on 25 April 1657 the passengers"tooke possession of the Fort now called Newcastle and the soldiers ofthe West India Company quitted the same." (Proceedings of the Council ofMaryland, 1684-89).
Gerret married at New Amstel ca 1659, Barbarah de Barrette. Barbarah wasborn in Vallenciennes, France. Shortly after their marriage, Gerretreturned to Holland where he served as one of the "Counsell and ComissaryGenerall for the Citty of Amsterdam," his purpose being "to remonstratethe condition of the said Colony and to encourage the Citty of Amsterdamto goe on with their designe...". Gerret remained in Amsterdam for a yearto try to persuade the Dutch government not to give up entirely on theDelaware colony. He set sail to New Amstel on 24 November 1661 on theship "the Purmerland Church".

After returning to New Amstel, Gerret was a merchant, served as clerk,and later served as sheriff. In October 1664, the citizens were finallyforced to submit to the English. Gerret was allowed to continue inoffice, but about two years later he and his family relocated to a 200acre plantation in Talbot County, MD. He sold this property on 13February 1667 and acquired 100 acres "lying on the East side ofwickliffes creeke in St Georges river" in St Mary's Co (Proceedings ofthe Provincial Court of Maryland 1666-1670). He was one of six aldermanin the first charter incorporating the city of St. Mary's in 1667 andagain in 1671.

Gerret's loyalties had been with the Dutch during the struggle with theEnglish for possession of the Delaware colony. However, after defeat ofthe Dutch, it was ruled that land could be owned only by British subjectsand it became necessary for Gerret to break his allegiance with Holland.On 8 May 1669, Gerret became a naturalized subject of the King ofEngland, along with his wife Barbarah, and his children Elizabeth andZacharias.

In 1670, Barbarah de Barrette died at St Mary's. Six years later Gerretmarried Mary Smith, then about sixteen years old.

Gerret's first home at St Mary's was probably "Smiths Ordinary" where hehad established an inn. About 1670 he purchased the lease to the"ordinary", continuing there as innkeeper until about 1676. He leased theinn out and tried to set up a brewing house. Before the brewery wascompleted, the inn burned and he was forced to give up the endeavor.Perhaps this was when he built the small dwelling on the Aldermanbury Stlot . In the meantime, the State House or Council Chambers building hadbeen vacated, having been replaced in 1676 by the brick building. Gerretestablished another inn here, providing lodging and entertainment tovisiting government officials until his death. In addition to being aninnkeeper, he served in St Mary's as one of the first six aldermen(appointed in 1668) and as sheriff from 1686 to 1688.

Gerret Vansweringen died at St Mary's in 1698 and he was buried withCatholic rites in accordance with his will. Mary Smith died in 1713.

Source: http://home.neo.lrun.com/thorn/swearingen/

Garrett Van SWEARINGEN was born in Holland near Amsterdam 04 February1636.
We learn a great deal about this line from the work of Helen G. OldhamPh.D., Chris H. Bailey, and Lola Thoroughman Van Sweringen. The works ofall three are found in the LDS Family History Center in Salt Lake City,Utah.

Garrett came to New Amstel (now New Castle, Delaware) in 1657 as officerin charge of the ship and goods for the Dutch West Indian Company of theCity of Amsterdam. He was 21 years old at this time. Once arriving inAmerica he wished to settle here and requested and was granted adischarge from the company. In 1659 Garrett married Barbara de BARRETTE.(See de BARRETTE Line ) In 1661 he was appointed Special Commissioner toHolland he and his family spent a year back in Holland.

In 1664 the British captured New Amstel and confiscated the property ofDutch Settlers. At that time Garrett moved his family to Saint Mary’sCity in Maryland. He was soon one of the prominent men of the city. Hewas one of six aldermen in the first charter incorporating the city in1667 and again in 1671 when it was re-written. He was Mayor in 1675 andHigh Sheriff from 1686-1688. He was excluded from public after the“Protestant Revolution” in 1689 as he was Catholic. In addition to hiscivic responsibilities he was involved in a number of business venturesand acquired a sizable estate.

Garrett’s first wife Barbara, died when their second son, Thomas, was ayoung child. Some years later Garrett married Mary SMITH who bore him twosons and five daughters. In all Garrett had at least ten children ofwhich we are aware: P. Thomas, Zachariah, Joseph, Charles, Elizabeth,Mary, Eleanor, Theresa, Dorothy, and Ann.

Garrett died in 1698 in Saint Mary’s City, Maryland. It has been writtenof him, "He died at age sixty-two, after as varied an experience asseldom falls to the lot of man."
Source: http://members.aol.com/LookBack/SwearingenLine.html