Johannes Van Brugh began his career as a merchant under Dutch rule; under the English he served as a member of the Common Council. A "Carl Van Brugge" loaned the city 100 fl. in 1664; in 1654 "Ensign John Pr. Verbrugge" was taxed 100 fl. for the same purpose. He was listed in 1674, at 14,000 fl.; in English money this amounted, in 1676, to ~900, upon which he was taxed ~5.12.6. In 1658 Van Brugh married Catherine Roelofs.