He was also said to have been born 21 October 1626 in Wicres, France and died 22 Feb 1696 in Kingston, NY. 1929

He was also said to have been born 27 Oct 1627. 1958

He was also said to have been born 27 Oct 1626. 1962, 1951

He was also said to have been born 28 Oct 1626. 1961

He was also said to have died June, 1696. 1961

He was also said to have died before 23 June 1696. 1947

“All these names under the conditions I have named, underwent same change and many came to be written with a radical variation from the original. . . and that of Dubois, as: D’boy, Debois, Dibois, Deboys, du Bois, Buboy, and so on.” 1921

“A copy of the 1655 marriage record of Louis du Bois is cited to show that he was the son of Chretien du Bois of Wicres (eidgerd 1:5): ‘Louis du Bois, fils de feu Chretien du bois vivant de Wickes pres de al Bassee . . . ‘) However, no evidence is given in either book to show that either Jacques or Francoise was the child of Chretien du Bois. A manuscript du Bois genealogy, based on research commissioned and/or performed by the U.S. Consul in Lille in 1871, cites the Roman Catholic parish registers of Wicres as containing the baptisms between 1622 and 1628 of four children of Chretient du Bois: Francoise, Anne, Louis and Jacques. This manuscript is described and quoted from in an important Addendum to Mr. Murphy’s book, entitled ‘original du Bois Family References Used to Write the European Ancestry of Chretien du Bois of Wicres, France 1597-1628.’ Apparently the parish registers of Wicres were illegible by 1883 (Addendum p. 3). “ 1963

“Nevertheless, evidence does exist to show that Louis du Bois and Francoise (du Bois) Billiou were brother and sister. In his article, ‘Marriages at Kingston, New York,’ (rec. 106:193-94), Dr. Kenneth Scott lists marriages found in Kingston court records. Among these was the 1670 marriage of ‘Mria Biljouw of Leyden’ to ‘Arendt Jansen Van Naerden,’ with the authorization of ‘Lowies De Booys, uncle of the aforesaid young woman. This Maria was clearly the daughter of Pierre and Francoise (du Bois) Billiou (John E. Stillwell, Stillwell Genealogy . . ., 4 vols, New york, 1929-31, 3:295). Since Louis du Bois was a child of Chretien du Bois of Wicres, it follows that Francoise was, too. The 1649 proclamation in Leiden of Pierre Billiou and Francoise du Bois (vol. 268, p. 95b; FHL 0119016; Addendum pp. 3-4) gives her place of origin as near Lille, which is a reasonable way to describe Wicres. And there is no other known explanation for Louis du Bois to be called the uncle of Maria Billiou.” 1963

“Louis du Bois was a farmer, merchant, magistrate and leading citizen and is found to have been in the forefront of every undertaking. In 1677 he organized the movement which resulted int he purchase of some 37,000-40,000 acres of land from the Indians, known as the New Paltz Patent. A church was organized with Louis du Bois the first Elder. A village - New Paltz - was laid out with several of the original stone residences still standing some three hundred years later. In 1686 Louis du Bois who had been the leader of the settlement returned from New Paltz to Kingston to live. He purchased ‘a house and homelott’ from Derrick Schoepmes. This was the last house in which he lived. It was his residence for ten years. It was left by Will to his son Matthew. After 1777 when the British burned all of Kingston, another house was erected on this lot, which gave way to a store in 1816. Louis had lived about 66 years. His will was proved the 23rd of June 1696. The vast real property holdings of Louis du Bois were divided among his children. Louis du Bois had three Wills recorded in Ulster County Surrogate’s office:
Liber B, p. 266: An early Will, or more properly defined, a joint agreement of Louis DuBois and Catherine, his wife, dated 10-13-1676, was to the effect that after the deaths of ‘Louis Du Booys’ and his wife ‘Catharina Blansjan’ the whole estate to go to the childre, ‘the minors first to be educated until they can earn a living.’ In case of remarriage of either party, without lawful issue, the children shall have one half the estate.
Liber AA, p. 39: Will dated 3-30-1686. Estate, after payment of debts to be equally divided ‘amongst my children but my two eldest sons desiring to have each of them a part of the land of New Paltz and more than the other children by reason their names ‘uppon the Patent’, but if they will be content ‘to deale equally with my other children whether in land, houses or any other sort of goods whatever belonging to my Estate as well the land of the Paltz . . .’ that if they have the land at New Paltz they should pay a share of its worth to the other children as all of the estate should be divided equally. ‘My wife, their mother, shall have the ordering of the Estate as long as she remains a widow.’ If she marry the Estate to be divided among the children aforesaid except my two eldest sons.’ Recorded 5-5-1686.
The second Will dated 3-27-1694, proved 3-26-1696: States that if the widow should marry, then to the eldest son Abraham, £6, as his primogeniture right, also 1/8 of the estate; son Jacob 1/8; and 1/8 to each of the following children: David, Solomon, Louis, Matthew; and to the children of deceased son Isaac 1/8; and to children of Sara, wife of Joost Janse (Van Meter) 1/8. Wife Catherine appointed executrix.
There was a third Will 2-22-1696 which affirmed the Will of 1694 with the following exceptions: Son Jacob was to get a farm in Hurley on condition that he pay 1500 sheps (schepels) of wheat to youngest son Matthew. Son Matthew conveyed house and lot in Kingston for which he was to pay his father’s estate 1500 schepels of wheat. Payment for land which son Daavid bought of Jan Wood to come out of estate. Sons Solomon and Louis to have lands in New Paltz for which they were to pay to the estate 800 schepels of wheat. Daughter Sara wife of Joost Janse was to have a piece of land in Hurley for which she was to pay to the estate 700 schepels of wheat. Proved 3-26-1696.” 1929

“Louis DuBois, the first of the family in America, was the son of Cretian or Christian DuBois, and was descended from a Huguenot family in the province of Artois, (now known as the ‘Department of Pas du-Calas,’) France. Louis was born at Wicres near Lille, Oct. 27, 1626. He left France, whose laws were inimical to the free enjoyment of his protestant faith, taking refuge in Mannheim, Germany, where Oct. 10, 1655, he married Catherine Blanshan, and in 1660, along with his wife and two young children, Abraham and Isaac, immigrated to this country. He lived at Hurley near Kingston, N.Y., until 1677 when he removed to New Paltz, N.Y., as leader of a colony of Huguenot settlers. He returned from New Paltz to Kingston about 1687, and died there 1695. he was the father of ten children, seven sons and three daughters.” 1962

“The record of the erasure of Chretien’s marriage and family, that is, the Chretien known to have been the father of Louis du Bois, makes a break in Louis’ line of descent. The official record was obviously destroyed because of his Protestantism, and to prevent him - or any of his descendants - from ever after establishing a claim to the title and estates. We are informed that there were not two branches after the resumption of the title of Marquis des Fiennes. We are also advised that Louis was a second son; and that the title and arms of the des Fiennes became extinct with the death of the Marchioness de Poyanne, in 1761.” 1904

He was said to have been born 21 October, 1626 in Wicres, France and died 22 Feb 1696 in Kingston, NY. His father was said to be Chretien du Bois de Fiennes b. prob. 1597, Wicres, France, died prior to 1655, Wicres, France and his mother was said to be Cornelia. 1929

“The five children of Matthew Blanchan and Magdelaine Joire/Jorisen were widely spaced. Matthew, Jr. was only six months old when his eldest sister Catharine marrried Louis du Bois in 1655. A second sister, Maria, married Antoine Crispell on 31 Janaury 1661. Almost at once the Blancan family with their new son-in-law set out for the New World. Catharine and Louis du Bois remained in Mannheim where their son Isaac was born on May 14th, emigrating in 1661 on the ‘St. Jan Baptiste’.” 1929

“Louis DU BOIS was baptized on 21 October 1626 at Lille, parish church of Wicres, France, the son of Chretien du Bois (and possibly a Cornelia [Unknown]).

Either with his parents or on his own he went to Mannheim, Germany in the Pfalz, German Palatinate. Abstracts of Mannheim Palatine Records translated by Louis DuBois of Yardley, Pennsylvania in 1928 state: "In the year 1606, the Elector Frederick IV of the Palatinate, being an Evangelical Prince and foreseeing a religious war, built the fortified city of Mannheim at the confluence of the Neckar and Rhine Rivers. Soon after, in 1618, there broke out the devastating 'Thirty Years War' and then the youthful fortress of Mannheim was taken and destroyed by the Bavarian General Tilly.

The persecuted French Protestants were brotherly received in the German Evangelical country, particularly in the Rhineland. The Walloons were likewise welcomed in Mannheim and allowed to establish their own French Evangelical community with their own clergymen. For a time they were united with the German Evangelical Reformed church, which union was made with the understanding that services and Holy Communion should be held in the French language in the Spring and Autumn.

"The civil and church records of Mannheim do not go back beyond the year 1621, the date of the city's destruction. It is only at a later date that the records of the French Protestants are to be found inscribed by French clergymen in the German church book of records.

"The name du Bois is found for the first time in 1653.... Louis du Bois, son of the late Chretien DuBois, resident of Wicres in the vicinity of La Bassee, of the first part, and Catharine Blanchan, daughter of Mathieu Blanchan, bourgeois of Mannheim, of the second part, were married at the French (Protestant) Church of Mannheim (in the Pfalz, German Palatinate), the 10th of October 1655. (Note: A photostatic copy of this record is included in the DuBois Family History)" 1948

"It has been generally accepted that Louis, his wife and children accompanied Matthys Blanchan and Antoine Crispell (departing 27 April 1660 in the 'Gilded Otter'), but Riker suggests that he probably came with his brother-in-law Pierre Billiou the following year.

"Blanchan, Crispell and DuBois all received grants of land in Hurley, near Kingston, obtaining ground briefs on 25 April 1663.

"On the 10th of June 1663, Hurley and part of Kingston was burned by the Indians, and the wife of Louis DuBois and three children were among those who were carried away captive. Three months afterward an expedition under Captain Krieger, sent from New York, recovered the captives by surprising the Indians at their Fort near the Hogaberg in Shawangunk.

"From Ralph LeFebre's History of New Paltz, Fort Orange Press, Albany, New York, 1909: 'The story (of the rescue of the Indian captives) which is dear to the Huguenot heart of New Paltz, is that when Captain Krieger and his company, directed by an Indian, attacked the savages at their place of refuge near the Shawangunk Kill, they were about to burn one or more captives at the stake, and the women commenced singing the 137th Psalm, which so pleased the red men that they deferred the proposed death by torture. In the meantime Captain Krieger's band, with Louis DuBois and others, arrived and rescued the captives from a horrible death. Louis DuBois is reported to have killed with his sword an Indian who was in advance of the rest, before the alarm could be raised. Captain Krieger's report says nothing of this. However, as the tradition contains nothing irreconcilable with the Captain's report which deals mainly with the fighting done by his soldiers, it is interesting to keep the tradition alive as it deals more upon the condition of the captives.'

"E. M. Ruttenber, the Orange County historian, states his objections to the tradition as follows: 'The story was repudiated as a statement of fact, first, on the authority of Indian customs. We do not recall a single instance where a woman was burned at the stake by the Indians. They killed female prisoners on the march sometimes when they were too feeble to keep up but very rarely after reaching camp. Mrs. DuBois and her companions had been prisoners from June 10th to September 5th, or nearly three months before they were rescued from captivity. During all that time they had been guarded carefully at the castle of the Indians, and held ransom or exchange, to which end negotiations had been opened. The Indians asked especially for the return of some of their chiefs who had been sent to Curacao and sold as slaves by Governor Stuyvesant.

"'Second: Documentary evidence concerning events of that period is entirely against tradition. The written record is, that when the Dutch forces surprised the Indians, the latter were busy in constructing a third angle to their fort for the purpose of strengthening it, instead of being engaged in preparations for burning prisoners. The prisoners were found alive and well, and no complaint is recorded of any ill treatment, not even their heads had been shaved and painted as had been customary. Every night, says the record, they were removed from the castle to the woods, lest the Dutch should recover them before negotiations for their release were consumated.'

"Among the Huguenot settlers at Kingston, at this time, was Abraham Hasbrouck. He had served with Edmund Andros in the English army. He was a native of Calais, had emigrated to Mannheim, and in 1675 to America, settling finally in Esopus.

"The Huguenots, being desirous of forming a settlement of their own, were indebted to some extent to the acquaintanceship of Abraham Hasbrouck with Edmund Andros who was Colonial Governor at this time, having been appointed to that office when the colony of New York passed from the Dutch to the English in 1665.

"These French settlers longed for a settlement of their own where they could speak their own language, worship in their own church, and be in a community where they could govern themselves according to their own choice. The traffic with the Indians in furs was becoming less profitable. It was becoming more and more necessary to follow the occupation of cultivating the soil. The fertile lowlands of the Wallkill had undoubtedly been in the mind of Louis DuBois as an ideal place to establish the French community. The mountains and forests lining the valley most certainly must have reminded the Huguenots of their native county in French Flanders, and the Meuse Valley through which they escaped to the Pfalz.

"The papers relating to the Paltz Patent are among the most cherished possessions of the Huguenot Historical Society of New Paltz, New York, Inc They are written in Dutch and present a unique example of fair dealing between red men and white. LeFevre's History gives the translation as follows:

Contract of Sale

'By approbation of his Excellency Governor Edmond Andros, dated 28 April 1677, an agreement is made on this date, the 26th of May, of the year 1677, for the purchase of certain lands, between the parties herein named and the undersigned Esopus Indians.

'Matsaysay, Nekahakaway, Magakahas, Assinnerakan, Wawawanis, acknowledge to have sold to Lowies du Booys and his partners the land described as follows: Beginning from the high hills at a place named Moggonck, from thence south-east toward the river to a point named Juffrous Hoock (Juffrons Hook), lying in the Long Reach, named by the Indians Magaatramis (Great River), then north up along the river to the island called by the Indians Raphoes (Rappoos, on the Kroonme Elbow), then west toward the high hills to a place called Waratahaes and Tawaentaqui, along the high hills south-west to Moggonck, being described by the four corners with everything included within these boundaries, hills, dales, waters, etc., and a right of way to the Ronduyt kill (Rondout Kill - New Paltz) as directly as it can be found, and also that the Indians shall have the same right to hunt and to fish as the Christians, for which land the Indians have agreed to accept the articles here specified:

'40 kettles, 10 large, 30 small; 40 axes, 40 adzes; 40 shirts, 400 fathoms of white net-work; 300 fathoms of black net-work; 60 pairs of stockings, half small sizes; 100 bars of lead; 1 keg of powder; 100 knives; 4 kegs of wine; 40 oars; 40 pieces of duffel (heavy woolen cloth); 60 blankets; 100 needles; 100 awls; 1 measure of tobacco; 2 horses - 1 stallion, 1 mare.

'Parties on both sides acknowledge to be fully satisfied herewith and have affixed their own signatures ad ut supra.

Louwies Du Booys

Matsaya x his mark

Christian de Yoo x his mark

Waehtonck x his mark

Abraham Haesbroecq

Seneraken x his mark

Andrie Lefeber

Magakahoos x his mark

Jan Broecq

Wawateanis x his mark

Piere Doyo

Anthony Crespel

Abraham Du Booys

Hugo Freer

Isaack D. Boojs

Symon Lefeber Witnesses: Jan Eltinge; Jacomeyntje Sleght; Jan Mattyse. Agrees with the original. W. La: Montague, Secry.

'I do allow of the within Bargaine and shall Grant patents for y Same when payments made accordingly before mee or Magistrates of Esopus.

Andross,'

"This contract of sale, signed by the five chiefs of the Esopus and the twelve patentees of New Paltz, was followed on 15 September 1677 by a deed signed by 29 heads of families of the Esopus (including two women), and is translated as follows:

The Indian Deed

'We the undersigned persons, former owners of the land sold to Lowies du Booys and his partners acknowledge to have been fully satisfied by them according to agreement we therefore transfer the designated land with a free right of way for them and their heirs, and relinquishing forever our right and title, will protect them against further claims, in token whereof we have affixed our signatures in the presence of the Justice, Sheriff, Magistrates and Bystanders, on the 15 September 1677 at Hurley, Esopus Sackmakers

'Witnesses: Sewakuny x his mark; Hamerwack x his mark; Manvest x her mark; Mahente; Papoehkies x his mark; Pochquqet x his mark; Haroman x his mark; Pagotamin x his mark; Haromini x his mark; Wingatiek x his mark; Wissinahkan x his mark; Mattawessick x his mark; Matsayay x his mark; Asserwvaka x his mark; Umtronok x his mark; Wawanies x sister in his absence called Warawenhtow; Magakhoos x her mark; Wawejask x his mark; Nawas x his mark; Tomaehkapray x his mark; Sagarowanto x his mark; Sawanawams x his mark; Machkamoeke x his mark.

'Witnesses: Jan Eltinge; Roelof Hendrycke; John Ward; Gars x Harris; Albert Jansen.

'Testis: Thomas Chambers; Hall Sherrife; Wessel Ten Broeck; Dirck Schepmoes; Hendrik Jochemsen; Joost de Yadus; Garit x Cornelise; Lambert x Huybertse.

'Mattay has publicly proclaimed and acknowledged in the presence of all the Indian bystanders that the land had been fully paid for in which all concurred.

'Testis:

W. Montague, Secr.'

"The grant by Gov. Edmund Andros confirming this purchase of land from the Indians, is in English as follows:

The Patent

'Edmund Andros, Esqr. Seigneur of Sansmarez, Lieut't Governor generall under his Royall Highness: James Duke of Yorke & Albany &c. of all his Territoryes in America. WHEREAS there is a certain piece of Land att Esopus, the which by my approbation and Consent, hath been purchased of the Indian Proprietors, by Lewis DuBois and Partners; The said Land lyeing on the South side of the Redoute Creek or Kill, beginning from the High Hills called Moggonck, from thence stretching South East neare the Great River, to a certain Point or Hooke, called the Jeuffrous Hoocke, lyeing in the long Reach named by the Indyans Magaatramis, then North up alengst the River to an Island in a Crooked Elbow in the Beginning of the Long Reach called by the Indyans Raphoos, then West, on to the High Hills, to a place called Waratahaes and Tawaratague, and so alongst the said High Hills South West to Moggonck aforesaid; All which hath by the Magistrates of Esopus been certifyed unto mee, to have been publiquely bought and paid for in their presences; As by the returne from theme doth and may appeare:

'KNOW YEE that by vertue of his Ma'ties Letters Patents and the Commission and authority unto mee given by his Royall Highness, I have given, Ratifyed, confirmed and granted, and by these presents doe hereby give, ratify, confirme & grant unto the said Lewis DuBois and Partners, Thatt is to say, Christian Doyo, Abraham Haesbroecq, Andries Lefevre, Jean Broecq, Pierre Doyo, Laurens Biverie, Anthony Crespell, Abraham DuBois, Hugo Frere, Isaack DuBois, and Symeon LeFebre, their heyres and Assignes, the afore recited piece of Land and premises; Together with all the Lands, Soyles, Woods, Hills, Dales, meadowes, pastures, Marshes, Lakes, waters, Rivers, fishing, Hawking, Hunting and fowling, and all other Profitts, Commoditys, and Emoluments whatsoever to the said piece of land and premises belonging, with their & every of their appurtenances, & of every part and parcell thereof; TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said piece of Land and Premises, with all and Singular the appurtenances unto the said Lewis DuBois and partners their heyres and Assignes, to the proper use and behoofe of him the said Lewis DuBois and partners their heyres and Assignes for ever. AND that the plantacons which shall bee settled upon the said piece of land bee a Township and that the Inhabitants to have liberty to make a High Way between them and the Redout Creeke or Kill for their Convenience. Hee, the said Lewis DuBois and partners their heyres and Assigns, Returning due Surveys & makeing improvem't thereon according to Law; And Yielding and paying therefore yearely and every yeare unto his Royall Highnesse use as an acknowledgment or Quitt Rent att the Redout in Esopus five bushells of good Winter Wheat unto such Officer or Officers as shall be empowered to receive the same:

'Given under my hand and Sealed with y Seale of the Province in New Yorke this 29th day of September in the 29th yeare of his Ma'ties Reigne, Anno Domini 1677.

Andross.

'Examined by mee, Matthias: Nicolls, Secr.'

"The final action taken by Governor Andros in regard to granting the patent appears in the Documentary History of New York as follows:

'Upon request of Louis DuBois and partners at Esopus, that they may have Liberty to goe and settle upon the land by them purchased on the South side of the Redout Creek, at their first convenience, these are to certify that they have Liberty to do so, Provided they build a Redoute there first for a place of Retreat and Safeguard upon Occasion:

'Action in New York, November 1677. E. Andros'

"From Kingston the little party came to New Paltz in three carts, and the spot of their encampment, about a mile south of the present village, on the west side of the Wallkill is still known as Tri-Cor, 'Three Carts'.

"On 28 December 1678 an Indian deed for land at Esopus, embracing 'ye land on both sides of ye creeke, and ye land called in ye Indian tongue Pawachta to Pakasek, Wakaseeck, Wakankonach (Ibid., p. 152).

"In 1686, Louis DuBois, who had been the leader of the settlement, returned from New Paltz to Kingston, where he purchased a house and lived at this location ten years until his death in 1696."

"Early records of Kingston include:
"Book 1, p. 11: 16 November 1661, Lowys DuBo against Bart Lybrantse, demand for freight of cattle, 7 schepels of wheat - sentenced to pay.
"Book 2, p. 259: 11 August 1679, shows sale of negro named Mingoo for 1000 Guilders to Thomas Harmansen & Jan Hendrix.
"Book 2, p. 259: 11 August 1679, shows a sale of negro and negress for 800 guilders to Matthew Blanchan.
"Book 2, p. 450: 22 December 1679, Louis DuBois complaint that he has been beaten and also that he was disturbed by loud knocking at his door. The jury decided that the defendant has been unjustly accused and complainent must pay expenses.
"Book 2, p. 603: 4 April 1682, Louis DuBois against Thomas Chambers. Demand excise pay. Answer: that according to law no excise is to be levied at the Paltz. Ordered not to distill until the case shall have been settled and the hose and distilling apparatus are to be taken from there.
"And many others.

"Some land transfers in Kingston:
"6 February 1688: Lewis DuBois to Anthony Dilba, a house and lot in Kingston, south of William de la Montanye.
"16 March 1689: Joachim Van Name to Louis DuBois, a certain fly (meadow) being upon the Great Binnewater.
"8 August 1689: Trustees of the Corporation of Kingston to Louis DuBois, a tract upon the Great Binnewater, north of Town.
"20 May 1691: Matthys Matthysen to Louis DuBois, a house and lot adjoining the land of the said DuBois.
"5 November 1698: Trustees of the Corporation of Kingston to heirs of Louis DuBois, Twenty acres formerly owned by John Hendrickse."

Louis died at Kingston, reported by Heidgerd as 23 June 1693. However, Louis had three wills (all written in Dutch) recorded in Ulster County Surrogate's Office, the last of which was dated 22 February 1696, and his wills were proved on 26 March 1696, so his death occurred sometime during that interval of a month's time.

An early will, or more properly defined, a joint agreement of Louis DuBois and Catherine, his wife, was dated 13 October 1676 and written in Dutch, translated as follows: "After their deaths, the whole estate shall go to their children, the monors first to be educated until they can earn a living. If either should re-marry, he or she shall pay one half to the children, begotten by them, and in case of death, one fourt of the remaining half shall be divided among the children. If the survivor remains unmarried, he or she shall not be compelled to pay out anything more to the children than it may please the survivor, either as a marriage portion, or in some other way. At death of both parties, the children shall inherit the entire estate. In case of re-marriage of either party, without lawful issue, the children shall have one half of the estate."

A will dated 30 March 1686, and recorded 5 May 1686, provides that Louis' "estate, after payment of debts to be equally divided 'amongst my children but my two eldest sons desiring to have Each of them a part of the land of New Paltz and more than the other children by Reason their names 'uppon the Patent', but if they will be content 'to deale Equally with my other children whether in land, houses or any other sort of goods whatever belonging to my Estate As well the land of the Paltz....' that if they have the land at New Paltz they should pay a share of its worth to the other children as all of the estate should be divided equally. 'My wife, their mother, shall have the ordering of the Estate as long as she remains a widow.' 'If she marry the Estate to be divided among the children aforesaid except my two eldest sons.'

"The second will dated 27 March 1694, proved 26 March 1696, states that if the widow should marry, then to the eldest son Abraham, 6 Pounds, as his primogeniture right, also 1/8 of the estate; son Jacob 1/8; and 1/8 to each of the following children: David, Solomon, Louis, Matthew; and to the children of deceased son Isaac 1/8; and to children of Sara wife of Joost Janse (Van Meter) 1/8. Wife Catherine appointed executrix."

Louis' will dated 22 February 1695/6 and written in the Dutch language provides for the disposition of his property as follows: "to my son Jacob half of my farm at Hurley adjoining land of Hyman and Jan Rosa and land of Lammert Huyberse on condition that he pays 1500 shepels wheat; Jacob to use the other half until my youngest son Matthew Du Bois becomes of age, for which he is to pay 50 shepels wheat yearly. I have this day conveyed to my youngest son, Matthew Du Bois, house and land in Kingston, a parcel of me adow land, and one half of my land at Hurley, for which he is to pay 1500 schepels of wheat. Payments for the land which my son David bought from Jan Wood to come out of my estate, as I had promised my son David. My sons Salomon and Louis Du Bois are to have my land in the Paltz, conveyed to me by deed from Coll. Thomas Dongan, dated 2 June 1688, for which they are to pay 800 shepels of wheat. My daughter Sara wife of Joost Janse to have a piece of land in Hurley adjoining the land of Corneles Cool, for which she is to pay 700 shepels of wheat. This includes the woodland adjoining."

The Ulster County Genealogy Archive included a brief biography which stated: "There is a memorial to Louis in the Dutch Reformed Churchyard, right across from the Post Office. His actual burial place is unknown, but it is somewhere on the Churchyards grounds." 1948

“Louis du Bois de Finnes, born October 10, 1626, in La Basse, near Lille, in the province of Artois, France, married, October 10, 1655, at Mannheim, in the Lower Palatinate of Germany, to Catherine Blanchan, daughter of Mathese and Madelaine [Jorisse] Blanchan, who were co-refugees with the du Bois from French Flanders to Wicres, Artois, France. Louis du Bois died 1695. The du Bois des Fiennes appear to have been of military stock, and to have furnished France with som eable soldiers. At least ten of them were in the last crusade. The first Maximillien was ‘Marischall des camps et du armees du roi’; his son was a Lieutenant-General int he French Legion; and Louis du Bois’ father - Cretien, Marquis des Fiennes - was Captain of cavalry in his father’s regiment.” 1904

“Among the Walloons from Artois found here, were Matthieu Blanchan, Louis Du Bois, and Antoine Crispel: Blanchan having sojourned in England, as perhaps had the other two, who became his sons-in-law. “1964

“Louis Du Bois, married to Blanchan’s daughter Catherine, probably came out with his brother-in-law Pierre Billiou, also from artois, in the ship St. Jan Baptist, which arrived here August 6, 1661 - reasons Du Bois and wife were not present at the communion season referred to, but with letters joined the church there not until October 1, 1661, having a child baptized nine days after. Blanchan, Du Bois and Crepel all got land in Hurley, near Kingston, and received groundbriefs April 25, 1663. Du Bois died in Kingston in 1696, and his widow married Jean cottin, named page 71.”1964

“The two eldest children of Louis du Bois were born in Mannheim; and in 1660 the family came to America. Upon their arrival here they proceeded to New Village [New Pals] in Ulster Co., N.Y., where Louis rapidly rose to prominence in local civil and religious affairs. He, with two of his sons, were among the ‘twelve patentees’ of New Paltz, receiving the grant from Governor Andross, September 6, 1677. Louis was also a member of the first Court of Sessions held at Kingston, the seat of ulster County. He led in demanding of the English government, and of the Assembly, that there should be no taxation without the consent of the people, and for this daring attitude he lost his commission. Thus anticipating the crisis of 1776! In 1663, Louis du Bois headed an expedition against the Minnisink Indians, and was of the colonial forces against them again in 1670. The first-named punitive expedition of June 7, 1663, was known in the New York history as the Eusopus War. It was organized at the time the settlement was attacked by the Minnisinks, who burned Hurley, killed and injured some of the settlers, and carried away as prisoners, the wife of Louis du Bois, his three children, and at least two of Jan Joosten’s. These were taken to the fastnesses of the Catskill Mountains and there remained in captivity for months, but were rescued on the eve of torture by du Bois and Captain Martin Kreiger’s company of Manhattan soldiers; the trainband finally rounded up the Indians and defeated them on September 3, 1663. In connection with this tragic experience the following statement is quoted: ‘ About ten weeks after the capture of the women and children, the Indians decided to celebrate their own escape from pursuit by burning some of their victims and the ones selected were Catherine du Bois, and her baby Sara, who afterward married her companion in captivity, John Van Metre. A cubical pile of logs was arranged and the mother and child placed thereon; when the Indians were about to apply the torch, Catherine began to sing the 137th Psalm as a death chant. The Indians withheld the fire and gave her respite while they listened; when she had finished they demanded more, and before she had finished the last one her husband and the Dutch soldiers from New Amsterdam arrived and surrounded the savages, killed and captured some, and otherwise inflicted terrible punishment upon them, and released the prisoners.’ Louis Du Bois was one of the founders, and the first elder, of the Reformed Dutch Church at New Paltz. He often officiated at the marriage ceremonies and baptisms among the families connected with the church, and with many enterprises of civic importance and progress his name was frequently mentioned.” 1904

“Louis du Bois, as he always wrote his name, - ‘Dubois’ being wholly a modern usage, - was born in 1626. He was about thirty-four years old when he arrived in America with his wife, Catherine, whose maiden name was Blanshan, and their two sons, Abraham and Isaac. Old Testament names were much used by the Huguenots, and Louis and Jacques du Bois were Huguenots. Louis and his wife had been married in Germany. They settled in Kingston, New York, where their house is still in the possession of the family. Louis du Bois was one of the founders of the historic old Dutch Reformed Church at Kingston.” 1953

“The Coat-Armor here embazoned is ascribed to Louis du Bois, the Huguenot setler of Kingston. It is: Argent, a lion rampant sable, armed and langued gules. Crest: Between two tree stumps vert, the lion of the Arms. Motto: Tiens ta foy.” 1953

He and Jacques have often been said to have been sons of Chretien du Bois. 862, 1953

“Louis du Bois, born at Wicres, near Lille in Artois, France, 1626, migrated to Manheim in the Palatinate of the Rhine, Germany, to escape religious persecution. He married, October 10, 1655, Cahterin Blanshan or Blanjean. They emigrated to America 1660 with their two sons, Abraham and Isaac. Louis du Bois died 1696, and his wife Catherine survived him several years.” 862

“Louis du Bois paid thirteen guilders a year pew rent. On the church register we note:
‘October 9, 1661
Vadde van dit kint Loui Duboi
Modder Cattery Blancsan
Kint Jacob
Getruygen Antoy Crepel, Maddeleen Joonse.’
Translated, somewhat paraphrased: On the 9th October 1661 there was presented for baptism, by the father Louis du Bois, and the mother Catharine Blancon, a child named Jacob, being only a few days old. The witnesses or sponsors (usual in Dutch churches) were Anthony Crispel and Magdalen Janse. The church kept excellent records. When the British came and burned Kingston, the State Capitol, the records were hastily tossed into a cart to escape the British invaders and the flames of 1777 during the Revolutionary War.” 1929

“The first Register of the French church of New Paltz contains a brief account of the baptisms, marriages, and deaths of the congregation from January 1683 to 1702. The first page is in the handwriting of Louis du Bois himself, the first Elder, and Clerk of the Session. . . .the church of which Louis du Bois was the first elder was established in 1683, a french Reformed Church, as strictly Huguenot as any association of protestant christians in France. For fifty years the language of the record was french, succeeded by the Low Dutch for seventy years more.” 1929

“Louis DuBois, the leader of the Huguenot settlers at New Paltz, was born at Wicres, near Lille, in the province of Artois (in French Flanders), October 27, 1626. The farm of his father Cretien is still pointed out. Louis moved to Manheim, on the Rhine, the capital of the Palatinate or Paltz, a little principality, now incorporated in Baden, and there he married Catharine Blanshan, the daughter of Matthew Blanshan, a burgher residing there. To Louis and his wife there were born a numerous family of children . . Of these children Abraham and Isaac were born at Manheim and the rest in Ulster county. Manheim was at that time a refuge for the Protestants from the neighboring parts of France, and Baird in his ‘Huguenot Emigration,’ says that the LeFevres, Hasbroucks, Crispells, etc., were associated with Louis DuBois at Manheim. The exact date of the emigration to America and the name of the ship are not known, but the time was certainly between 1658 and 1661. At the latter date he was residing at Hurley, and his third son, Jacob, was presented for baptism at the church at Kingston, as still shown by the church register, that being one of the earliest entries. In 1663, June 10, Hurley and part of Kingston were burned by the Indians, and the wife of Louis DuBois, with three children, were among those carried away captive. Three months afterwards an expedition under Captain Crieger recovered the captives, surprising the Indians at their fort, near the Hogabergh, in Shawangunk. According to the tradition the discovery of the lowlands along the Wallkill during this expedition led to the settlement at New Paltz in 1678. Louis DuBois was the first elder of the church here, and the first entry int he church register commencing in 1638, still in existance, is in his hand writing. In 1686 Louis DuBois returned from New Paltz to Kingston, where he bought a house and resided ten years, until his death in 1696. This house stood at the north-west corner of John street and Clinton avenue, near the late residence of F.L. Westbrook.” 1965

“On June 7th, 1663, an Indian war party raided the settlement, taking Catherine, three of their children, and others as prisoners. Louis, with Captain Martin Kreiger and a party of thirty men set out in pursuit of the Indians and their captives. They surprised and killed one of the Indian’s rear guard, and took another captive. From him they learned the whereabouts of the main party, and on the second day found them. The Indians had bound the captives ot trees, in preparation for torture and death, but Catherine led the group in singing the 137th Psalm, which laments the affliction of the Israelites as they sat by Babylon’s stream. So sweet was the sound of this soung that the savages hesitated. Louis and his party also heard them, surprised the Indians, and set the prisoners free.” 1966

“Three years later, remembering the fertile Walkill valley, where this had taken place, Louis and eleve others bought from the Indians a large tract of land and founded the historic ‘New Paltz’ colony. Louis became the first Elder of the Walloon Church there - the Walloons were French speaking Protestant Belgians - and died at Kingston in June, 1696. “ 1966

“Jan Joosten was selected, October 6, 1673, as one of the four magistrates of Hurley and Marbletown - to supervise the merging of the vilalge of Niew-Drop into those of Hurley and Marbletown under the English rule. The other magistrates were Jan Broerson, Louis du Bois, and Roelof Hendricksen.” 1932

“Louis du Bois de Fiennes, Huguenot ancestor in Colonial wars, (father of Sara of Meteren) born 28 Oct. 1626 in La Basse near Lille, in Province of Artois, France. He is said to have been a descendant of Guelph, Prince of the Scyrii (A.D. 476) (Italy to Bavaria) but the line is broken, the names of some being erased and their property confiscated, when they espoused and held to the faith of Protestantism. Louis took efuge from religious persecution at Mannheim in Lower Palatinate of Germany, where he married a refugee from French Flanders, Catherine, dau. of Mathese Blanchan of Wicres, Artois or Marseilles, France, 10 Oct. 1655. Their two eldest children were b. in Mannheim. Emigrated to America 1660, settled in New Village (Hurley) near Kingston, Ulster Co., N.Y. - was one of the original patentees of New Paltz. Fought in Second Esopus war 1663 . . served with Colonial forces against Indians 1670 - Louis d. Kingston, 1696. Will was proved 27 Mar. 1696.” 1928

“Louis Du Bois is the ancestor of the Huguenot family of Du Bois. He was born October 27th, at Wierer, in France. Driven from France by religious persecution, he sought refuge in Germany. While at Mannheim, in Germany, he married, October 10th, 1655, Kathryn, the daughter of Matthys Blanshan, afterward the distiller at Hurley. He came over to this country and settled in Esopus about the year 1660; from thence he removed to Hurley. In 1667 he and his eleven associates became the patentees of New Paltz. He then removed with his associates and formed the settlement at New Paltz. After a residence of ten years in New Paltz he returned to Kingston. He purchased a house on the northwest corner of what is now Clinton Avenue and John Street, and there spent the remaining ten years of his life. What is remarkable, that plot of land, after having been out of the family only two generations in this century, is again in the family and owned and occupied by his descendants. Loui had a large family of children, ten in number, and many of them have been as fruitful as he; so that they are very numerous, and scattered about the Union in every direction.” 1967

“Lewis Dubois, who emigrated to America, was born about the year 1630, and settled up the North river, in Ulster county, N.Y., where a number of his countrymen had also come to escape religious persecution. They were called Huguenots, being followers of Calvin. The great persecution, amounting almost to extermination of the Protestants, is generally referred to the revocation of the edict of Nantes, which took place in 1685, in the reign of Louis XIV. Lewis Dubois married Catharine Blancon; she was born at Manheim, in Germany, where he had gone to escape persecution. It appears, by the record of him after their marriage, they returned to France again, and in that country their son, Abraham Dubois, was born in 1638; soon after that event they left Strasburg for this country, and settled in Ulster county. Their son, Jacob Dubois, was born in 1662. About the year 1714 Jacob had heard there was a large quantity of good land for sale in the southern part of New Jersey. He left his native county in New York and moved to this State to view the lands he heard so much of. Daniel Cox, of Burlington, after he married Rebecca Hedge, the widow of Samuel Hedge, Jr., came in possession of a large quantity of good land in Fenwick’s tenth. He owned large tracts of land in what is now Pittsgrove township. Jacob and his sister, John and Isaac Vanmeter, purchased 3,000 acres of the said Daniel Cox, of this tract.” 1939

In Dutch Records of Kingston:
“First Session, held Wednesday, November 16, Anno 1661 . . .
Bart Sybrantse, plaintiff, demands of Lowys Dubo the amount of seven schepels of wheat as payment for the freight of cattle. Lowys Dubo, defendant, says he paid his share. Whereas, the defendant admits having ordered the cattle of Bart, he is therefore, after deliberation, ordered to pay.” 1942

In Dutch Records of Kingston:
“Ordinary Session, held Tuesday, March 19, 1662. . .
Lowys Dubo, plaintiff, vs. Coenraet Jans or Ham and Christiaen Andrissen, defendatns. Plaintiff demands from defendants payment of five schepels of rye, on account of ribbons sold them. Defendants admit the debt. The Commissaries order defendants to pay within three weeks.” 1942

“Ordinary Session, held Tuesday, April 18, 1662. . .
Lowys Dubo, plaintiff, vs. Coenraet Ham and Christiaen Andrissen, defendants. Default.
Lowys Dubo, plaintiff, vs. Pieter hillebratse, defendant. Default.” 1942

“Ordinary Session, held Tuesday, May 2, 1662. . .
Lowys Dubo, plaintiff, demands from Pieter Hillebrantse payment of the amount of two schepels of wheat due for ribbons sold him. Defendant, Pieter hillebrantsen admits owing the debt to plaintiff. The Commissaries order defendant to pay plaintiff the amount sued for, within two months’ time.” 1942

Tuesday, December 9, 1664:
“Mattheus Capito, Plaintiff vs. Louwies DuBois, Defendant
Plaintiff says that defendant refuses to contribute to the preacher’s salary for the two lots of plaintiff’s which he occupies. Defendant answers, having contracted with plaintiff to use the lots till May 1665 in consideration for fencing them in, chopping the trees and manuring the land. Plaintiff answers and denies the same, and demands that defendant shall quit the lots, in case he remains unwilling to satisfy plaintif’s demand. The hon. court orders defendant to prove his assertion at the next session.” 1942

“ ‘1683, January 22. Mr. Pierre Daillie, Minister of the Word of God, arrived at New Paltz, preached twice on the Sunday following, and proposed, at a social gathering of the families, to elect by a majority of votes of the heads of families, an elder and a deacon. This was done and the following named were elected:
Louis Dubois as elder, and
Hughe Frere as deacon’ “1968

“The following three entries from book No. 2 are also in French: . . .
The names of those who have here built this house: . . .Louys Du boys . . .” 1968

“Not long before his death Louis deeded to his youngest son, Matthew, a certain tract of land in Kingston. The original document is in the possession of Mr. Julius Schoonmaker.” Full text to be entered. 1965

“The last will of Louis DuBois, as recorded in the Surrogate’s office of the County of New York, is in Dutch, dated March 26, 1694, and was proved July 13, 1697. A previous will is as follows, made at the time of his removal from New Paltz to Kingston.” [text of will dated 31 March 1686 to be entered] 1965

“Louis was not only a very extensive land owner but a money lender likewise,and the writer has in his possession several receipts in his handwriting and with his signature for loans repaid to Louis in his later years.” [photocopies on file]. 1965

“Watch Out for Fake Family Trees
By James Pylant
Several years ago, upon our first visit to Salt Lake City's Family History Library, we found a microfilmed copy of a genealogy of the Van Meterens in New York. It traced the lineage of this family back to Joost Jansen Van Meteren who married Sara DuBois. But it was the DuBois bloodline that never seemed to end. It started with Sara's parents, French immigrants, and continued backward, giving names of grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on. It concluded with the DuBois descent from the Plantagenet family. In just an hour we started our search with a seventeenth century New York family and ended with a royal bloodline. There was no documentation, but we wouldn't let it end there. After returning from Salt Lake City, a search was started on the newly found DuBois line. It did not take long to answer that question about documention for the royal bloodline. William Heidgerd's The American Descendants of Chrétien DuBois of Wicres, France, Part One (New Paltz, New York: DuBois Family Association, 1968), gave the sobering news. The illustrious DuBois lineage was widely published, but that didn't make it accurate. A French genealogist hired by a DuBois descendant had, as Heidgerd wrote, "perpetrated upon her an outrageous fraud." The French genealogist copied the lineage of a DuBois family of royal descent from a reliable reference and then grafted the noble branch to the family tree of his client. The French genealogist purposely combined the identities of Chrétien DuBois and Chrétien Maxmillan DuBois des Fiennes. He then conveniently omitted dates of birth and death, for Chrétien DuBois was at least 120 years older than Chrétien Maxmillan DuBois des Fiennes! Heidgerd credits the late Reverend W. Twyman Williams for exposing the fraud. Although the Williams report was in 1935, many did not learn of it until the publication of Heidgerd's volume -- more than 30 years later. Sadly, this is often the case with fraudulent genealogies. They make their way into books which sit on library shelves waiting to deceive a new, unsuspecting generation of genealogists.”1969

“The parents of Sarah DuBois were Louis DuBois and Catherine Blanchan. Louis DuBois ("the Walloon" as he was called) b Oct. 27, 1626 in Wicres, Artois, Flanders. He mar Oct. 10, 1655 at the French church in Mannheim in Baden and died 1696 Kingston, NY. Louis and Catherine emigrated Aug. 6, 1661 possibly on the "St. Jan Baptiste". Catherine Blanchan b abt 1635 in Artois and d 1713 in NY. Both came from French Huguenot families in the area of northern France that was at the time known as Spanish Netherlands. They lived in the Paltz or Palatinate along the Rhine River before emigrating to New Amsterdam. Land and privilege were confiscated by the ruling Catholic authorities and under King Louis XIV it became government policy to destroy church or public records which would allow a Huguenot to prove any right to inheritance. Louis and Catherine were among the earliest settlers in the Dutch village of Esopus (now Kingston, Ulster Co, NY) along with her parents who had arrived a year earlier (April 1660) on "The Gilded Otter". Louis served on the Duzine which was the governing body consisting of 12 men from the founding families of the New Paltz as it was known. This area came under Dutch and English influence at different times leading to changes in names, custom, etc. The dealings of this community with the local Amerindians of the Iroquois, Mohawk and other groups is quite well documented. “1957

“Louis along with other Huguenot refugees moved to Mannheim, Germany (near Heidelberg) on the Rhine River. This area was called die Pfalz (hence the origin later of the village name of New Paltz). While in Germany, Louis DuBois married another French Huguenot, Catherine Blanchan in 1655. They emigrated to America in 1660 and traveled ninety miles up the Hudson River to a small community in the Kingston - Hurley area where he obtained a land grant in 1663.”1952

“In the 1660's during the "Esopus Wars", there were many hostile incidents between white settlers and the Esopus Indians. During these times in 1663 a raid killed 21 people and Catherine Blanchan DuBois and her three children were carried off and held captive for three months before being rescued by a contingent of Dutch soldiers. During this expedition to rescue his wife tradition has it that Louis DuBois discovered the beautiful Walkill valley which became his new home.”1952

“Matthew Blanchan was in Mannheim by 1651, along with enough Huguenots to form a separate French congregation. The next year, they obtained the services of Pastor Benedict de Besson and Matthew was among the first deacons of the Huguenot congregation in Mannheim, elected in 1652. Soon after, also to resettle and rebuild Mannheim, Louis du Bois of Wicres and Antoine Crispell had arrived and subsequently married two of Matthew’s daughters.“ 1929

“The Life and Times of Louis DuBois - Part I

By Anson DuBois, 1875
[ From the 1875 reunion book ]

I am to present to you a sketch of

The life and times of Louis DuBois
(called sometimes Louis deWall, or the Walloon).

From the date of his arrival in America, we have just had; what can be known of his European history. His birth at Wicres, near Lille, the chief town of Artois, in northern France, October 27,1626. His retiring to the city of Mannheim, in the Palatinate of the Rhine, in Germany, where he married Catherine Blanchon, or Blanjean, the daughter of a burgher of that place. October 10th 1655; and the birth there of two sons, Abraham and Isaac. This little family, doubtless with other French Protestants, embarked for America in 1660, seeking in the New World, an asylum from royal and Romish persecution.

They sailed, no doubt, from a Holland port, in a Dutch vessel, to these western possessions of the States-General. At the period in which they arrived, the whole country was new. . . .
Two hundred poorly constructed houses gave partial comfort to some fourteen hundred people. The fort loomed up broadly in front, partially hiding within it the barracks, the governor's official residence, and the Old Dutch church. A globe-shaped steeple upon the latter seemed to suggest that the church alone could elevate the world, and the weathercock, upon his high perch, stood watching for the millennial morning. The flag of the States-General, and a wind-mill on the western bastion, were notable indications of Hollandish rule. Wherever else in all that broad and beautiful bay, the eye of our ancestor rested, he saw only the forest, with possibly here and there an opening among the trees.

We have not the name of the ship or of his fellow-passengers. Probably Reverend Hendricus Selyns, afterwards pastor at Brooklyn, and his companion to America, Rev. Hermanus Blom, were in the company. Blom had preached at Kingston the previous year and now came to settle there, and thus became the pastor of Louis DuBois.They came in the same year.But we cannot say that they came in the same ship. Mathew Blanchon, a brother-in-law, and Antone Crispell and Hugo Frere, early and intimate friends of Louis, may also have been with him.

DuBois and his companions must have landed at the company's dock. Some two blocks from South ferry, near Moore Street. Turning to the left, they would have passed the White Hall of Governor Stuyvesant and the fort, and entered the Heere straat the "Lord street", or street of rank, now Broadway, just above Bowling Green. A little further up they would have found the substantial residence of the Dutch clergyman, or Dominie, as the Dutch delight to call him Rev. Megapolensis.

Just across the street was the affable inn- keeper, Captain Martin Kregier, a man of mark, a captain of the militia, a burgomaster, and officer of the council. His discretion and bravery had full exercise three years after this, while in command at Esopus. DuBois may have met other refugees, some of whom came as early as 1628.And he may have found friends at New Rochelle.

DuBois and his companions must now leave New Amsterdam. Governor Stuyvesant was absent on business, in the summer of 1660, at Esopus and Fort Orange if his absence occurred at this time, DuBois applied for permission to go to the upper country to Henrick Van Dyck. The schout fischael, whose tasteful mansion stood on the Heere straet. Among gardens and orchards, running down to the North River, and near Dominie Megapolensis.

All things being in readiness, DuBois, with his wife, children and friends, much refreshed by their sojourn in the City set out for the upper Hudson. The scenes were now a constant wonder for the people who had sailed only on European rivers, where hamlet and castle and city leave scarcely room for farm or garden. The sloping Eastern Shore, the bald front of the Palisades, the Highlands with narrower water and towering peaks springing to the clouds from either shore; the broader bay at Newburg. And, finally, the blue outlines of the Shawangunk and the Catskills met their gaze.

Everywhere were forests, vast and deep. At long intervals only could be seen the thin smoke of the Indian wigwam circling among the tree-tops, or a bark-canoe gliding furtively across some darksome bay; but nothing, in the long. Tedious sail, that bore the most distant resemblance to their old home beyond the Atlantic. . .
At length the sloop turned her prow into the Rondout creek. The village of Wiltwyck. In the "Esopus country", as Dominie Blom designated the Kingston of his day, was now just beginning its permanent growth. History states that the Dutch established a trading post at Rondout in 1614. Tradition, however, has it that the first settlers of Ulster county landed at Saugerties, and followed up the Esopus kill, through unbroken forests, twelve miles, and settled finally at Kingston, being attracted by the rich alluvial meadows. But this settlement was twice broken up before the arrival of our emigrants, and so late as 1655 is said to have been wholly abandoned. Before 1660 it had been reoccupied and put in some posture of defense.” 1970

“Soon after arriving at Wiltwyck, we may suppose Louis DuBois took measures for securing a home and a portion of land; for he had been a tiller of the soil, and, like the Old Testament patriarchs, "his trade hath been about cattle." We have commonly assumed that his home was at Wiltwyck, now Kingston, before going to New Paltz. This is probably incorrect. His home at this period was at Hurley three miles from Kingston, where he kept a store and traded thriftily with his neighbors and the people of the back settlements, and with the Indians. At the Indian raid of 1663,Hurley was almost entirely destroyed. Here the Indians secured most of the captives, and amongst them the wife and three children of DuBois, as will appear hereafter. And now Louis and his Christian friends join heart and hand in the work of the church, which had been organized, however, in 1659-- before their arrival. . . .
There seem to have been a number of Huguenot settlers in Wiltwyck and vicinity. Co-mingled with the Dutch. The records of baptisms and marriages kept by the ministers were in Dutch, but it is an interesting fact, that the records of the Kingston church were kept in the French tongue until some years after 1700 Though the preaching was doubtless mainly in Dutch, yet the Huguenot membership and influence was very considerable.

A satisfactory peace had been concluded with the Esopus Indians, and prosperity now attended the settlement. The lands in the neighborhood were successfully cultivated, and hamlets formed at Hurley and Marbletown. The village increased in importance. Good Dominie Blom saw prosperity attend his spiritual labors,* his membership increasing from sixteen to sixty within three years.

But peace was the exception, not the rule, in those early times. The Indians were jealous and inimical, and unfortunately for the good name of civilization and Christianity, as has been the case often since, were not without just cause of offence. After the conclusion of peace, the director- general was so impolite- to use no severer word-as to transport eleven Indians to Curacoa, where formerly he had been governor, to be sold as slaves. Under what pretext this outrage was committed we do not know, but the consequences were very serious.

The Indians naturally determined on revenge, and from the fact that the Esopus country was made the seat of war, it is probable that the enslaved Indians were of that tribe, while there is proof that the other tribes, and especially those further south, sympathized with them.

The particulars of this war, which is called the "Second Esopus War," are fully given in Doc. Hist. N.Y., vol. IV. We are especially interested in it, because Louis DuBois and his family were among the suffers.The little town of Wiltwyck had no suspicion of the impending storm. The stockade was in a dilapidated condition and he fort nearly incapable of defense, though a few soldiers still lingered about it.

The Indians had just been invited by the Director-General to meet him, and renew the peace, and they gave no indication of unwillingness to do so. The people were scattered about, at their various occupations in town and field. In this condition of affairs, on June 7th,1663, the Indians entered within the stockade and under various pretexts scattered themselves through the town.

Suddenly, near noon, a horseman dashed through the Mill gate, now corner of North Front and Greene, crying, "The Indians have destroyed the New Village:-that is, Hurley. This was the signal for the slaughter. The tomahawk and the musket did their dreadful work. The torch was applied at the windward of the village: the smoke railed over the terrified people who could not know how to strike their enemies, or protect their own lives and families. Some fled to the fort; others fired from their houses, or met the foe bravely, hand to hand, in the streets.

Shots in rapid succession, screams, groans, the mother's cry and the child's answer the loud calls of the men as they concerted same plan of defense, and the bloody work of the savages followed! Many a scream ended suddenly by the heavy thud of the war-club. The women, helpless to fight or flee, were herded together with the children, and driven outside the gates. It was an extreme moment, for courage and carnage were not wanting.

Those in the town, under Captain Thomas Chalmers, acted a noble part, and he, though wounded and constantly under fire, soon rallied the available force of the village. The sheriff and commissaries were fully equal to the emergency and even Dominie Blom was among the bravest in this terrific blast of savage warfare. There seem not to have been above twenty available men. "By these men, "says the account, "most of whom had neither guns nor side-arms, were the Indians, through God's mercy, chased and put to flight. By a special favor of Providence, the wind changed when the flames were at their height, and spared the village from complete destruction.

We do not know where Louis DuBois was during the time of the Indian raid upon Wiltwyck. It is possible that he was engaged in the field at too great a distance to return until the fight was over. Or, if his residence was at or near Hurley, his absence was easily accounted for. We have every reason to know that his courage and physical strength would have aided greatly in resisting the savages, had he been present.

A special instance of his prowess and presence of mind may be quoted from Captain Kregier's account, which of itself is sufficient proof of what we say: "Louis, the Walloon, went to-day to fetch his oxen, which had gone back of Juriaen Westphaelen's land. As he was about to drive home the oxen, three Indians, who lay in the bush and intended to seize him, leaped forth. When one of these shot at him with an arrow, but only slightly wounded him, Louis, having a piece of palisade in his hand, struck the Indian on the breast with it, so that he staggered back, and Louis escaped through the kill (creek).

"A man who, even when wounded, could overpower three armed Indians surprising him from an ambush, and escape them, was a man to be missed in the bloody melee that swept through the shivering streets of Wiltwyck.

But though the ruthless enemy had been driven out, and the gates shut against them, the scenes within were most distressing. Says an account, written at the time "There lay the burnt and slaughtered bodies, together with those wounded by bullets and axes. The last agonies and lamentations of many were dreadful to hear."

"The dead lay as sheaves behind the mower. "Outside the walls, were not only the enemy, but with them the captive wives and children. It did not avail them that the gates were hastily closed, or that their husbands and brothers and sons came hurrying in from the fields, so that by evening the town was safe from further attack. A dreadful captivity of shame and suffering was before them and perhaps death itself.

Among the captives were the wife and three children of Louis DuBois. We may imagine their terror and distress as their merciless captors drove them forward through the forests. They knew not who lay dead in the half-burnt town, or what terrible fate awaited them. In that captive company were one man, twelve married women, and thirty-one children. All of the women were mothers with their children, except one who had been but lately married, and was driven from her young husband, each ignorant of each other's fate.

Ten children were there without father or mother. These captives remained among' the Indians for three months. They were separated from each other, and were constantly removed from place to place to avoid rescue. Some were in charge of old squaws. Others were held in particular families, and others still were required to accompany the Indians in their wanderings through the first thought was to repair the fort and stockades.

Pastor Blom, who had entered with such energy into the material conflict, remembered soon after that conflict was fully over, that his office was especially to pour into wounded hearts the oil and wine of Christian consolation. "I have been in their midst" (of dying), he says, "and have gone into their houses and along the roads to speak a word in season, and not without danger of being shot by the Indians. But I went on my mission. and considered not my life my own. Noble words! He adds: "I have also every evening, during a whole month, offered up prayer with the congregation on the four points of our fort, under the blue sky. "The church seems not to have been burnt. We have a list of twelve houses destroyed while the church is not mentioned.

Now follows in the little settlement a period of distressing anxiety. The terrors of an Indian war were upon them, a foe that could spring out of the dark forest suddenly, as the lightening from the black clouds. The first care, after guarding the town, was to send to New York for help.

On June 16th, Lieut. Christian Nyssen arrived with forty-two soldiers and on July 4th came our old friend Captain Martin Kregier, and a larger force in two yachts, and ample military supplies. But the poor captive women and children were not to be rescued in a day. The summer passed in negotiating with the Indians for their return, and in guarding the gathering of the harvest.

We cannot suppose that Louis DuBois was all this time unconcerned about the situation of his family. He prayed often, but he expected no miraculous deliverance of the long-lost captives. How gladly, then, he hailed the prospect of some efficient means for their restoration! The attempt was prepared for early in September. A strong detachment of military, of which Captain Kregier had chief command, was to invade the Indian country. Information was carefully gleaned from friendly Indians, and from one or two escaped captives.

A captured Wappinger Indian was employed to guide the rescuing party, having promise of his freedom and a cloth coat if he led them aright, but death in case of treachery. The place where the captives were held was the "New Fort," six miles from the junction of the Shawangunk kill with the Wall kill. The "Old Fort" was on the Kerhonksen, in Warwarsing. The Indian instructed the party of whites to ascend the first big water (Rondout) to where it received the second (Wall kill); then ascend the second big water to the third (Shawangunk), and near its mouth they would find the Indian stronghold. Here the pony set out from Fort Wiltwyck September 3rd.

There were but forty-five men, all told, under Captain Kregier, with eight horses, taken for the bearing of the wounded. In the company, besides the soldiers and two Negro slaves, were seven freemen. We have no record of their names. They were volunteers. We know, however, that Louis DuBois was one of the number, and others may have been his brother-in-law, Mathew Blanchon, his intimate friends Antoine Crispell and Jan Joosten, who stood witnesses at the baptism of some of his children, and whose wives and children were captives. And may we not think that among the seven were Martin Harmansen, who had lost a wife and four children, and Joost Ariaens, whose young bride, Fennetje, had been ruthlessly torn from his embrace?

* At the date of 1665, there were fifty-five holders of pews, and Louis DuBois paid thirteen guilders a year for pew-rent.” 1970

“The rescuing party pressed on its rough way with their Wappinger Indian guide, and Christofful Davids as interpreter, and on the 5th of September they reached the vicinity of the New Fort. The following is Captain Kregier's account:

"September 5th. Arrived, about two o'clock in the afternoon, within sight of their fort, which we discovered situated upon a lofty plain. Divided our force in two Lieutenant Couwenhoven and I led the right wing and Lieutenant Stillwell and Ensign Niessen the left wing. Proceeded in this disposition, along the hill so as Not to be seen and in order to come right under the fort; but as it was somewhat level on the left side of the fort, and the soldiers were seen by a squaw who was piling wood there, and who sent forth a terrible scream which was heard by the Indians, who were standing and working near the fort, we instantly fell upon them.

The Indians rushed forthwith through the fort towards their houses, which stood about a stone's throw from the fort, in order to secure their arms and thus hastily picked up few guns and bows and arrows; but we were so hot at their heels that they were forced to leave many of them behind. We kept up a sharp fire upon them, and pursued them so closely that they leaped into the creek which ran in front of the lower part of their maize land. On reaching the opposite side of the kill, they courageously returned our fire, which we sent back, so that we were obliged to send a party across to dislodge them.

In this attack the Indians lost their chief, named Japequanchen, fourteen other warriors, four women and three children, whom we saw lying both on this and on the other side of the creek. But probably many more were wounded when rushing from the fort to the houses, when we did give them a brave charge. On our side, three killed and six wounded; and we have recovered three-and-twenty Christians, prisoners, out of their hands. We have also taken thirteen of them prisoners, Both men and women."

The fort was a perfect square. with one row of palisades set all round, being about fifteen feet above and three feet under ground. They had already completed two angles of stout palisades, all of them almost as thick as a man's body, having two rows of portholes, one above the other; and they were busy at the third angle. These angles were constructed so solid and so strong as not to be excelled by Christians. The fan was not so large as the one we had already burned.

The Christian prisoners informed us that they were removed every night into the woods, each night into a different place, through fear of the Dutch, and brought back in the morning. But on the day before we attacked them, a Mohawk visited them, who slept with them during the night. When they would convey the Christian captives again into the woods, the Mohawk said to the Esopus Indians. --'What! Do you carry the Christian prisoners every night into the woods? To which they answered 'Yes.' Whereupon the Mohawk said, 'Let them remain at liberty here, for you live so far in the woods that the Dutch will not come hither, for they cannot come so far without being discovered before they reach you.' Wherefore they kept the prisoners by them that night.

The Mohawk departed in the morning for the Menacing and left a new blanket and two pieces of cloth, which fell to us also as booty; and we came just that day, and fell on them so that a portion of them is entirely annihilated"

In this historical recital, we have followed authentic documents. But there is a history among us for which we are not dependent on State archives. The traditions of these early times have been preserved with remarkable clearness among the descendants of Louis DuBois. Most of them I have myself heard many times from my grandfather and great-uncle. We associated them with the historical narrative already given, and we think correctly. The approach of the rescuing party at the New Fort was betrayed by their dogs, which ran on in advance and centered the Indian camp.

The cry was at once raised and repeated, "Swanekers and deers," "White man's dogs," and thus and stealthy approach was betrayed. (This jargon, swanekers and deers, with its translation--white man's dogs--has been preserved among us for two centuries, wholly by tradition. You may imagine, therefore, how much I was interested in discovering lately, by contemporaneous documents, that the word "swanekers" was the Indian word for "white man" among the Long Island Indians. In this instance our tradition is verified.)

It is also said, that as the whites neared the fort Louis DuBois pressed on ardently, and perhaps incautiously, in advance.Thus exposed, an Indian, from behind a tree, was about to draw his bow for the fatal shot. But, for some cause, the arrow did not rest upon the bowstring, and DuBois instantly sprang upon him the agility and strength of a lion, and dispatched him with his sword. One tradition has it that DuBois ran him through with such force that the sword entered a log, and had to be withdrawn by placing his foot upon the prostrate body, and thus jerking it away by main strength .

"After this," says the account given in the DuBois Family Record,' a consultation was held as to what course it was best to pursue. They agreed to wait till the dusk of the evening, that they might not be discovered at a distance, and then to rush upon them with a loud shout, as though a large force were coming to attack them, rightly judging that the Indians would flee, and leave their prisoners behind. The savages were engaged in preparations for the slaughter of one of their prisoners and that none other than the wife of DuBois.

She had been placed on a pile of wood, on which she was to be burned to death. For her consolation, she had engaged in singing psalms, which having excited the attention of the Indians, they urged her by signs to resume her singing. She did so, and fortunately continued till the arrival of her friends. In good time her deliverers came. The alarm of their approach was given by the cry of 'White man's dogs--white man's dogs;' for while they were listening to the singing of their wives, the dogs had gone on and entered the encampment.

They raised a shout.The Indians fled, and, strange as it may seem, the prisoners also fled with them, but DuBois, being in advance and discovering his wife running after the Indians, he called her by name, which soon brought her to her friends. Having recovered the prisoners, they returned in safety by the way which they went. "The recovered captives informed their husbands that they were soon to be sacrificed to savage fury, and that they had prolonged their lives by singing for their captors, and were just then singing the beautiful psalm of the 'Babylonish Captives.' when they heard the welcome sound of their delivers' voices.

The following, from William E. DuBois, will here be interesting: --
"In the psalmody of the French protestants, every psalm in French version and metre had its own tune; and not only the words, but the music written on the stave, were to be found in their books of devotion or appended to their printed Bibles. In a folio copy of the French Bible, printed at Amsterdam, the writer has found the music and words of this very psalm, the 137th, undoubtedly the same as was sung by Catherine DuBois on this extraordinary occasion, and touchingly adapted to the very circumstances of the captives.

The reader will allow us first to quote a part of the psalm as it stands in our English Bible, and then add the corresponding verses of the French, as it was sung. As to the music, it is a slow, plaintive chant, in the minor mode, beautifully adapted to the subject. It is not in accordance with the style of our modern church music; but those who have listened to the sacred music in French Protestant churches (undoubtedly the same as was used centuries ago), will agree with the writer, that it delightfully harmonizes with the solemnity and elevation of Christian worship. The following is our English version: 'By the river of Babylon, there we sat down: yea, we wept when we remembered Zion, etc. etc.

The following is the French version as she sang it:-

-Etna's assis aux rives aquatiques de Babilon,
Pleurions melancholiqucs,
Nous souvenans du pays de Sion,
Et au milieu de I' habitation,
On de regrets tant de picure epandimes.
Lors ceux qvi Ia captifs noun emrncnerent,
De len sonner Cart nous importunerent,
El de Sion les chansons reciter.
Las! dimes nous, qui pourroit inciter
Nos tristes cocurs a chanter Ia lotiange
De notre Dien en Un terra etrange.

These psalms were much in use among the Huguenots, and they had been forbidden to sing them where they could be heard by others. These very words she had sung doubtless many times in suppressed tones, when hunted by ruthless persecutors and in peril of imprisonment and death. She had sung them in her voluntary exile from kindred and country, when her husband, her babe and religious faith were her only comforts. But now she sung them with the joy of a believer about to die. Her singing proves her both a Christian and a courageous woman.”1970

“The rescue included the greater part of the captives. The Esopus tribe was now nearly exterminated. Late in the autumn they sued for peace.--which was established. The rich alluvial lands of the Wallkill Valley had attracted the favorable attention of the rescuing party.
The results were of the most important character. Within three years of the rescue, May. 1666 (according to Edmund Eltinge), the purchase from the Indians of a large tract of land was effected by Louis DuBois and his associates. The extent of this tract is differently stated. Mr. Eltinge makes it 144 square miles, or 92,160 acres. Rev. Dr. Stitt says: "It was an alluvial valley, beginning at Rosendale, bounded on the west by the Shawangunk mountains, and running as far south as a point called Gertrude's Nose (which overlooks the town of Shawangunk), and stretching from these two points in parallel lines to the Hudson river."

Mr. Gilbert DuBois estimates the tract to contain 36,000 acres." The whole river line was about ten miles in length. On the southern border it extended westward. by a right line, about the same length to a conspicuous and immovable landmark, the 'Paltz Point.' The northern boundary was seven miles long. The western five miles." Still another authority makes the southern line about twenty-one miles in length. I am disposed to think this latter correct. "The tract included part of the present townships of New Paltz, Rosendale and Esopus, and the whole of Lloyd." Highland has since been formed out of it.

The price paid was forty kettles, forty axes, forty adzes, forty shirts, four hundred strings of white beads (wampum), three hundred strings of black beads, fifty pairs of stockings, one hundred bars of lead, one keg of powder, one hundred knives, four quarter of wine, forty jars, sixty splitting or cleaving knives, sixty blankets, one hundred needles, one hundred awls and one clean pipe.

It was necessary that this transaction should be confirmed by the colonial government, and accordingly a patent deed was procured from Gov. Andross, September 29th, 1677, conveying to "Louis DuBois and partners" the territory described, for the annual rent of "five bushels of good wheat"--a mere expression of acknowledgment to the lord paramount. That important document, or rather a French translation of it, has been again translated by Mr. Wm. E. DuBois, and is as follows:

[TRANSLATION]
Edmond Andross, Esquire, Lord of Saumarez,
Lieutenant-Governor-General
under his Royal Highness,
James, Duke of York, or Albany,
and of all his territories in America:--

WHEREAS, There is a certain piece of land at Esopus, which, by my approbation and consent, has been acquired from the Indian proprietors by Louis DuBois and his associates; the said land being situated on the south side of the redoubt called Creek or Kill, being from (i.e. beginning at the high mountain called Maggonck; thence extending from the southwest side, near the Great River, to a certain point or hook, called the Jauffrouc hook, situated along the tract called by the Indians Magaatrarmis, and from the north side ascending along the rivet to a certain island which makes an elbow at the beginning of the tract called by the Indians Raphoos.

From the West Side of the high mountains to the place called Waratakac and Tatiarataque, and continues along the high mountains from (on?) the southwest side to Maggonck, formerly so called; all which things have been certified to me by the magistrates of the said Esopus, to have been openly bought and paid for in their presence, as appears by the return:--

Be it known to all whom it may concern, That by virtue of letters patent of his Majesty, and by the commission and authority which is given me by his Royal Highness, I have given, ratified and granted to the said Louis DuBois and his partners,--that is, Christian Doyau, Abraham Hasbroucq, Andre LeFebvre, Jean Hasbroucq, Pierre Doyau. Louis Beviere, Anthoine Crespel, Abraham DuBois, Hugue Frere, Isaac DuBois and Simon LeFebvre, their heirs, and others having right from the said above-named persons, the said pieces of land, as well are able as (also) the forests, mountains, valleys, prairies, pasturages, marshes or ponds or water, rivers, rights of fishing fowling, hawking and hunting; and all other profits, commodities and emoluments whatsoever, of the said piece of land and appertaining acquisitions, with their and each of their appurtenances, and all parts and parcels thereof:

To have and to hold the said piece of land and acquisition, with all and singular the appurtenances and dependencies, to the said Louis DuBois and his associates, their heirs, and others having right of property according to usage.

In consequence or the foregoing, the said Louis DuBois and his associates, their heirs, and others having rights in perpetuity (here the connection is at fault, perhaps from an omission), and that the plantations which shall be established on the said parcels of land shall, together, be considered to be a village, and the inhabitants thereof shall have liberty to make a highway between them and the redoubt, Creek or Kill, for their convenience; and the said Louis DuBois and his associates, their heirs, and others having right, shall render a faithful account or the survey, and make a legitimate use thereof, according to law; rendering and paying each and every year, to his Royal Highness, the rightful acknowledgment or rent of five bushels of wheat, payable at the redoubt at Esopus, to such officers as shall have power to receive it.

Given under my hand, and sealed with the seal of the province of New York the 29th day of September, in the twenty-ninth year of the reign of his Majesty, and of our Lord, 1677.

(signed) ANDROSS

Examined by me
MATHIAS NICOLLS,
Secretary” 1970

“A separate fortified place of angular form rested on Main street, having a block house at the right-angle, corner of Main and Fair streets, a bastion at the second angle. near the corner of Fair and John streets, with the hypotenuse extending so as to enclose the church lot and the log church itself, at the corner of Wall and Main streets.

It is early morning in May.1677;-a portion of the towns -people are about to emigrate. How could the remaining citizens break the old ties! The town gathered at the place of departure. In their front was the south gate of Wall street, at their left the stockade of the separate fortified place, and on the line of it the thick walls of the church, pierced by small windows and numerous portholes for musketry.

First, I introduce to you Louis DuBois. He has been seventeen years in the country, is well known and highly esteemed. He is a large, thick-set, strong man, with Roman-French features, shrewd and active, and fitted for leadership. Now he is very animated. You see him in the quaint garb of the day. He returns your salutation affably, but in a moment is away, counseling the women in French, and the moment after leaving some direction in Dutch to an European burgher, or speaking a word with Dominie Tesschemaker, or hurrying the steps of a Negro, or asking same further particulars of the country from a friendly Indian.

His wife CATHARINE is there also, a self-possessed woman, wisely attentive to each particular thing. Their seven children are there, and not idle; the oldest, ABRAHAM a patentee (survivor of the twelve.), now just come of age, and LOUIS, a babe, their only daughter SARAH. a girl of fourteen, imitates her mother's activity. She was afterward the wife of Joost Jansen, and emphatically a mother in Israel.” 1970

“The Jean Hasbrouck house was bought in 1899 and has since been maintained by the Society as a museum. The monument was erected in 1908, the unveiling taking place Sept. 29th, that being the 230th anniversary of the granting of the Patent by Gov. Edmond Andros. The tablet on the monument bear the following inscription
To The
Memory and in Honor of
__________
Louis DuBois
Christian Deyo
Abraham hasbrouck
Andre LeFevre
Jean Hasbrouck
Pierre Deyo
Louis Bevier
Anthoine Cespel
Abraham DuBois
Hugo Frere
Isaac DuBois
Simon LeFevre.”1965

“In the Spring of 1662 a petition for the allotment of farmlands and establishment of a new village at Esopus was received by the Director General from a number of the inhabitants of Beverwyck and after consideration it was resolved to lay out a new settlement and accommodate the petitioners as far as possible. This new village, about two and one half miles s.w. of Wiltwyck later was given the name of Hurley. Among those who received ltos and farmlands at Hurley were Louis du Bois, Albert Heymans Roosa and Antoine Crispell. “1929

“Louis DuBois left two wills, respecting which I quote from the "Record,"as follows:--
"Two wills-one of which was 'the last will and testament,' and that afterwards changed by a codicil--are extant.The first is in English. the last is in Dutch; both of them, no doubt, first meditated in French. They both contain a curious provision, which may afford some insight into Louis' peculiarities of mind.

In 1686, he writes:"My wife shall have the ordering of the estates; that is to say, to have the profits and perquisites of the same, so long as she remaineth a widow. but in case she cometh to remarry, then she shall have the right half of the whole estate, either land, houses or any other goods; and the other half shall be amongst the children as above-said, equally dealt" etc. In 1694, he dictates the same bequest, though in another language.

"In the usual forecast of dying husbands, we expect to read: ln case she cometh to remarry. then she shall have her lawful dower. and no more.' It is refreshing to meet with the above act of generosity, and find it persisted in. Indeed, it amounted to a premium upon second marriage, of which, however, Catharine did not avail herself. She was also appointed executrix of the will."

This wife was that Catharine Blanshan whom he had led to the altar in the old Protestant church of Mannheim, on Sunday, October 10. 1655. **Well and faithfully, we may believe. did these venerable ancestors of ours keep the marriage vow:and amid persecutions.Perils of the sea and the wilderness, among savage captors and impending death--they had been the entire world to one another"

A most interesting trait appears in the solemn introduction to his last will (says the 'Record'). which we will give in Dutch and English:--
'Vor eerst geef ik myn ziel aen de Almagtige Godt myn schepper, en Jesus Christus myn verlosser, en aends Hylige Geest myn hyligmaker. en myn lichaam tot de aarde van veer het saelve gecomen is.' etc.

For the first, I give my soul to the Almighty God my maker, and Jesus Christ my redeemer, and to the Holy Ghost my sanctifier; and my body to the earth whence it came,' etc. "There is here no dealing in generalities. but a very explicit expression of faith in Jesus Christ and the Triune God.

"The estate was divided into eight equal parts. among the following legatees: Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, Louis, Matthew; children of Isaac, deceased:and children of Sarah, deceased. But in the codicil there were specific bequests altering this method. though probably preserving an equality. The farm at Hurley was divided between Jacob and Matthew.

"And now the time came that Louis DuBois must die. He had accomplished bout-sixty six years upon the earth; he had lived in France, Germany and America; he had endured many sore trials and enjoyed many great blessings. He had trained up a large family, and they were well settled in life. From first to last, he had shown himself a man of singular energy of character and piety of heart and life. He was identified with almost the first settlement of this new world, and has given us an early title to the American name.

"The will of Louis having been proved on 23d June, 1696, we may conclude he died in that same month and year. and no doubt was buried in the ground of the Dutch church at Kingston ."1970

“When the ancient colonial brick sanctuary was restored in 1941, a large marble stone was erected by Mrs. Harry Clark Boden in memory of the Huguenots beginning with Louis du Bois; her ancestor and mine. The inscriptions carry her line and that of her deceased husband down to their children. ..
‘ 1660 (Coat of Arms) 1963
In Memory of

LOUIS DU BOIS. . . and his wife . .. CATHERINE BLANSHAN
of Wicres, Artois, France and Esopus, Ulster County, N.Y.
Founders of the Family in America.’ . .. .
On each stall door leading to the pews in the old church, is a silver plate with the original owner’s name. One plate reads:
‘Louis du Bois, a descendant of the Emperor Charlemagne . . . “ 1929

“He [Jan Joosten VanMeter] was elected on 6 January 1673 as one of the four magistrates of Hurley and Marbletown to supervise the merging of the village of Nieuw Dorp into those of Hurley and Marbletown under the English rule. The other magistrates were: Jan Broerson, Louis du Bois and Roelof Hendrickson.” 1929

“Louys Du Bois” signed a deed between Jan Rennels and William Asfobie on Nov 15, 1676 at Kingston, Ulster County, NY. 1971

“An instance of his vigor and presence of maind, given by Captain Krygier in his journal after the return of the expedition [to rescue Catherine], may lead us to credit this statement. ‘Louis, the Walloon, went to-day to fetch his oxen, which had gone back of Juriaen Westphaelen’s land. As he was about to drive home the oxen, three Indians, who lay in the bush and intended to seize him, leaped forth. When one of these shot at him with an arrow, but only slightly wounded, Louis, having a piece of a palisade in his hand, struck the Indian on the breast with it so that he staggered back, and Louis escaped through the kill, and came thence, and brought the news into the fort.’ “ 1958

“Louis du Bois, a French Huguenot, went to Germany to escape religious persecution, there he married Catherine Blanjean (or Blanchon) at Mannheim in the lower Palatinate of Germany. He emigrated to New Amsterdam (N.Y.) in 1660. “1933

“Louis was born in Octiber, 1626; consequently he was a man grown before the first or any of these foregoing genealogies were discontinued. At the time of his marriage at Manheim, in 1655, his father’s children had all fled from Artois. . .. [Pierre] Biljouw and his wife had two daughters born to them at Leyden. The elder, Marie, was baptized at Leyden, March 3d, 1650. She was afterwards married, at Kingston, in Ulster county, to Arendt Jansen, from Nardy. The contract of marriage, dated June 3d, 1670, specifies that he undle, Louis Du Bois, affirms or ratifies the betrothal. This contract is still preserved among the old records of Ulster county. ” 1972

“We have just had what can be known of his European history; his birth at Wicres, near Lille, the chief town of Artois, in northern France, October 27th, 1626; his retiring to the city of Mannheim, in the Palatinate of the Rhine, in Germany, where he married Catherine Blanshan, or Blanjean, the daughter of a burgher of that place, October 10th, 1655; and the birth there of two sons, Abraham and Isaac. This little family, doubtless with other French protestants, embarked for America in 1660, seeking in the new world, an asylum from royal and Romish persecution. They sialed, no doubt, from a Holland port, in a Dutch vessel, to these western possessions of the States-General. . . . We have not the name of the ship or of his fellow-passengers.” 1972

“Louis was the son of Chretien du Bois, an inhabitant of Wicres, a hamlet in the district of La Barree, near Lille, in Flanders, where he was born on the twenty-seventh day of October, in the year 1627. The province of Flanders was at that time a dependency of Spain; and when, twenty years later, the rights of conscience were secured by the treaty of Westphalia to the Protestants of Germany, the benefits of that treaty did not extend to the Spanish dominions. It was perhaps on this account, and in the quest of religious freedom, that Louis left his native province, in early manhood, and removed, as numbers of his countrymen were doing, to the lower Palantinate. This Calvinistic state, which had taken the lead among the Protestant powers of Germany, from the outbreak of the Thirty Years’ War, now offered a refuge to the oppressed Huguenots, and to the Waldenses, driven from their Alpine valleys by the fierce soldiery of Savoy.” 1958

“Hither [Mannheim] Louis du Bois came, and here, on the tenth day of October, 1655, he married Catharine, daughter of Mathese Blanchan, who, like himself, was from French Flanders. . .. In spite, however, of all inducements to remain, Louis du Bois and certain of his fellow-refugees determined to remove to the New World; indluenced, it may be, by a feeling of insecurity in a country lying upon the border of France, and liable to foreign invasion at any moment. The Dutch ship Guilded Otter, in the spring of the year 1660, brought over several of these families. . . . Our colonists did not linger long in New Amsterdam. Taking counsel doubtlesss of their Walloon countrymen, and obtaining permission from the governor and his council, they soon decided upon a place of settlement: and by the end of the year, Matthew Blanchan and Anthony Crispel, with their families, had established themselves in Esopus; where, before the following October, they were joined by Louis du Bois and his wife an sons.” 1958

“It was at this juncture that Louis du Bois and his companions arrived in New Amsterdam. The great ‘Esopus War,’ which, for many months past, had convulsved all the settlements, from Long Island to Fort Orange, with fear, was now over. . . . Early in the autumn of the year 1660, they took their departure from New Amsterdam. . . .Blanchan and Crispel were soon joined at Wiltwyck by Louis du Bois.” 1958

“Certain it is, that among the persons admitted to the Lord’s Supper, upon the occasion of its first celebration in Esopus, on the seventh day of December in that year [1660], were Matthew Blanchan, with Madeleine Jorisse, his wife, and Anthony Crispel, with Maria Blanchan, his wife. . . .Blanchan and his two sons-in-law were among those who removed from Wiltwyck to the New Village. A summer passed by, and the colonists remained undisturbed. They were, however, by no means safe from molestation. Stuyvesant’s severity in sending some of his Indian prisoners, at the close of the Esopus war, to the island of Curacoa, had left a lasting impression of resentment in the minds of the savages. The building of the ‘New Village’ upon land to which they still laid claim, was an additional grievance. Underrating either the courage or the strength of their wild neighbors, the settlers took no suitable precautions agains attack, but on the contrary, with strange infatuation, sold to them freely the rum that took away their reason and intensified their worst passions. The time came for an uprising. Stuyvesant had sent word to the Indian chiefs, through the magistrates of Wiltwyck, that he would shortly visit them, to make them presents, and to renew the peach concluded the year before. The message was received with professions of friendliness. Two days after, about noon, on the seventh of June [1663], a concerted attack was made by parties of Indians upon both the settlements. The destruction of the ‘New Village’ was complete. Every dwelling was burned. The greater number of the adult inhabitants had gone forth that day as usual to their field work upon the outlying farms, leaving some of the women, with the little children, at home. Three of the men, who had doubtless returned to protect them, were killed; and eight women, with twenty-six children, were taken prisoners. among these were the families of our Walloons: the wife and three children of Louis du Bois,the two children of Matthew Blanchan, and Anthony Crispel’s wife and child.” 1958

“The expedition set forth, under the command of the fearless Captain Krygier, on the twenty-sixth of July,and on the next day reached the fort, but found it deserted. The Indians had retreated with their captives to a more distant fastness in the Shawungunk mountains. Krygier pursued them, but without success, and after setting fire to the fort, and destroying large quantities of corn which they found stored away in pits, or growing in the fields, the party retauned to Wiltwyck without the loss of a man. 1958

“New Paltz
A list of all the Slaves, Both Males and Females, that are above the age of Fourteen Years, in the Precinct of the New Paltz in Ulster County; Their number being Set down in the Columns apposite to their Masters or Mistresses names, To wit, The males in the first Column and the Females in the Second. . .
Lewis Dubois 3 2 . . . “1973

“A List of the Ffreeholders within the County of Ulster, 1728. . .
The ffreeholders of the Towne of New Paltz: . . .
Lewis Du Bois . . . “1973

“A Rool of the Names and Surnames of Them that haue takin the oath of Allegiance in ye County of Vlstr, or bodr of his excely: ye Gouernor; ye ffirst Day of Septembr anno Qe: Domini 1689 . . .
Lowies Deboyes Senior . . .” 1973

“In 1686, Louis left New Paltz, to finish his days at Kingston. He bought a house there from Derrick Schoepmes. This was undoubtedly the last house he lived in, andit was his residence for just ten years. Some of his descendants will be pleased to have this spot identified. It stands aat the corner of two streets where, in 1846, there was a store kept by Elijah DuBois, overlooking the great meadow which was a pasturage in common for Kingston. It was left by will to Matthew, son of Louis, and by him conveyed, in 1731 to Matthew E. Thompson, who lived ther to an extreme old age. In 1777, all the houses in Kingston were burned in one-half day by the British soldiery. Another house was erected on this lot, and the son of Mr. Thompson sold it, in 1787, to a Mr. Van Gansbeeck, from whom it passed to Elijah DuBois. About 1816 the house gave place to a store. The property continues to be owned by this esteemed cousin, who is a descendant of Matthew, above named.” 1972

“Du Bois, Lois of the New Paltz
Will dated March 30, 1686.
‘Estate (after payment of debts) to be Equally divided amongst my children: but my two eldest sonns desiring to haue Each of them a part of the Land of the New Paltz and more than the other children by Reason that their names are uppon pattent, but if they will be content to deale Equally with my other children whether in land houses or Any other sort of Goods whatsoever belonging to my said estate As well the land of the Paltz that I have bought former And after my death And their mothers decease shall be dealt Equally Amongst them.’ - ‘My two Eldest sonnes will Each of them have part of the land lying in the New Paltz - on condiition that they shall pay for the said land with interest unto the other of my children and shall not inherit any of the other land housing or Anothe sort of Goods belonging to my said Estate but them that have home-lotts And have built thereon shall keep the same upon condition that the other of my children shall have so much land in stead thereof in such convenient places As my be found most Expedient for them.’ ‘My wife their mother shall have the ordering of the Estate as long as she remains a widdow.’ ‘If she marry the Estate to be divided amongst the children aforesaid except my two eldest sons.’ Signed by the testator, and witnessed by
Arent Tunisen
Dirck Schepmoes (Recorded May 5, 1686.)” 1944

Texts of wills to be entered including Will dated March 27, 1694 in Dutch language and will dated Febr. 22, 1695/6 in Dutch. 1944

“Louis was born October 27, 1627, and the mutilated baptismal record at Wicres shows that two other sons of Chretien Du Bois were baptized severally on June 18, 1622, and November 13, 1625. One of these was Jacques, and probably the other was named Albert.” 1959

“The religious persecutions in Artois induced Louis and Jacques to abandon their country, and Louis went to Mannheim in the Palatinate, Jacques going to Leyden, where he became a manufacturer of silks and cloth. . . . At Mannheim Louis Du Bois was thrown into intimate relations with Mathese Blanchan and Christian Deyo, like himself Huguenot refugees, the former from the vicinity of his father’s estate, and the latter from the neighborhood of Calais. His association with Blanchan was destined to be lasting, for on October 10, 1655, he was married to catharine, daughter of Blanchan and wife Madeline Jorisse.” 1959

“The following record is yet extant in the old protestant Evangelical Church of Mannheim:
‘Oct. 10, 1665, Louis Du Bois, fils du feu Chretien Du Bois, vivant de Wicker, pres de La Bassee, j’un part, et Catherine blanchan, fille de Mathieu Blanchan, bourgeois de Mannheim, d’sutre part, ont etc maries en l’eglise Francaise de Mannhein le 10 Oct., 1655.’ Translation:
‘Louis Du Bois, son of the late Chretien Du Bois of Wicker, near La Bassee, of the one part, and Cahterine Blanchan, daughter of Mathew Blanchan, citizen of Mannheim, the 10th of October, 1655.’
Two sons were born to him at Mannheim, viz.: Abraham, on December 26, 1657, and Isaac in 1659. All of this other children were born in America.” 1959

“Late in the summer of 1660 Louis Du Bois, with his wife Catharine Blanchan, and his two sons Abraham and Isaac, and other Huguenots, arrived at Wiltwyck, and in 1662 Blanchan, with his two sons-in-law, Louis Du Bois, Anthony Crispell, and their families, removed to the New Village, or Hurley.” 1959

“Louis Du Bois, known as Louis the Walloon, and his father-in-law Blanchan were granted by patent considerable tracts of land in Hurley, where they both lived int he most intimate family associations until the final removal to New Paltz. Du Bois was occupied principaly in agricultural pursuits, while Blanchan followed his avocation as a distiller.” 1959

“On January 24, 1663, Evert Pels and others, commissioners of Wiltwyck, and Roeloff Swartwout, ‘Schout’ of Esopus, made a report to Governor Stuyvesant upon the evils of selling liquor to the Indians, in which they said: ‘We enquired and found at the house of Loweys Dubo, a Walloon, living in the new village, half an anker of distilled water, which had not been reported at this place and had been made by his father Mathew Blanchart. For the reasons given before, the Court confiscated it, because some mischief might result from it.’ “1959

“It would seem that Louis Du Bois never forgot the superiority of his birth, or the deference that was paid in his native land to persons of gentle blood, and he brought to his new home a spirit of independence and impatience with any attempts to control the freedom of his own personal conduct. Many insances are found in the records of his disputes with the military and civil authorities, and open resistance to acts tending to interfere with what he considered his immunities from restraint, and, so far as I have been able to discover, he seems to have maintained his liberty of action with remarkable success.” 1959

“On June 7, 1663, occurred the Indian massacre, when the New Village was entirely destroyed, and only the heroic defence of the ‘Schout,’ Roeloff swartwont, Cornelius Barents Slecht, and others, saved Wiltwyck from a like fate. The wife of Du Bois and his three sons, Abraham, isaac, and Jacob, Crispell’s wife and child, and two children of Blanchan were carried off, and remained captives with the Indians for three months. The story of the rescuing expedition, under the command of Captain Martin Bregier, is one of the most interesting of the episodes in the episodes in the history of early New York. blanchan, Crispell, and Du Bois all served as soldiers in this campaign, and tradition as well as the official report of Captain Kregier has perpetuated the reckless intrepidity with which Louis Du Bois hastened to the rescue of those so dear to him. It was in September before captain Kregier learned definitely the location of the Indian camp in the Shawangunk Mountains, and marching his command with rapidity and secrecy, he succeeded in surprising the savages, and, gaining a complete victory over them, he restored the captives to their friends. It is related that when approaching the vicinity of the encampment, ‘Du Bois, in advance of the others, discovered an Indian within a few feet of him, and partly concealed behind a tree. The savage was in the act of drawing his bow, but from fear or surprise, missed the string, when Du Bois, springing forward, killed him with his sword, and without any alarm.’ “ 1959

“ The troubles with the Indians continued, and the settlements of Esopus were harassed by constant alarms and anxieties, so that Captain Bregier was unable to withdraw his troops until January, 1661. In his journal of teh Esopus war under date October 10, 1663, he says:
‘A detatchment was out in the field with the ploughmen, - they returned about noon as it began to rain hard. Louis, the Walloon, went to-day to fetch his oxen which had gone back of Juriaen Westphaelen’s land. As he was about to drive home the oxen three Indians, who lay in the bush and intended to seize him leaped forth. When one of these shot at him with an arrow but only slightly wounded him, Louis, having a piece of palisade in his hand, struck the Indian on the breast with it so that he staggered back, and Louis escaped through the kill, and came thence and brought the news into the fort, whereupon two detaatchments were instantly despatched to attack them, but they had taken to flight and retreated into the woods. And although a party searched for them an hour they could not discover them; they thereupon returned to Wildwyck.’ “ 1959

“During the campaign for the rescue of the captives the attention of Du Bois and his friends was attracted to the beautiful valley of the Wallkill, and after the restoration of peace the Huguenot settlers, entered into negotiations with the Indians for the purchase of this spot, and by deed dated May 26, 1677, in consideration of 40 ketttles, 40 adzes, 40 shirts, 400 fathoms of wampum, 60 pairs of socks, 100 bars of lead, 1 keg of powder, 100 knives, 4 ankers of wind, 40 guns, 60 coats, 60 blankets, 100 nails (?) and 1 schepel of pipes, the Indians conveyed to Louis Du Bois, Christian Deyo, Abraham Hasbroucq, Andries Lefebre, Jan Broocq, Peter Deyo, Louis Beviere, Anthony Crispel, Abraham Du Bois, Hugo Frere, Isaac Du Bois, and Simon Lefebre a tract of land on the Wallkill, bounded on the west by the Shawangunk Mountains. The land is described in the conveyance by metes and bounds, and its extent is a little uncertain, but it was about 144 square miles. This deed was in the Dutch language, and it is now in perfect condition, on file in the office of the Secretary of Stae at Albany. The totems of the Indians are annexed to their names. This purchase was approved by the Colonial Government, and on September 29, 1677, Governor Edmund Andros granted a patent of the same lands to Louis Du Bois and his eleven associates, two of whom were his sons, Abraham and Isaac.” 1959

“In the following spring Du Bois, with the majority of the ‘twelve’ and their families, took possession of their grant at the Wallkill, and established a village which, in grateful memory of the kindness shown them in their former harbor of refuge ont he Rhine, they named ‘le nouveau Palatinat,’ or New Paltz. Unlike the other settlements of New Netherland, this colony was not established for purposes of trade or commercial advantages. It was composed entirely of Frenchmen, thoroughly imbued with the stern religious precepts of Calvin, and having for their purpose the establishment of a community ‘solely for the enjoyment of religious and civil fredom,’ under regulations to be prescribed by themselves. . . . The following is a translation of the first page of the church record, in the handwriting of Louis Du Bois:
‘The 22d of January, 1683, Mr. Pierre Daillie, minister of the Word of God, arrived at New Paltz, and preached twice on the following Sunday, and proposed to the heads of the families that they should choose by majority of votes, by the fathers of families, one elder and one deacon, which they did, and chose Louis Du Bois for elder and Hugh Frere for deacon, to assist the minister in guiding the members of the church that meets in New Paltz; who were subsequently confirmed in the said charge of elder and deacon. This minute has been made to put in order the matters which pertain to the said church.’ “ 1959

“Louis Du Bois remained in New Paltz during the first ten years of its existence, returning to Kingston with his wife in 1686, where he purchased a residence on what is now the northwest corner of East Front and John Streets, and here, surrounded by old neighbors and friends, he passed the closing years of his life. He died in June, 1696, his last will being dated on the 23rd of that month. he left a considerable estate, which he divided equally among his children after making a liberal provision for his widow, who survived him ten years. From the time of his arrival in Esopus to his death, louis Du Bois was the chief of the Huguenot settlers. In all their trails they looked to him as their adviser and head, and among them his word was law. During his residence at Hurley he was an overseer and a justice of the peace, and he, with Cornelis Barents Slecht and Albert heymans Roosa, was prominent in the ‘mutiny at Espous’ against the tyranny of Captain Brodhead, which resulted in the suspension of that doughty warrior from his command.” 1947

“The DUBOIS Family
This family was in the Beekman Patent in lot 16 near the Rombout line from as early as 1766. The emigrant ancestor was LOUIS DUBOIS who was born 27 October 1626 near Lile, France and m. at Mannheim, Catherine, daughter of Mathieu and Magdelena (Jorisse) Blanchan. He had two children born in Mannheim and then he removed to this country late in 1660 and settled at Wiltwyck in Ulster Co., NY and in 1662 he moved to Hurley. He later was one of the patentees of New Paltz in 1677. His will was dated 27 March 1694 and proved 27 June 1696. His widow m. as her 2nd Jean Cottin of Kingston.” 1951

“The grant of land was given to twelve men in the name of James, Duke of York. Confirmation of the title to teh Patentees was signed by Edmund Andros, Colonial Governor of New York, on September 29, 1677. It was due to the fact that Abraham Hasbrouck, one of teh Patentees, having served in the English army before coming to America, that the twelve men were granted such a large and valuable area consisting of more than thirty-nine thousand acres. The twelve men who wer Walloons were Louis Du Bois and his sons Abraham and Isaac; Christian Deyo and his son Pierre; Louis Bevier; Hugo Freer; Abraham and Jean Hasbrouck, brothers; and Simon and Andries Lefevre. They held their land in common and the fruits of their labour were distributed by a committee of twelve known as ‘The Dusine’ until 1785 when the town was incorporated. They controlled it until 1826.” 1974

“The family of DuBois is of French origin, the name being derived from two French words signifying ‘of the forest’. . .
The ancestor of the American branch of the family was Louis DuBois, who fled from France to the Palatinate to escape religious persecution, in 1658, residing for two eyars in Manheim on the Rhine, then the capital of the Palatinate. He emigrated to America , with his wife and two children in 1660. He located at Kingston, Ulster county, New York, with a number of other French Huguenots, and became a very prominent character there. His wife and three children were carried into captivity by the Indians on July 6, 1663, and he led a company of the enraged settlers, who rescued them and dealt summary vengeance on their savage captors. With his two sons, Abraham and Isaac, and nine other French refuges, known as the ‘Twelve Patentees,’ he organized the settlement of New Palz, on the Hudson, opposite Poughkeepsie, in 1677, on 36,000 acres purchased of the Indians and patented to them by Edmund andros, governor-general under the Duke of York. The other nine patentees were Christian and Pierre Deyou, Abraham and Jean Hasbrouck, Andre and Simon LeFevre, Louis Bevier, Antoine Crespel and Hugh Frere.” 228

“Louis DuBois was the first elder of the New Palz Church, organized in 1683, and the first records of the church are in his handwriting. He returned to Kingston in 1686 and died there ten eyars later. His wife was Catherine Blancon, whom he married in France, where he was born, near Lyons, in 1630. They had ten children.” 1950

“DU BOIS.
LOUIS DU BOIS, French-Huguenot, founder of New Platz, served in the Colonial forces, 1670.
Arms - ARgent, a lion rampant sable armed and langued gules.
Crest - A lion rampant sable, between two tree stumps vert.” 493

“A succession of Huguenot refugees, thereafter, began to arrive in Wiltwyck, among them Louis DuBois and his wife, Catherine Blanshan . . . ‘New Village’ (Hurley) was soon established nearby, about a mile from Wiltwyck. Within a few years, Indian raids and kidnappings occurred intermittently. Among forty-five women and children taken captive by the marauders was the wife and child of Dominie Blom, and the children and wife of Louis DeBois. When survivors were rescued after three months of captivity, Louis DuBois and his restored family decided to leave Wiltwyck for the Shawangunk mountain region, thirty miles southwest, where the kidnappers had been defeated. DuBois and eleven other heads of Huguenot families banded together, naming their group ‘the Duzine’, with mutual plans to migrate farther inland.” 1975

“As to who comprised the New Paltz ‘Duzine’, it was a homogeneous group. Actually each of the ten older men of the Twelve Patentees was a leader in his own right, but Louis DuBois was the acknowledged head of the group when they obtained their Indian Deed in 1677 and the grant from Governor Andros during the Reign of James II. Why was Louis DuBois the leader? First, and foremost, he had been in the New World the longest. He knew the ways of the Dutch and the Colony of New York which had been taken from the Netherlands in 1664. He was a keen bargainer. He had become well-acquainted with the Dutch during his residence at Hurley. His father-in-law, the clever and shrewd Matthew Blanshan, was a good teacher. . . . It is interesting to note that Louis DuBois and his old neighbors returned to Kingston after the first years of pioneering were over.” 1975

“New Amsterdam as a Huguenot Refuge -
Among the Hugunot refugees were: . . .
Du Bois, Louis: Wicres, La Basse (Artois, French Flanders); Mannheim (Germany); New Netherland; Esopus (Kingston), NY; New Paltz, NY (1677); d. 1696, 1697, New Paltz.” 1975

“How New Paltz Evolved from Kingston, N.Y. Massacres -
New Paltz Patentees: . . .
DuBois, Louis: b. Wicres, France 1626; came to America with Mattheus Blanshan and Antoine Crispell (1660); d. Kingston, NY; m. Catherine Blanshan.” 1975

“Additional data on New Paltz (from the David Voorhees ‘Concise Directory of Huguenot Ancestors’ (1985) . . .
Du Bois, Louis: Wicres, La Basse (Artois, French Flanders, Manneheim (Germany); NYC; Kingston, NY; New Paltz (1677), d. 1696/97, New Paltz.” 1975

“Louis du Bois, son of Cretin du Bois, was born at Wicres in La Bassee, in the province of Artois, France, October 28, 1626, and died in Kingston, New York, in June, 1696, after the wenty-third of the month, the date of his will. He left a good estate, divided equally among his children after a liberal portion was put aside for his wife. He was called Louis de Wall or Louis the Walloon. Leaving his native land to escape the intolerable religios prejudice, he took refuge at Mannheim, in the Palatinate if the Rhine, Germany. He came to America about 1660 and settled in New Village, now called Hurley, New York. In 1662, he acquired patent lands and became a magistrate of the town. Seventeen years later he formed a company with twelve men and bought from the Indians a large tract of land, including the Wallkill Valley, which was named New Paltz, New York. He lived there until 1687, when he removed to Kingston, New York. Louis was aways a leader in Huguenot affairs. He was active in local matters as well and took a prominent art in community affairs, acting always for the welfare of the people.
Louis du Bois married, in the French church at Mannheim, Germany, October 10, 1655, Catharine Blancon or Blanchan, who died in 1706. After the family came to America, Catharine du Bois was captured by the Indians, but fortunately was rescued by her husband.” 1027

“[DuBois] Louis of New Paltz and Kingston, b. at Wicres, in province of Artois, France, Oct. 28, 1626, d. at Kingston, N.Y., June, 1696, was a Huguenot, known as Louis de Wall, or Louis the Walloon, refugee to America 1660, his gun, oak chest and armorial snuff box are still in the family, was a magistrate of the town of Hurley, his first place of residence after landing in America, leader of 12 patentees who purchased a tract from the Indians, of which the point on the Shawangunk, now known as ‘Sky-top’ was a boundary mark, the tract included part of the present townships of New Paltz, Rosendale and Esopus, and the whole of Lloyd, first elder of the French church at New Paltz, the record of which is still extant in his handwriting, the twelve patentees, or ‘Duzine,’ were the ndisputed civil government centered at New Paltz for more than a century (m. Catherine Blancon or Blanshan, Oct. 10, 1655, at Mannheim in the Palatinate of the Rhine, Germany” 1961

“The Dutch Reformed Church at New Paltz was organized in 1683 and has a record of continuous service since that date. The early entries in the record were made by Louys DuBois of this study. The descendants of the twelve original patentees of New Paltz have been holding reunions at frequent intervals for more than a hundred years, so the area is historically conscious and is caring for its records.” 1976