Vandersluys will/Holland connection
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In reply to:
Van der Sluys/Vandersluys/Versluys
Steve VANDERSLUYS 6/10/02
I have found a possible Holland connection for the Vandersluys family. I downloaded a digital image of a Prerogative Court of Canterbury will written in 1732 and proved in 1738. The will of Paulina Vandersluys of Utrecht, a widow by 1732, gives her fathers’ name as Lambert Vandersluys. This indicates to me that Paulina is probably a relation to the Lambert Vandersluys believed born about 1732. Since she is an adult about the time our Lambertus was supposedly born it is difficult to tell how they are related without knowing more. In addition, I wonder why a Dutch will is proved in the PCC. What is the connection? Because there is only one heir the will does not state what is being willed, but hopefully with these clues the research can go forward. Anyone can download a copy of the will for about £3 from the National Archives/Public Record Office website. See abstract at the bottom of this message.
I am descended through George Vandersluys and Elizabeth Jane Richards through their only child James. I have managed to piece together quite a bit of information with the help of several people, including Hilary Edwards. I am also the Online Parish Clerk for the parish of St. Clement, so I have been slowly transcribing the parish records. It sounds as if many of you have heard family stories down through the generations, but I was not lucky enough to inherit any of the family lore. What I know I have gathered from documents. My great grandfather William George Vandersluys emigrated to the U. S. in 1894. He left behind a wife and child, though I don’t know the details of that story. He married in the U.S. in 1910 and his only child here was my grandmother, who died three years ago. William George did not leave behind a shred of paper, not a letter, any vital records, or even photos. I don’t know if it was his intention to hide his past or if someone else did it for him after his death in 1930. My grandmother only knew sketchy details of her father’s life and she knew nothing about his family back in England. I have been able to learn a great deal about one sister, Elizabeth Jane Fouracre, whose family shared a house with artist Henry Scott Tuke from about 1880 until her death in 1916. Because Tuke was so well known, a good deal has been written about the Fouracre family. Many paintings were made of Elizabeth Jane and her son, Georgie. “The Message” hanging in the gallery in Falmouth is of Elizabeth Jane and her two young sons (can be seen online).
Below is an abstract of the will, which is extremely difficult to read. For those who download it, the crucial lines are those at the bottom of page one and top of page two.
Digital Image obtained from The National Archives/Public Record Office website
Prerogative Court of Canterbury
Will of Paulina Vandersluys otherwise Backer
Catalogue Reference: Prob 11/691
Image reference: 325
Abstracted by Kathy Wardle Cortez
P.O. Box 931 Woodacre CA 94973
Translated out of Low Dutch
…Eighth of February One thousand seven hundred and thirty two…Paulina Vandersluys widow of Jacob Backer dwelling at the city of Utrecht but being at present in this city [Amsterdam] to me Notary…Testatrix hath nominated and appointed for her sole and Universal heiress her mother Alida Krul widow of Lambert Vandersluys…in the presence of Edward Dudok and John Waarts…examination made thirtieth of July 1738…found to agree with the…copy made…fourth of August 1738.
--End of abstract--
More Replies:
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Re: Vandersluys will/Holland connection
Steve VANDERSLUYS 7/03/07
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Re: Vandersluys will/Holland connection
Kathy Cortez 9/18/07
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Re: Vandersluys will/Holland connection
Steve VANDERSLUYS 3/09/08
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Re: Vandersluys will/Holland connection
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Re: Vandersluys will/Holland connection