Eldert Gerbertsz Cruyff

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Spelled and referred to variously, New Netherland pioneer Eldert Gerbertsz Cruyff lived in Beverwyck at least during the early 1660s. We seek defining information on his origins and path to the community that became Albany in 1664.

The seminal biographical compilation for his lifetime tells us that Eldert Gerbertsz emigrated in 1654 and that he was from "Hilversum,[in Gooiland, province of North Holland]; and also was referred to as "Eldert de Goijer."

Perhaps this Eldert Gerbertsen was employed at a sawmill possibly [?] on Manhattan in 1654. Also, he is said to have applied for a lot in Beverwyck in 1654.

Possibly as early as 1655, he took over the farm and then sawmill of Pieter Winne which appears to have been located south of the village in what later became Bethlehem. During the 1650s, he also held property "at" Catskill which he acquired in exchange for his [Cruyff] house in Beverwyck. His holdings have become ensconced in legend and lore. Mostly, they were beyond the Albany context. However, Eldert Gerbertsz does appear to have had a house in Beverwyck and to have been indebted to Harme Gansevoort.

During the late 1660s and beyond, one "Eldert Gerberts" was a regular (even frequent) litigant before the Albany court. Those numerous actions involved a range of activities and subjects.

In July 1663, he filed a joint will with his second wife Tryntie Jans, the widow of Jan Janse [Ryckman]. The calendar entry is transformed below.

In 1675, a deceased Eldert Gerbertsz was referenced in a legal document filed by his stepson, Albert Janse Ryckman.

By inference, this individual (sometimes referred to as "de Goyer") may have been a resident of Beverwyck and possibly of Albany. The name has a New Amsterdam context as well. We seek defining information on his birth and death dates and also about other marriages.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Eldert Gerbertsz Cruyff has no CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.

Will calendar entry: "CRUYFF, Eldert Gerbertsen, of Rensselaerswyck Colony, born at Hilversen in Gooylant, Holland, and wife Tryntie Jans, born at Noortstrant, Oostland. Son by first husband Jan Jansen Ryckman, vizt : Albert Jansen Ryckman. Real and personal estate. No executor named. Witnesses Adriaen van Ilpendam, Harmen Jansen Ryckman."





online 4/10/15; updated 7/7/15