SHERIFFS , WAGONMASTERS & INDIAN CHIEFS

Garrett van Sweringen, son of a Dutch noble family, was appointed to the post of 'super cargo' for the ship 'Prince Maurice' which was ready to sail for America from Texel, Holland on 21 December 1656. The ship was bound for New Amstel, Delaware (first called Fort Casimir) in support of the Dutch colonists there.

Gerret wrote, "The Company being so indebted to the City of Amsterdam as to the setting out of a man of war in reducing the South river (the Delaware) into their possession again they were resolved to make sale of their said title unto the said city. . .In fine, the City of Amsterdam were made Lords and Patrons of that Colony . . . A ship called the Prince Maurice was provided to go to the said Colony, a Governor and Council appointed, and a company of soldiers consisting of about sixty men put aboard, and I myself was made supercargo over the said ship and goods." ,p. The Prince Maurice set sail with the ships "Beer" and "Geldersche Blom".

Jacob Alrichs, First Director of New Amstel, in a letter to the commissioners of the Colony on the Delaware, dated 13 Apr 1657, wrote: "the Prince Maurice was greatly clogged, and it was discovered, also, that neither the skipper, pilot, or any superior officer belonging to the ship, had ever been in New Netherland, or frequented its coast." Also according to Jacob Alrichs, "The three ships, overtaken by bad weather or a storm, were separated from each other; they from ours and we from theirs, We afterward experienced, now and then, divers inconveniences, from the sails, which were blown out of the bolts, from the shot, which rolled out of the carriages, and from the breaking and shipping of the sea, which rushed so heavily and impetuously over the deck as to make a large crack or vent in a certain great beam called the fisher; six or seven of the crew went very near being swept overboard at once by a sea, which, however, happily flowed by. As the ship was a bad sailer, the southern course was chosen." The vessel was severely damaged by storms near the end of the journey and was stranded near Fire Island, near the southern coast of Long Island on 8 March 1657.

The next day, in freezing weather, the 180 passengers and crew got to the barren shore in a frail boat, where they remained for several days without fire. On the 3rd day they saw some Indians, one of whom was sent with word to Stuyvesant, then Governor of New Amsterdam, who came with a sloop and carried them to New Amsterdam. A part of the cargo had been saved before the ship was stoved to pieces, and was put on board another ship, chartered at New Amsterdam.

Jacob Alrichs later wrote, "through the ignorance of the skipper, pilot and other of the ships officers, about eleven o'clock on the night of the 8th of March, after we had sailed that day in 26, 18 and 16 fathoms of water, although the skipper, pursuant to my customary warning, had promised, not an hour before, to take good care and not to spare the lead, and that he should quickly cast anchor and then come into the cabin to report or communicate the matter, yet the men unexpectedly called out eight and nine fathoms. Wishing, thereupon, to tack, and the ship refusing, she immediately struck, and so shoved, which she afterwards continued to do harder and harder, so that we were not a moment certain whether we should leave there alive or perish. After passing through most of the darkness of the night in the greatest anxiety and fear, we found ourselves, at day-break, about a gunshot from the shore, but being driven between the shoals and the strand in such a bad position, and ignorant whether this place was south or north of the Manhattes, it was unanimously resolved, first to save our lives and then to exert every nerve to save as much as we possibly could. Accordingly, on the 9th of March, in severe, bitter and freezing weather, with drifting ice, after great trouble, through dangerous breakers in a very leaky boat, with considerable water in it, we succeeded in reaching the shore on a broken spit or foreland, on which neither bush nor grass grew, nor was any tree or fire-wood to be found. On the third day we, for the first time, saw and spoke some Indians, who informed us that it was the foreland of Long Island, and that the place was called Secoutagh. Meanwhile, the ship getting nearer the shore, we, form time to time, unloaded and saved all the dry articles. Having met and experienced this misfortune, I sent an Indian, with advice thereof, to General Stuyvesant, who immediately sent us a small sloop and came, himself, on the second day after, to us at the above mentioned place, which lies about twenty leagues north of the Manhattes. On the other, or land, side of said place, a small opening or inlet to a river has been discovered, which a small sloop can enter; but most of the goods were brought over land to the other side to be loaded on the river . . .but before they could all be got out the ship stove into a thousand splinters and pieces . . . The other remaining goods are, according to a specification, put on board nine craft, both yachts and schooners, with a perfect account of what goods are shipped in each, to be conveyed to the Manahttes, where, being come, I have been obliged, and have resolved, for the prosecution of the voyage, to hire the ship the Vergulde Bever . . .The ship Bever is now ready to sail with us to the South river. . .

