Jan Everts Bout facts for kids
Jan Evertsz Bout was an important Dutch settler in the 1600s. He was born in Barneveld, Gelderland, around 1601 or 1602. He later moved to a new Dutch colony called New Netherland. He passed away in 1671 in Gowanus.
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Life in New Netherland
In 1634, Jan Evertsz Bout helped build one of the first farms in New Netherland. These farms were called "bouweries." His farm was located at Communipaw, on the west side of the North River. This area was part of Pavonia, a large land grant owned by a rich Amsterdam businessman named Michael Pauw.
Bout was one of the main managers for this land. The spot where his house stood was called Jan de Lacher's Hoeck. This means "Jan the Laugher's Point." People probably called it this because he had a very loud and cheerful personality.
A Difficult Time
In 1643, a sad event happened at Bout's farm. Native American groups, the Tappan and Wecquaesgeek, had sought safety there. However, they were attacked in an event that led to a conflict called Kieft's War.
Helping to Govern the Colony
Jan Bout was a member of the Council of Eight Men. This was a group of citizens who advised the leaders of New Amsterdam. This council played a big part in removing William Kieft from his job as the Director of New Netherland. Bout was also involved with other important groups, like the Twelve Men and the Nine Men.
He traveled to the Netherlands with another settler, Adriaen van der Donck. They went to talk to the States-General of the Netherlands. This was the main government of the Dutch Republic. They complained about how the Dutch West India Company was managing the colony.
New Amsterdam's Charter
Because of these complaints, New Amsterdam was given a special document called a municipal charter. This charter gave the city more control over its own affairs. When New Amsterdam received its charter in 1653, its city council oversaw a large area. This included Manhattan Island, Staaten Eylandt, Pavonia, and the towns on Lange Eylandt.
In 1658, Bout also signed a treaty. This agreement purchased land in lower Bergen Hill. This land later became part of Hudson County.
Later Life in Brooklyn
Jan Bout later moved to Brooklyn. There, he gained ownership of more land. This included the area around the Gowanus Canal. He also owned property on Manhattan Island. These properties were shown on an old map called the Castello Plan.
See also
In Spanish: Jan Everts Bout para niños
