Surname also spelled "Billiou" among other spellings; Native of Artois, an old province in Normandy; fled to Leyden, Holland because of his religious beliefs; listed as from Lille when married, and living at the Cattle Market in Leyden, Holland; Emigrated from Walslandt Pays de Vaud and sailed from Amsterdam, Holland 9 May 1661 on the ship "St. Jan Baptiste" with wife and 5 children aged 9, 7, 6, 2.5, and newborn; Scheppen of New Amsterdam 1664; sheriff and presiding Magistrate of Staten Island 1673; patented land there 22 Aug 1661; he and his wife joined the New Amsterdam Reformed Protestant church 2 Oct 1661; bought a farm in Flatbush 12 Sep 1670; Bought a large plantation near Piscataway on the Raritan river in NJ; yeoman; of Richmond Co, New York at death; Will signed by Pierre and dated 11 Sep 1699.∼According to Elmer G. VanName in Pierre Billiou, the Walloon, Staten Island Pioneer in 1958, "Pierre Billiou and his wife Francoise DuBois were born at LaBasse or Wicres in French Flanders, which was then a possession of the King of Spain, afterwards a part of Artois, France. Pierre and his wife were therefore Walloons. . ."
According to the archives of Leiden, Holland (Record Books of Kerklijk Oundertrouwregister): date Apr 9, 1649, betrothal - Pieter Biljouw, Walloon Church, born near Lille, young man, occupation, grograin worker, dwelling place, Cattle Market; sponsored by Jeacq Biljou, his father of School Lane, to Francoise duBoys, born near Lille, spinster, living Haarlem Street, sponsored by Lysbeth Floris, her acquaintance. Marriage date May 2, 1649.
Van Name continues: "They were married in the Walloon Church at Leyden [Holland] Apr 6, 1649, he from Lille and she from Reims and they had four daughters born to them at Leyden, the eldest Marie, being baptized in the Walloon Church March 6, 1650.
"They embarked at Amsterdam in the ship St. Jan Baptiste May 9, 1661, accompanied by four children aged 9, 7, 6, and 2 ½ years, and arriving here Aug 6, 1661."
There is an account at the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society giving a report of the Billious reading their Bible during the voyage. Isaac was baptized four days after they landed at New Amsterdam. And when Isaac married in November 1684, it was stated that he was born at sea. This record was made while his father was living and his mother could have been also.
"Pierre must have possessed the true spirit of the pioneer. Within 16 days he was ready to face the wilderness, for it is known that until Pierre and 18 associates on Aug 22, 1661 petitioned the Governor of the Province to grant them land upon which to settle on Staten Island, this beautiful isle was almost bare of inhabitants. A majority of those who joined in the petition turned back, but Billiou pressed on. It was Billiou who succeeded in pacifying the Indians where others had failed, and it was he who, with the assistance of the Governor's surveyor, laid out the first Staten Island town at "Old Town" near the present South Beach.
"On Oct 2, 1661, he and his wife joined the Reformed Protestant Church at New Amsterdam. He was a judicial officer of the first court established Jan 28, 1664, was a delegate to the General Assembly in Manhattan on Apr 10, 1664, was appointed a Lieutenant of Militia on May 14, 1669, and was on Aug 25, 1673 elected Schout and Schlepen (sherrif and magistrate) during the Dutch re-occupation."
One Dr. Prall wrote, "thus we. . . perceive that Pierre Billiou was trusted by the English when they took possession of New Netherland a few years after the resettlement of Staten Island, that he was spoken of by Governor Lovelace as 'one of the ancient inhabitants' and as 'one that was best acquainted among the Indians. He was trudted by the Dutch during the short time New Netherland was returned to them in 1673. By the inhabitants of Staten Island, he was nominated to the principal offices, and by the commanders in the Council of War, he was confirmed in these responsible positions. . . He was held in high esteem by the authorities at Fort Willem Hendrick, who looked to him to inform them of the coming of the Dutch and the English fleets. . . Accordingly, his name should be held in reverence by all who have followed him . . ."
"It is said that the Stillwell-Perine house stands on land covered by a Dutch ground brief made to Pierre Billiou in 1664. In 1685 the land was surveyed to Captain Thomas Stillwell.
"He also bought land in New Jersey and in or near Flatbush."