Fort Amsterdam, 13 Apr 1657."

The "Beaver" was sent from New York and on 25 April 1657 the passengers "tooke possession of the Fort now called Newcastle and the soldiers of the West India Company quitted the same." (Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1684-89.)

After the wreck Garret asked to be relieved from Company service, as he "intended to make his living there". Since there was "nothing more for him to do," his request was granted.

Fort Casimire on the Delaware was established by the Dutch in 1651. It was surprised in 1654 by the Swedes and possesion taken, but was regained by the Dutch in 1655 and the name changed to New Amstel. (now New Castle, Delaware). The Dutch held it until 1664, when all New Netherlands fell under British control.

The Swedes, coming from a cold climate, had many skilled wood workers. They brought to America the log cabin. The first settlers in Virginia and Massachusetts had patterned their first houses after the Indians. The log cabin was a vast improvement and this idea was carried westward until it met up with the sod house of the western plains.

At New Castle, Garret van Swearingen was elected sheriff. It was his duty to put erring husbands in the stocks and pillory; also he placed shrewish, nagging wives in the ducking chair. They were splashed in the village pond.

In 1658, Garret van Swearingen was appoined as one of the Councilors and the commissary Feneral of the City of Amsterdam in New Amstel. Garret married Barbara De Barrettes (this surname appears in some of the colonial papers as de Barrelle). Barbarah was born in Vallenciennes, France (naturalization petition) and was probably a sister or daughter of Isaac de Barrette of Haarlem, Holland, who came to America about 1656/7. In the naturalization petition of 1669, Garrett paid court costs for himself, his family, and Isaac de Barrette. Barbarah may also have had a brother, Peter, who was referred to by Garrett in a Talbot Co. Deed Book (15 Sept 1668) as "my trusty and well beloved friend and Brother Petter Debarale to be my True and Lawfull Atturney." She, was from a Norman-French family.

A few letters survive from this era:

"The former magistrate, Abraham van Rynevelt passed away on the 28th of last month. he bequeathed his goods, which he left behind here, by will to Commissary G. van Sweeringen." Also in November of 1659, Garrett was appointed Councillor under Gov. Stuyvesant. Garrett met with Lord Baltimore and others in settlement of the various boundary disputes between Delaware and Maryland, and also when the Dutch accused the Marylanders of enticing settlers to their colony.

"NOBLE, WORSHIPFUL,WISE, RIGHT, PRUDENT SIR:"
"With due respect and reverence, have I hereby taken the liberty to greet you, though bound in duty of gratitude, to devote to you all the days of my life...
I cannot neglect, hereby to communicate my promotion. About a year and a half ago, after my departure from my native country, with your Honors favorable recommendation, I have been appointed Sheriff here subject to the approbation of the Honorables the Principles.

Previously, I have taken care of the store as a clerk. After J. Rynevelt's death, as Commissary, from which I have now requested to be discharged, as I have though unworthy, been recently made Second Councilor, with Sir Alexander Hinojossa, First Councilor and Captain of the Military here who intends to go over in the Spring to represent this miserable place.
If things become worse, I, individually, am ruined, for I have received here, some goods from my brothers, all of which I have laid out in a house, horses and mules which costs me fully four to six thousand guilders, Holland currency.
Besides that, I am also married.....
Herewith I commend your Honor to the mercy and protection of the Most High God and remain,
Your obedient, humble servant,
G. Van Swearingen "

On August 20, 1660, Shortly after their marriage in 1659, Garrett and Barbarah returned to Holland where Garrett served as one of the "Counsell and comissary General for the Citty of Amsterdam," his purpose being "to remonstrate the condition of the said Colony and to encourage the Citty of Amsterdam to go on with their design. . . ". (Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1684-89.)

