Dirck Storm facts for kids

Dirck Gorisszen Storm (1630–1716) was an important early American settler. He wrote the first official history of the Dutch community in Sleepy Hollow. His book, Het Notite Boeck der Christelyckes Kercke op de Manner of Philips Burgh, is a rare look into life during colonial times. This book is one of the few records that show what village life was like for the Dutch in New York when the English took over.

Dirck Storm's Early Life

Dirck Storm was born in 1630 in Utrecht, The Netherlands. His family lived in Leyden and worked with fine cloth. Public service was a family tradition. Dirck's father was a City Clerk, and his grandfather was a lawyer.

At age eighteen, Dirck went to Den Bosch to work in his uncle's office. On May 13, 1656, he married Maria van Montfoort. By 1660, Storm became the Town Clerk of Oss. When Holland faced money problems, Dirck Storm decided to sail to the New World.

Journey to America

In the fall of 1662, Storm, his wife Maria, and their three children sailed to New Amsterdam (now New York City). They traveled on a ship called De Vos (The Fox). The ship left Amsterdam after August 31, 1662, and arrived in New Amsterdam on November 14, 1662. Maria gave birth to a daughter during the trip. Their ship landed where Wall Street is today in Manhattan.

Public Service and Farming

Dirck Storm bought land and owned a tavern on Beaver Street. He also worked as an innkeeper. Later, he became the Town Clerk in several communities in Breuckelen (now Brooklyn). These included New Utrecht, Bedford, and Flatbush.

He kept many important community records. These records are still used today to learn about land ownership and family histories. Storm also worked as a teacher in some of these towns. He farmed land in Bedford and New Lots. He also served as a precantor (someone who leads singing) in two Dutch churches in Breuckelen. In 1670, he was named Secretary of the Colony.

Life in Sleepy Hollow

In 1691, the British government sent Storm to Tappan. There, he became the first Secretary and Clerk of the Sessions for Orange County, New York. He also served as the Voorleser (reader) for the Tappan Church.

In 1693, he joined his friend Frederick Philipse. Storm worked as a tax collector for Philipse's large estate, known as Philipsburg Manor. By 1697, Storm and his wife were members of the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow. This was soon after the church was built.

Recording History

On November 3, 1715, the church members chose Storm to write down the history of their church. They wanted him to record events from 1697 onwards. The members believed Storm was "the best informed and most competent member" to do this.

An elder named Abraham de Revier, Sr. had kept private notes. These notes are now lost. However, Storm used them a lot when he wrote his famous book, Het Notite Boeck.

Dirck Storm's Legacy

Dirck Storm was a yeoman, which meant he could buy his own farmland in Sleepy Hollow. He bought it directly from his friend, Frederick Philipse. All of Storm's sons became farmers. Many of his descendants became captains of boats on the Hudson River. One descendant, Captain Jacob Storm, lived in the Philipse Manor house, which is now a museum.

Death

Dirck Storm died in May or June 1716 in Tarrytown, New York. He is buried at the Old Dutch Church Burying Ground in Sleepy Hollow, New York.

Many famous Americans are descendants of Dirck Storm. This includes the well-known clergyman David Storm. Many people with the last name "Storm" or "Storms" can trace their family history back to him.