Arentse Lauersen Toers

Immigrated to America before 1655 with wife and three sons. On 15 Oct 1655 paid 6 florin in laobr, for the defense of New Amsterdam (Fernow. Records of New Amsterdam V I- 375] On 13 Apr 1657 Arent Lourissen carpenter was confirmed in his rights as a Small Burger [Ibid, V II-151]. 12 Dec 1657 Anna Claes appeared before the Orphanmasters and by two affidavits proved that Roelof Jansen who had died at their house on 16 Nov 1657 had given her his everyday clothing, his gun, powder-horn and what belonged to ti; whe produces an acount for the house rent, for care taking and money advanced, amounting to 99fl. 18st wherein are included 7 beavers, the balance being in wampum [Colonel Dames, Mintues of the Orphanmaster, V I-156] 1661 Arent Laurensen moved to Bergen where in 1662 he signed the petition of the Magistrates of Bergen asking to be provided with a clergyman. He pledged 10 florin for the support of the clergyman, and his son Claes Arentsen pledged 8 florin [Holl Soc Yrbk 1913-1914]. 4 Jul 1663 volunteered for the protection of Bergen [Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the St of NY V XII-271]. 21 Feb 1664, signed a petiton for the erection of a blockhouse at Bergen [Ibid, p360]. 29 May 1664 petitioned that a piece of low land, close to his plantation be given and granted to him; he exhibits besides and extract fromt he minutes of the village of Bergen, whereby it appears, that the Court there has promised it to him subject to approval. [Ibid, p362] The petition was granted. Arent Laurensen owned considerable land in and around what is now Jersey City. Tuers Avenue was probably named after him or his son, Claes. In the program of the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the Village of Bergen 1660, published by the Historical Society of Hudson Co c1910 is an illustration of Tuers' homestead, with the statement that it stood on the east side of Bergen Avenue on the site of the Fourth Regiment Armory, and that the Tuers farm extended from Montgomery to Vroom Streets and from Bergen to Summit Avenues, covering practically that whole territory. THis was probably the original grant, or part of it made to Arent Laurensen. Nov 1665 Arent Lawrence with his two sons, Claes Arentsen and Lawrence Arentsen sigend the oath of allegiance to the English [NJ Archives V I-49]. 10 Oct 1670 6 pieces of property in and around Bergen were confirmed to Arent Laurensen [Ibid, V XXI-14]. He joined the Bergen church 27 Sep 1672