On August 27, 1661, the City of Amsterdam in Holland was determined to continue the colony at New Amstel in America. Garrett van Swearingen was again appointed as the councilor.

They sailed on November 24, 1661 on the ship "the Purmerland Church." The passenger list, signed by G. V. Sweringen, lists a party of four - "Sr Gerrit van Schweringe", with his "wife, man-servant and maid" and 42 other passengers.

Also, in a letter to Peter Stuyvestant, Director-General of the New Neatherlands from William Beekman, Garret van Swearingen was called 'The Honorable President, Van Swearingen.'

In 1664, Colonel Nicols of England, sent by His Majesty, Charles II, and his deputy, Sir Robert Carr, were to take over the Dutch colony at New Amstel. Garrett van Swearingen made an deposition in 1684 regarding the conquest of the Dutch possessions at New Amstel by English...

"In the year 1664, arrived Col. Nicholas, sent out by his Majesty, King Charles II, whereupon the Fort and country were brought under submission by Sir Robert Carr, and deputies, with two ships, for that intent. Sir Robert Carr did often protest to me, that he did not come as an enemy, but as a friend; demanding, only in friendship, what was the King's own, in that country. There was taken from the City and the inhabitants thereabout, to the value, so near as I can now remember, of four thousand pound sterling, likewise arms, powder and shot in great quantity. Four and twenty guns were, the greatest part, transported to New York.

The Dutch soldiers were taken prisoners, and given to the merchantmen that were there, in recompense of their services; and into Virginia, they were transported to be sold, as was credibly reported by Sir Robert Carr's officers, and other persons there living in the town.
All sorts of tools for handicraftsman and all plough gear, and other things to cultivate the ground, which were in great quantity; besides the estate of Governor Debouissa and myself; except some household stuff and a negro, I got away; and some other movables, Sir Robert Carr did permit me to sell.

Colonel Nicholas, understanding what Sir Robert Carr had got at Delaware, took all again from the said Sir Robert Carr, when the said Colonel came there again in person, as I was informed, when I was upon my way to Maryland."

Swearingen family tradition says that when the Dutch colony at New Amstel surrendered to the English Crown, Garrett van publicly broke his sword across his knees, and, throwing it to the left and right, renounced his allegiance.

Garret was allowed to continue in office but about two years later, he and his family relocated to a 200 acre plantation in Talbot County, Maryland, which he had purchased from Michael Powellson Vanderfort. He disposed of this property on 13 February 1667 to Robert Macklin and from him acquired 100 acres "lying on the East side of wickliffes creeke in St. Georges river" in St. Mary's Co., (Proceedings of the Provincial Court of Maryland 1666-1670.) It is interesting to note that the recording of this transaction was requested by "John Vanswearing". A relationship to Garrett has not been established, though he may have been a brother. A letter written by Garrett on 8 Dec 1659 from "New Netherland" stated, "I have received some goods here from my brother." Garrett also bought a 50 acre tract at St. Mary's, referred to as "Van Sweringen's Point", surveyed on 18 August of that year (from Land Surveys Recorded in Lord Baltimore's Rent Rolls for the Various Counties.)

Garrett's loyalties had been with the Dutch during the struggle with the English for possession of the Delaware colony. However, after defeat of the Dutch, it was ruled that land could be owned only by British subjects and it became necessary for Garrett to break his allegiance with Holland.

On April 13, 1669, a bill was passed by the General Assembly of the province of Maryland for the "Free Denization and Naturalization of Garrett van Swearingen and others," upon the following petition. The petition was transcribed as follows:

"To the Right, Honorable, the Lord Proprietory of the Province of Maryland and Avalon, Lord Baron of Baltimore.
The Petition of Garrett van Swearingen, Elizabeth de Barrette, wife of the siad Garrett, Elizabeth and Zacharias Van Swearingen, children of the said Garrett and Barbara ... all residents and inhabitanst of this Province, humbly soweth into your Lordship:

The Petition of Garrett van Swearingen, who was born in Reenstwerdam, Holland, under the dominion of the States General of the United Provinces: Barbara De Barrette, his wife, in Valenciennes, in the Low Countries, belonging to the King of Spain: Elizabeth Van Swearingen and Zacharias Van Swearingen their children in New Amstel, on Delaware Bay, then under the government of the said States General: ... and your Petitioners being now removed into this Province --- being invited to come and dwell in this Province upon confidence of your Lordship's Declaration of July 2, 1649, whereby you did empower your Governor to grant lands to any persons of French, Dutch, Spanish, Swedish, or other foreign descent, in as ample manner, and upon the same term, as to any persons of British or Irish descent.

