A COLORFUL NEW AMSTERDAM COUPLE: BURGER JORIS AND ENGELTJE MANS
 
Burger Joris and Engeltje Mans wed on 18 December, 1639 in New Amsterdam. Engeltje was from Sweden, as recorded in the Church book on her wedding day. Burger Joris was originally from Hirschberg, Silesia, having arrived in New Amsterdam in or before 1637. Burger was a smith, but rose to prominence (perhaps notoriety might be a better word) in the City:
  Apparently Engeltje had a similar reputation and disposition:

                "Engeltje appears to have been a vigorous old lady of somewhat
                masculine disposition. She was frequently, as witness or litigant,
                before the Court at the Stady Huys, where she was much dreaded
                on account of her loquacity, the magistrates being forced to protest
                against her upon their minutes, as being addicted to, 'an outpouring
                of words'." Innes, J.H. pg 234

Burger found himself in trouble with the law in 1646 when he was charged with selling beer without paying excise tax:

                "He denied the general charge, but admitted that three half-barrels
                were drunk in his house 'with some company'! He was provoked
                at the ado made about the matter and threatedd to 'cut a slice of
                the fiscal.' Evjen (1916) pg. 333

The fiscal then brought suit, and Joris, appearing before the Council addressed them in an insulting  manner. This offense resulted in a sentence to "remain four and twenty hours in chains."

Despite of this, and other violations to city ordinances, Joris attained the great Burgher's right in 1658, and continued to play a role, for better or worse, in civic affairs. He died in 1671. Engeltje Mans was still living in 1701.
 
 
 

Evjen, John O. (1916) Scandinavian Immigrants in New York: 1630-1674. Minneapolis, K.C. Holter Publishing Co.

Innes, JH. New Amsterdam and its People, as quoted in Evjen.
 
 

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Contact the author at   saguaro@email.arizona.edu