Person:Jan Teunisen (1)

He was known as the "Papist." He was a carpenter and was one of several people from Westbroek to come to work at the manor of Rensselaerwyck, under contract with Killiaen Van Rensselaer, probably in 1641. He was the first Schout or Sheriff of Brooklyn, appointed by Gov. Keift in 1646. He was also a grave digger and boat builder.

The possibility of a family relationship between Jan Teunisen and Anthony Jansen is suggested by William Westbrooke in the Westbrook Family of New York, and is probable, but is based primarily on their common origin at Westbroek and the coincidence of their names. It is therefore unproven.

Jan Theunisen was a journeyman ships carpenter. There are references to West Indies Company complaints that not only did he insist on being made a master carpenter, but that he demanded too much money. He left for New Amsterdam without his family and there are letters from the Netherlands asking if they "cannot convince him of his Christian duties, as his wife and two children come daily asking for sustenance." Within a year his wife and children were sent to New Amsterdam to join him. - Dale Chester Westbrook Jones

1. ↑ Early Records of Albany
   Vol. 3, p. 71.
2. ↑ Birth date approximated from his marriage date.