And during their abode in this Province, your Petitioners have been faithful and obedient to your Lordship's Law. Yet for that your Petitioners are not of British or Irish descent, they cannot take benefit of the laws and customs of this Province, as the good people of British and Irish descent.

May it please your Lordship, out of your abundant goodness and care, that your Petitioners shall henceforth be adjudged, as natural born people of this Province of Maryland, or as if they were of British or Irish descent as aforesaid, and that they shall be enabled to prosecute and defend all manner of actions and other demands, as liberally and frankly as if they have been naturally born within this Province of Maryland or were of British or Irish descent, any Laws or customs of this Province to the contrary notwithstanding.

And your Petitioners shall, as in duty bound, pray."

Garret and Barbara and her family received their English naturalization papers. Barbara DeBarrett and Garrett van Sweringen are known to have had at least three children as their names appear in a will from this period. It was shortly after the takeover of the Dutch colony at New Amstel, his family migrated to St. Mary's City in St. Mary's County in the province of Maryland.

In 1670, Barbarah de Barrette died at St. Mary's and six years later Garrett married Mary Smith, then about sixteen years old. Ante-nuptial settlement on Mary Smith, of St. Mary's county, MD, spinster, 5 Oct 1676:

"The condition of this obligation is such that whereas the above bounden Garrett Vansweringen witnesseth by God's Grace shortly to marry and to take to wife one Mary Smith of the County of St. Maries, spinster, if therefore the said Garrett Vansweringen do by his last will and testament or otherwise without any fraud or covin in case the said Mary Smith shall after marriage had between them survive," Garrett to "give and assure" to mary the "fully quantity of sixty thousand pounds of good and merchantable tobacco in cash over and besides such chaines, braceletts, jewells and apparell" which Mary "shall fortune to have" at Garrett's death, for Mary, her executors and administrators to have, use , and enjoy "all her and their pleasures," without interference from Garrett's Executors, Administrators or assigns. Wits. T. Henry Carew, Jos. Quigley, J. Blairfield. (Transcript from MD State Archives, hall of Records, Annapolis, Land Office Patents 19, p. 381-382)

The Van Swearingens first home at St. Mary's was probably Smiths ordinary where Garrett established an inn. About 1670 he purchased the lease to the ordinary, continuing there as innkeeper until about 1676. At this time Garrett leased the inn out and tried to set up a brewing house. Before the brewery was completed, the inn burned and he was forced to give up the endeavor. Perhaps this was when he built the small dewlling on the Aldermanbury St. lot which he had acquired about 1672. In the meantime, the State House or Council Chambers building had been vacated, having been replaced in 1676 by the brick building. Garrett established another inn here, successfully providing fine lodging and entertainment to visiting government officials until his death. In addition to being an innkeeper, he served in St. Mary's as one of the first six aldermen (appointed in 1668) and as sheriff from 1686 to 1688. He apparently supplemented his income by hiring out a servant named Robert Harper, who was practiced in "physick." This is evidenced by court documents describing two cases in which Garrett was forced to sue for payment of medical treatments administered by Harper. (Proceedings of the Provincial Court of Maryland 1670/1-1675, edited by Elizabeth Merritt, Vol 65).

On 12 May 1684, Garrett Van Swearingen 'Of the City of St. Mary's, Gentleman, aged eight and forty years, or thereabouts', made a deposition to the Council of Maryland regarding the settlement of Delaware Bay and River by the Dutch and Swedes people. Included in that deposition is the following:

"In the year 1664, arrived Col. Nicholas, sent out by his Majesty, King Charles II, whereupon the Fort and country were brought under submission by Sir Robert Carr, and deputied with two ships, for the intent. Sir Robert Carr did often protest to me, that he did not come as an enemy, but as a friend; demanding only in friendship, what was the King's own, in that country. There was taken from the City and the inhabitants thereabout, to the value, so near as I can now remember, of four thousand pound sterling, likewise arms, powder and shot in great quantity. Four and twenty guns were, the greatest part, transported to New York."