There is a Memorial Pillar Inscription at the Church of the Huguenots in Huguenot Park, Staten Island, New York: "Sacred to the memory of Pierre Billiou and Francoise DuBois, both of Artois, who were married in the Walloon Church Leyden Apr 20, 1649, and emigrated to the New Netherlands May 9th, 1661, and of their daughter Marie Billiou, who married at Wiltwyck Jun 3, 1670 Arendt Jansen Prall, who died on Staten Island 1725. May they rest in Peace."
Pierre Billiou wrote his will on Sep 1, 1699 in Richmond County, New York. It was probated in New York on Jan 6, 1702 and recorded in Liber 7, page 79. It read:
"In the Name of God, Amen.
"Bee it known and manifest unto whom these presents shall come that I, Pierre Billiou, of the County of Richmond in the Province of New York, yeoman, considering the frailty of this present Transitory life, the Certainty of Death and the uncertain-time and hour thereof, being at this present in good health, Sound memory and understanding, have made, ordained and declared, and hereby make and order these present to bee my last will and Testament in manner and forme hereinafter Expressed, hereby revoking ~d annulling and all former Wills and Testaments by me heretofore made and declared willing and required these presents only to be my last and uncotrouled Will and Testament.
"Imprimis I do bequeath my Soule into the hands of my most merciful God and Creator, hoping and only trusting for mercy and Salvation and the Pardon of my manyfold Sins in and throh the Meritorious Death and Passion of the Blessed Son God my Redeemer, and my body to the Earth there to bee decently Interred, according to the Discretion E~. Executors named in the hope of a glorious resurrection at the last Day and as for ~t Temporall Estate the Lord of Mercy has been pleased to bestowe
"Item: I do give unto (my) welbeloved wife Gerritje [Lamberts Spiegelagers] Biljou the sume of Tenn Pounds (£10) Currant Money of this Province and also do give and confirme to her the Sume of ffivetteen pounds per annum during her natural life the which per ante-nuptial contract I did engage to her And my Will and pleasure is that my Executors before any division bee made of my Estate Shall give in Sufficient Security to pay the same yearly and every year during her natural life afore said.
"Item: I do give unto my welbeloved Wife Gerritje Biljou aforesaid during her natural life and for her use all and Singular my husehold Stuffe & furniture, none excepted, of my house belonging to thereto apurtening.
"Item: I Give and bequeath unto my eldest son Isaac Biljou the Sume of Twenty ffive pounds currant Money for this Province and his birthright.
"Item: I Give and bequeath the Two Children of my Son Jacob Biljou Deceased the Sume of One hundred Pounds Currant money of this Province, that is to say ffifety Pounds to each of them, I haing Sufficiently done for their ffather in his life time.
"Item: I Give and bequeath unto the four Sonns of my Daughter Catharin Lawfully on her begotten by Richard Curtis a Certain Tract of land adjoining to Daniel Lake in the County of Richmond aforesaid, being Eighty ffour Acres or there-abouts bee it more or less, to be equally divided or Sold Amongst them for ever without any trouble or Incumbrances of all or any of my children.
"Item: I Having Payd a certain mortgage of the Sume of One Hundred and Twenty pounds Currant Money of this Province unto Paul Richard of the City of New York, Merchant, which he had on a Certain piece of land belonging to Nicholas Larzilliere deceased, late the husband of my daughter ffrancoyse who is since Intermarried with John Morgan, which piece of land lyeth in Richmond aforesaid, whereby all the Intrest, Title, claime and demand of the Said piece of Land is devolved upon my Selfe and Whereas Nicholas the Son and heir of the said Nicholas Larzilliere is heir at Law to the Estate of his Said Father whom I had on the marriage with Daughter ffrancoise Sufficiently Provided for, My Express will and pleasure (is) that my Said Daughter shall enjoy the benefit of the Said Mortgage untill Such time that her Said Son shall bee of age and take possession of Said Land and then the Said Nicholas his heires or Executors shall well and truly pay or cause to be made the Said Sume of One hundred and Twenty ffive pounds in equall Proportions unto the Children of my said Daughter his Mother without any distinction whether they be begotten of his Own father or of John Morgan, I thinking that his is Sufficiently Provided for by his father throh my Means And my will and pleasure is that my Said Daughter ffrancoise shall have the income of the portions of her Children untill they bee Severally of age or Marryed.
"Item: My Debts, funeral Charges and the aforesaid Legacyes being payd and the yearly pension of my wife Secured, I do Constitute (and) Apoint heires to the remnant or remainder of my Estate both reall & personal, actions & Credits, none excepted, but what are heretofore Mentioned, to be equally divided without any Manner of Distinction, My Son Isaac Biljou, My Daughter Marie's (Aernt Prael's Wife) who is deceased, her seaven Children, Martha the Wife of Thomas Stillewill and Chretienne the Wife of Abraham Marlet (I conceiving to have already Sufficiently given to the rest of my Children), that is to say, One quarter part to my Son Isaac Biljou or to his children in case of his Decease, One quarter part to the Seaven Children of my Daughter Marie the late wife of Arent Prael or their heires, One Quarter part to Martha the wife of Thomas Stillwell or to her Children in case of her Decease, And One quarter part to Chretienne - the Wife of Abraham Marlet or to her Children in case of her Deacease to (be) equally divided by them in ffour equall shares ~divisions but with this express condition that before any Dividend bee made of my Estate which whether they be lands or tenements, I do hereby declare to bee goods and Chattles, they shall give Security to my Said Wife Gerritje to pay or cause to be payd unto her yearly and every Year the sume of ffiveteen Pounds Currant Money of this Province as by this my last Will & Testam't I have given & Bequeathed unto her during her natural life.
"Item: Whereas by this my last Will and Testam't I have given unto my Wife Gerritje Biljou all my household Stuffe & furniture belonging to my Howse during her natural life, My Will and Pleaseure is that after her decease what is left of same shall bee equally shared and Divided by my Children or their Children in the respective of their ffathers or Mothers in manner and forme following:
"That is to Say, One Seaventh part thereof to my Son Isaac Biljou or his Children in his Stead; One Seaventh part thereof to the Children of my Son Jacob Biljou deceased; One Seaventh part therof to the Children of my Daughter Marie deceased Lawfully begotten by Arent Prael; One Seveanth part thereof to the Children of my daughter Catharin Deceased Lawfully begotten by Richard Curtis to whom which Children is to bee understood to bee given what heretofore was in this Testament said to be given to the Mother, One Seaventh part thereof to Chretienne the Wife of Abraham Marlet or her Children in her Stead; and One Seaventh part thereof to ffrancoys the now wife of John Morgan or to her Children in her Stead.
"Lastly: I do hereby appoint my trusty & Welbeloved friends Abraham Gouveneur Esq. Of the City of New York, Jacques Pouillon of the County of Richmond, Esq., & Jasper Nissepat of the City of New York, Merch't. or the Survivors of them to bee the only Executors of this my last Will and Testament, giving & hereby granting unto my Said Executors or the survivors of them the full & Soul just & ample Powers as all Executors by the Law doth appurtain & belong.
"In testimony whereof the said Peter Biljou hath hereunto set his hand & Seale in New York this 11th day of Dept. in the Elleventh Year of his Ma'ties Reign 1699.
"Signed Sealed ~ Published in the presence of Nicolas Jamain, Drner Ceratt, Jacob Thibou. Pierre Billiou (Seal)
"New York, July the 6th, 1702. The within named Jacques Pouillon, Executor of the last Will and Testament of Peter Bilyou lately dec'd appeard and was sworn to ye due Execution of the within written Will.
"Coram me Jo: Bridges Sur.
"Appeard the fifth of this instant Jan'y 1702 the within named Nicholas Jemaine one of the witnesses to the within written will and was sworn to the due Publication of it.
"Coram me Jo: Bridges Sur.
"Appeared this sixth day of January 1702 Abraham Gouverneur (who by an Act of Renunciation refus'd the Executorship of the within written will), and was sworn as A witness to the due Publication of it.
"Coram me Jo: Bridges Sur. R. Milward Prs.
"This (widow) Gerritje was the widow of Jan Spiegelaer of Flatbush and she entered into an antenuptial agreement with Peter Billiou on January 17, 1695/6 indicating their intention to marry. The antenuptial agreement is confirmed in Pierre Billiou's will, but it is clearly distinguishable from the will. It is recorded in a Book of Patents and Deeds."
[She signed as Gerretye Spiegelaers.]
[He signed as Peter Billiou.]
The children of Peter Billiou and Francois DuBois were:
i. Maria, b. Mar 6, 1649/50, m. Arendt Jansen Praal on Jun 3, 1670, d. bef. Sep 1, 1699
ii. Martha, b. Feb 8, 1651/2, m. 1st, David De Bonrepose, 2nd, Thomas Stillwell, d. Jan 23, 1735/6
iii. Catherine, b. 1654, m. Richard Curtis in 1678, d. bef. 1699
iv. Francoise, b. 1655, m. 1st, Nicholas Larsalere, 2nd, John Morgan
v. Chretienne, b. 1659, m. Abraham Marlet in 1678
vi. Isaac, b. 1661, m. Ida Suebering, d. Dec 22, 1709
vii. Jacob, b. 1663, m. Margaret Larzelere, d. 1694
viii. Peter, b. Jun 6, 1668, m. Maria Brestede in 1701, d. bef. 1702
According to the archives of Leiden, Holland (Record Books of Kerklijk Oundertrouwregister): date Apr 9, 1649, betrothal - Pieter Biljouw, Walloon Church, born near Lille, young man, occupation, grograin worker, dwelling place, Cattle Market; sponsored by Jeacq Biljou, his father of School Lane, to Francoise duBoys, born near Lille, spinster, living Haarlem Street, sponsored by Lysbeth Floris, her acquaintance. Marriage date May 2, 1649.
Van Name continues: "They were married in the Walloon Church at Leyden [Holland] Apr 6, 1649, he from Lille and she from Reims and they had four daughters born to them at Leyden, the eldest Marie, being baptized in the Walloon Church March 6, 1650.
"They embarked at Amsterdam in the ship St. Jan Baptiste May 9, 1661, accompanied by four children aged 9, 7, 6, and 2 ½ years, and arriving here Aug 6, 1661."
There is an account at the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society giving a report of the Billious reading their Bible during the voyage. Isaac was baptized four days after they landed at New Amsterdam. And when Isaac married in November 1684, it was stated that he was born at sea. This record was made while his father was living and his mother could have been also.
"Pierre must have possessed the true spirit of the pioneer. Within 16 days he was ready to face the wilderness, for it is known that until Pierre and 18 associates on Aug 22, 1661 petitioned the Governor of the Province to grant them land upon which to settle on Staten Island, this beautiful isle was almost bare of inhabitants. A majority of those who joined in the petition turned back, but Billiou pressed on. It was Billiou who succeeded in pacifying the Indians where others had failed, and it was he who, with the assistance of the Governor's surveyor, laid out the first Staten Island town at "Old Town" near the present South Beach.
"On Oct 2, 1661, he and his wife joined the Reformed Protestant Church at New Amsterdam. He was a judicial officer of the first court established Jan 28, 1664, was a delegate to the General Assembly in Manhattan on Apr 10, 1664, was appointed a Lieutenant of Militia on May 14, 1669, and was on Aug 25, 1673 elected Schout and Schlepen (sherrif and magistrate) during the Dutch re-occupation."
One Dr. Prall wrote, "thus we. . . perceive that Pierre Billiou was trusted by the English when they took possession of New Netherland a few years after the resettlement of Staten Island, that he was spoken of by Governor Lovelace as 'one of the ancient inhabitants' and as 'one that was best acquainted among the Indians. He was trudted by the Dutch during the short time New Netherland was returned to them in 1673. By the inhabitants of Staten Island, he was nominated to the principal offices, and by the commanders in the Council of War, he was confirmed in these responsible positions. . . He was held in high esteem by the authorities at Fort Willem Hendrick, who looked to him to inform them of the coming of the Dutch and the English fleets. . . Accordingly, his name should be held in reverence by all who have followed him . . ."
"It is said that the Stillwell-Perine house stands on land covered by a Dutch ground brief made to Pierre Billiou in 1664. In 1685 the land was surveyed to Captain Thomas Stillwell.
"He also bought land in New Jersey and in or near Flatbush."
There is a Memorial Pillar Inscription at the Church of the Huguenots in Huguenot Park, Staten Island, New York: "Sacred to the memory of Pierre Billiou and Francoise DuBois, both of Artois, who were married in the Walloon Church Leyden Apr 20, 1649, and emigrated to the New Netherlands May 9th, 1661, and of their daughter Marie Billiou, who married at Wiltwyck Jun 3, 1670 Arendt Jansen Prall, who died on Staten Island 1725. May they rest in Peace."
Pierre Billiou wrote his will on Sep 1, 1699 in Richmond County, New York. It was probated in New York on Jan 6, 1702 and recorded in Liber 7, page 79. It read:
"In the Name of God, Amen.
"Bee it known and manifest unto whom these presents shall come that I, Pierre Billiou, of the County of Richmond in the Province of New York, yeoman, considering the frailty of this present Transitory life, the Certainty of Death and the uncertain-time and hour thereof, being at this present in good health, Sound memory and understanding, have made, ordained and declared, and hereby make and order these present to bee my last will and Testament in manner and forme hereinafter Expressed, hereby revoking ~d annulling and all former Wills and Testaments by me heretofore made and declared willing and required these presents only to be my last and uncotrouled Will and Testament.
"Imprimis I do bequeath my Soule into the hands of my most merciful God and Creator, hoping and only trusting for mercy and Salvation and the Pardon of my manyfold Sins in and throh the Meritorious Death and Passion of the Blessed Son God my Redeemer, and my body to the Earth there to bee decently Interred, according to the Discretion E~. Executors named in the hope of a glorious resurrection at the last Day and as for ~t Temporall Estate the Lord of Mercy has been pleased to bestowe
"Item: I do give unto (my) welbeloved wife Gerritje [Lamberts Spiegelagers] Biljou the sume of Tenn Pounds (£10) Currant Money of this Province and also do give and confirme to her the Sume of ffivetteen pounds per annum during her natural life the which per ante-nuptial contract I did engage to her And my Will and pleasure is that my Executors before any division bee made of my Estate Shall give in Sufficient Security to pay the same yearly and every year during her natural life afore said.
"Item: I do give unto my welbeloved Wife Gerritje Biljou aforesaid during her natural life and for her use all and Singular my husehold Stuffe & furniture, none excepted, of my house belonging to thereto apurtening.
"Item: I Give and bequeath unto my eldest son Isaac Biljou the Sume of Twenty ffive pounds currant Money for this Province and his birthright.
"Item: I Give and bequeath the Two Children of my Son Jacob Biljou Deceased the Sume of One hundred Pounds Currant money of this Province, that is to say ffifety Pounds to each of them, I haing Sufficiently done for their ffather in his life time.
"Item: I Give and bequeath unto the four Sonns of my Daughter Catharin Lawfully on her begotten by Richard Curtis a Certain Tract of land adjoining to Daniel Lake in the County of Richmond aforesaid, being Eighty ffour Acres or there-abouts bee it more or less, to be equally divided or Sold Amongst them for ever without any trouble or Incumbrances of all or any of my children.
"Item: I Having Payd a certain mortgage of the Sume of One Hundred and Twenty pounds Currant Money of this Province unto Paul Richard of the City of New York, Merchant, which he had on a Certain piece of land belonging to Nicholas Larzilliere deceased, late the husband of my daughter ffrancoyse who is since Intermarried with John Morgan, which piece of land lyeth in Richmond aforesaid, whereby all the Intrest, Title, claime and demand of the Said piece of Land is devolved upon my Selfe and Whereas Nicholas the Son and heir of the said Nicholas Larzilliere is heir at Law to the Estate of his Said Father whom I had on the marriage with Daughter ffrancoise Sufficiently Provided for, My Express will and pleasure (is) that my Said Daughter shall enjoy the benefit of the Said Mortgage untill Such time that her Said Son shall bee of age and take possession of Said Land and then the Said Nicholas his heires or Executors shall well and truly pay or cause to be made the Said Sume of One hundred and Twenty ffive pounds in equall Proportions unto the Children of my said Daughter his Mother without any distinction whether they be begotten of his Own father or of John Morgan, I thinking that his is Sufficiently Provided for by his father throh my Means And my will and pleasure is that my Said Daughter ffrancoise shall have the income of the portions of her Children untill they bee Severally of age or Marryed.
"Item: My Debts, funeral Charges and the aforesaid Legacyes being payd and the yearly pension of my wife Secured, I do Constitute (and) Apoint heires to the remnant or remainder of my Estate both reall & personal, actions & Credits, none excepted, but what are heretofore Mentioned, to be equally divided without any Manner of Distinction, My Son Isaac Biljou, My Daughter Marie's (Aernt Prael's Wife) who is deceased, her seaven Children, Martha the Wife of Thomas Stillewill and Chretienne the Wife of Abraham Marlet (I conceiving to have already Sufficiently given to the rest of my Children), that is to say, One quarter part to my Son Isaac Biljou or to his children in case of his Decease, One quarter part to the Seaven Children of my Daughter Marie the late wife of Arent Prael or their heires, One Quarter part to Martha the wife of Thomas Stillwell or to her Children in case of her Decease, And One quarter part to Chretienne - the Wife of Abraham Marlet or to her Children in case of her Deacease to (be) equally divided by them in ffour equall shares ~divisions but with this express condition that before any Dividend bee made of my Estate which whether they be lands or tenements, I do hereby declare to bee goods and Chattles, they shall give Security to my Said Wife Gerritje to pay or cause to be payd unto her yearly and every Year the sume of ffiveteen Pounds Currant Money of this Province as by this my last Will & Testam't I have given & Bequeathed unto her during her natural life.
"Item: Whereas by this my last Will and Testam't I have given unto my Wife Gerritje Biljou all my household Stuffe & furniture belonging to my Howse during her natural life, My Will and Pleaseure is that after her decease what is left of same shall bee equally shared and Divided by my Children or their Children in the respective of their ffathers or Mothers in manner and forme following:
"That is to Say, One Seaventh part thereof to my Son Isaac Biljou or his Children in his Stead; One Seaventh part thereof to the Children of my Son Jacob Biljou deceased; One Seaventh part therof to the Children of my Daughter Marie deceased Lawfully begotten by Arent Prael; One Seveanth part thereof to the Children of my daughter Catharin Deceased Lawfully begotten by Richard Curtis to whom which Children is to bee understood to bee given what heretofore was in this Testament said to be given to the Mother, One Seaventh part thereof to Chretienne the Wife of Abraham Marlet or her Children in her Stead; and One Seaventh part thereof to ffrancoys the now wife of John Morgan or to her Children in her Stead.
"Lastly: I do hereby appoint my trusty & Welbeloved friends Abraham Gouveneur Esq. Of the City of New York, Jacques Pouillon of the County of Richmond, Esq., & Jasper Nissepat of the City of New York, Merch't. or the Survivors of them to bee the only Executors of this my last Will and Testament, giving & hereby granting unto my Said Executors or the survivors of them the full & Soul just & ample Powers as all Executors by the Law doth appurtain & belong.
"In testimony whereof the said Peter Biljou hath hereunto set his hand & Seale in New York this 11th day of Dept. in the Elleventh Year of his Ma'ties Reign 1699.
"Signed Sealed ~ Published in the presence of Nicolas Jamain, Drner Ceratt, Jacob Thibou. Pierre Billiou (Seal)
"New York, July the 6th, 1702. The within named Jacques Pouillon, Executor of the last Will and Testament of Peter Bilyou lately dec'd appeard and was sworn to ye due Execution of the within written Will.
"Coram me Jo: Bridges Sur.
"Appeard the fifth of this instant Jan'y 1702 the within named Nicholas Jemaine one of the witnesses to the within written will and was sworn to the due Publication of it.
"Coram me Jo: Bridges Sur.
"Appeared this sixth day of January 1702 Abraham Gouverneur (who by an Act of Renunciation refus'd the Executorship of the within written will), and was sworn as A witness to the due Publication of it.
"Coram me Jo: Bridges Sur. R. Milward Prs.
"This (widow) Gerritje was the widow of Jan Spiegelaer of Flatbush and she entered into an antenuptial agreement with Peter Billiou on January 17, 1695/6 indicating their intention to marry. The antenuptial agreement is confirmed in Pierre Billiou's will, but it is clearly distinguishable from the will. It is recorded in a Book of Patents and Deeds."
[She signed as Gerretye Spiegelaers.]
[He signed as Peter Billiou.]
The children of Peter Billiou and Francois DuBois were:
i. Maria, b. Mar 6, 1649/50, m. Arendt Jansen Praal on Jun 3, 1670, d. bef. Sep 1, 1699
ii. Martha, b. Feb 8, 1651/2, m. 1st, David De Bonrepose, 2nd, Thomas Stillwell, d. Jan 23, 1735/6
iii. Catherine, b. 1654, m. Richard Curtis in 1678, d. bef. 1699
iv. Francoise, b. 1655, m. 1st, Nicholas Larsalere, 2nd, John Morgan
v. Chretienne, b. 1659, m. Abraham Marlet in 1678
vi. Isaac, b. 1661, m. Ida Suebering, d. Dec 22, 1709
vii. Jacob, b. 1663, m. Margaret Larzelere, d. 1694
viii. Peter, b. Jun 6, 1668, m. Maria Brestede in 1701, d. bef. 1702
Surname also spelled "Billiou" among other spellings; