Over the past few years, my cousin Andrea and I have made some remarkable discoveries that have taken one of our family lines directly back to New Amsterdam. On June 28, 2023, my first article was published in The Journal of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society. You can click here to read it: A Revolutionary Breakthrough_Discovering Our Van Salee Lineage_Teresa Vega
For those wanting to know more about the Munsee and African presence in New Amsterdam/Colonial New York, please consider taking this Walking Tour that Russell Shorto has put together. I was happy to see Manuel Plaza, named after my 9th great-grandfather, Manuel de Gerritt de Reus, on this list.
My ancestor Abraham Van Salee Janszoon is my ancestor. Hes descendant, John Van Salee deGrasse is my great great great grandfather.
Nice to meet you cousin! Our roots are radiant.
Anthony Van Salee is my maternal 10th great grandfather. I descend from his daughter Sarah. When I was 16 my mother told me we had a Pirate ancestor but she did not tell me his name. I am in my 70’s now in 2025. Thank you for your research.
Hello, cousin! I have another article that will be published sometime this month. It is on my 5X great-grandfather, Samuel Freeman who was married to Sarah Van Salee. It includes more information on the Van Salees. We descend from both Abraham and Anthony via their father. However, we also descend from enslaved people owned by Anthony’s children and their descendants. People know more about Anthony’s line than Abraham’s so I am here to correct the historical record. Feel free to contact me at rrbbgenealogy@gmail.com.
-Teresa
Yes, I am interested in reading your new story. I will send you an email. Thank you.