"The Dutch soldiers were taken prisoners, and given to the merchantmen that were there, in recompense of their services; and into Virginia, they were transported to be sold, as was credibly reported by Sir Robert Carr's officers, and other persons there living in the town." "All sorts of tools for handicraftsman, and all plough gear, and other things to cultivate the ground, which were in great quantity; besides the estate of Governor Debouissa and myself; except some household stuff and a negro I got away; and some other movables, Sir Robert Carr did permit me to sell." "Colonel Nicholas, understanding what Sir Robert Carr had got at Delaware, took all again from the said Sir Robert Carr, when the said Colonel came there again in person, as I was informed, when I was upon my way to Maryland."

During the period of 1680 and 1692, the Upper House of the General Assembly of the Province of Maryland held their meeting at Garrett Van Swearingen's house in St Mary's City, St. Mary County, Maryland. Many of the early laws of Maryland were formulated and passed in the home of Garrett and his family.

COURT RECORDS OF PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, MARYLAND 1698:
Garret Vanswareing Plantiffe: against William Stimpson Defendant
Garret Vanswareing who Brought the Writt of our Sovereigne Lord the King against William Stimpson of a plea of Tresspass upon the Case etc. And hath not procecuted his Said Writt etc. Therefore he and his pledges of Procecuteing be in mercy etc. and lett the Names of the Pledges be Sought etc. and the Said William Stimpson goe thereof without etc. it is Likewise Considered that the Said William Stimpson recover against the Said Garret Vanswareing his Damages by occation of the premises to two hundred Sixty five pounds of tobacco to the Said William Stimpson by the Descression of the Justices here at his request for his Cost and Charges in this behalfe Susteined according to the forme of the Statute etc. by the Court here adjudged.

(American Legal Records - Volume 9, Court Records of Prince George County, Maryland 1696-1699. Edited by Joseph H. Smith and Philip A. Crowl, 1964, pg 366)

Garrett Van Swearingen died at St. Mary's in 1698 and he was buried with Catholic rites in accordance with his will (follows):

Will of GARRETT VAN SWERINGEN, St. Mary's County, MD, dated 25 Mar 1698, proved 25 Oct 1698 (Maryland State Archives, Hall of Records, Annapolis, MD, Prerogative Court Wills 6, p. 210-211) In the name of God, Amen I Garrett Vansweringin of ye citty of St Mary's in St Mary's county haveing considerebly Many Yeares I have Lived in this World and therefore but a Little time to remain and for Reason of the Uncertainty When this tyme shall be Expired I doe hereby Will and require that When it Should be ye Will of God to Call me out of this Mortall Life My body shall be buried if God Doth permitt According to ye custom of ye Roman Catholique Church and ye Priest That shall bury me I doe give him One Thousand Pound of Tobbaco and further I doe require of My Executors hereafter named to take Care that dureing ye Ensueing Year Mass shall be done for me Soly at all ye Lady Days St Josephs day St John ye Evangelist St Mary Magdaline in Holy Week at all Saints days and in ye Christmans hollydays further That all my Just debts shal be paid and doe therefore appoint and Nominate My Wife and My son Joseph Vansweringen Exrs of my Will and this My Testament to doe and act as here shalbe mencond And My Now dwelling house and Land thereunto belonging also ye Council Roomes and Coffee house and Land thereunto belonging I give unto my two sons Joseph and Charles Vansweringen For them and their Heires for Ever but in Case of Any of them should Come to dye then ye houses and land fall to ye Surviving Brother herebefore Named and if both should Come to Dye then it shall fall to my Girles gotten by my now Liveing wife the . . . only equally that is to be Understood that are and were not married, or unprovided and Shall be unmarried after my decease and in Case any of them should So come to be in Possession of Any of the afornamed Land and houses and Shall Come to dye without Issue then ye forenamed Land Should returne againe to those that are Unmarried and to them that shall have issue in the Nature as before but their Issue dying shall ye said Land returne again to those yet have issue or be unmarried I doe alsoe require that my Wife doe Alsoe remaine in Possession of All my Estate Moveables and unmoveables dureing her Life that if she shall remaine unmarried, but in Case she should Come to Marry that then her Exershp shall Cease and My Son Joseph shall only remaine ye only Executor of My Will and Testament and allow According to Law to my wife one third of my Estate but remaining unmarried she shall Continue in Sole Possession of all as if I was my Selfe Alive for ye good of our children and doe hereby Absolutely Debarr all persons not being of My blood to Meddle or Concern themselves With any of my children or there Estate but What shalbe by ye Election of My Son Joseph with ye advise of Mr John Hall of St. Innegoes the Unaged Children will be C....ed with their brother Joseph be their Guardian I will that . . . weekes after My Decease My Estate shalbe Appraised and not Undervallued as ordinarily in this country is Done but to ye Reall Value Silver Plate Brass Copper Pewter Ledd in Quantity and Quality or other instead of them to my Aforenamed Children that Shalbe unmarried or Never were Married before Proportonable But dureing my Wife shall Remaine Unmarried I doe Empower her over all nothing Excepted to remiane unmollessed either by Children or Sonns in Law Provideing she shall not distribute more to ye one than to ye other and that no Portion shal be given to any of them dureing My Said Wife her Life to put herself to Want and beggary ye rest of my Younger Children only by ye Way of assistance ye necessarily should require in part pay of their Portion or Share Guardianship of Their Brother Joseph to take Care of them till they Come to be Married but if the said Joseph Should doe them any Injustice which God forbid then ye offense shall be refered to Mr John Hall hereafore named Mr Charles Carrolle Mr Charles Egerton Mr Thomas Georing or any two of them and their settling upon ye matter shall definitise Either for ye said Joseph to remiane their Guardian or to Make Elecon of any of those Aforenamed instead of him and their porcon Must and Shall be given to them one Yeare after they are married if they remain alive and Not otherwise for if any of these Children aforenamed Comes to die their portion shall remain amongst their Sisters here before named and not to ye two brothers haveing ye Land Except issue if they should be married and have issue before ye Expiracon of ye year or being big With Child but ye aforenamed Brothers shall also have an Equal Share out of ye moveables estate ye day of my departure but not to pretend any share of ye porcons of these girls that should Come to die but shall be Equally divided to ye Sisters that are Unmarried, and further if my Son Joseph Should Come to dye and if mother remains Alive then shall ye Executorshipp remain in her and in all Power as is Layd before at large, but if my Wife also should Come to dye then ye Children shall chuse one or muore Guardians out of ye aforenamed whom are hereby desired to see my Will performed and in testimony that this is my Last Will and Tesamt Have i hereunto Signed and Sealsed with my hand this the 25th day of March 1698 But as I have sd my Wife to remain Exer if my son Joseph Should Come to dye is allways understood unmarried but if Married the Children shall have Guardians as afrsd in order to shake off ye Yoke of a father-in-law Further if it doth appeare any Gift Given in my Lifetime to any of my children of Vallue thereof shalbe allowed to ye other Children Aportionable.

Signed Sealed published and declared (signed) Gare Vansweringen by the sd Garrett Vansweringen as his last will & testamt ye 25 day of October 1698 in the presence of us Nucholas Croutch Willm Aisquith Thomas Grunwin Thos Sinnodd

And at ye bottom of ye foregoeing Will was Written... Endorsemts following vist Then came Mr William Asquith and Mr Thomas Grunwyn two of ye Wittnesses to this Will and made oathe that they did See Garrett Vansweringen ye Testator Signe Seale Publish and declare the within & above written to be his last Will and Testament and the sd Garrett was at ye isuing thereof Was of perfect and Sound Mind & Memory Kenelm Chesldyn March 20th 1698 Then did Mr Nicholas Crowtch another of ye Wittnesses to ye Within last Will and Testament Depose upon his Oath as ye other Witnesses above have deposed. Kenelm Cheseldyn

Ante-nuptial settlement on Mary Smith, of St. Mary's co., MD, spinster, Oct 05, 1676:
"The condition of this obligation is such that whereas the above bounden Garrett Vansweringen witnesseth by God's Grace shortly to marry and to take to wife one Mary Smith of the County of St. Maries, spinster, if therefore the said Garrett Vansweringen do by his last will and testament or otherwise without any fraud or covin in case the said Mary Smith shall after marriage had between them survive," Garrett to "give and assure" to mary the "fully quantity of sixty thousand pounds of good and merchantable tobacco in cash over and besides such chaines, braceletts, jewells and apparell" which Mary "shall fortune to have" at Garrett's death, for Mary, her executors and administrators to have, use , and enjoy "all her and their pleasures," without interference from Garrett's Executors, Administrators or assigns. Wits. T. Henry Carew, Jos. Quigley, J. Blairfield. (Transcript from MD State Archives, hall of Records, Annapolis, Land Office Patents 19, p. 381-382)

Will of MARY [SMITH] VANSWERINGEN, St Marys County, MD,
dated 17 Feb 1712/13, proved 5 Sep 1713 (Maryland State Archives, Hall of Records, Annapolis, MD, Pre Ct Wills 13, p557-558)

In the Name of God Amen I Mary Vansweringen of St Maryes County Widdow being Sick of body but of sound and perfect mind and memory thanks be to Allmighty God for the Same and Considering the uncertainty of this transitory life we are in and that all mortalls must dye do think convenient to settle all such temporall Benefitts as it hath pleased Allmighty God to bless me with in order thereunto doe make my last will and Testament Revokeing Renowncing and makeing void all former will or Wills by me made and this only to be my last will and Testament first and principally I give and bequeath my Soul to Allmighty God that gave it Constantly believing that through the Meritorious Death and passion of my Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ I shall receive full pardon and remission of my sins and transgretions past and my Body I bequeath to the Earth from whence it Came to be buried in Decent and Christian Maner as my Executor hereafter named shall think fit.

Item - I Give and bequeath unto my Loving Daughter Dorithy Vansweringen four Negroes two feather bedds two Ruggs two pair of blanketts, two pair of Sheets and two bolsters one Silver pint Cupp, Six Silver Spoons one Small English Table to be Delivered to her at the Day of her marriage by my Executor hereafter Named. Item - I give and bequeath unto my Loving Daughter Tereshea Vansweringen four Negroes, two feather bedds two Ruggs two pair of Blanketts two pair of Sheets two bolsters one Pint Silver tankered Six Silver Spoones a Chest of Drawers and a Small Looking Glass and to Each of them my Said Daughters a Suite of table linen all which to be delivered to my said Daughters by my Executor at the Day of their Marriage the above said Legacies being in full satisfaction for their part or portion of their fathers and my Estate. Item - I Give and bequeath unto my loving Son Joseph Vansweringen all that tract or parcell of Land lying in St Mary's County near St. Mary's called the point containing two hundred acres or thereabouts to him and his heirs and assignes for Ever, my Said Son being and is to maintain my Said two Daughters handsomly untill they are married. Item - I Give unto my loveing Son in Law Mr. William Bladen and my Daughter Bladen a Ring of thirty shillings price to Each of them, Item - I Give and Bequeath unto My Loving Daughter Elinor Carroll two Thousand pound of Tobacco to be paid by my Executor in Convenient time after my decease, it is my Desire that the Negroes which I have Given to My two Daughters Shall be Such as my Said Executor Shall think fit they not Exceeding forty years a piece, Item I - Give and Bequeath all the Rest of My Estate both Real and person unto my Said Son Joseph Vansweringen after all my Just Debts are paid and lastly I do hereby Constitute and appoint my loving Son Joseph Vansweringen my whole and sole Executor of this my last will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Seventeenth day of Febry 1712/13

Signed Sealed and Delivered in the presence of Wm Aisquith Ann Moloni Hannah Bantor (signed) Mary Vansweringen

At ye foot of the aforegoing will was thus written, Sept 5th 1713 Then Came Ann Moloni and Hannah Bantor two of the Witnesses to the within will and made oath that they saw the within Named Mary VanSweringen Sign Seal and Deliver the Same as her last will and Testament Wm Aisquith Dept Comissry

In his will, Gerret is listed as having nine children, of which three were from the first family. We descend from the youngest of this first family, Thomas who was born about 1665 in St. Mary's County.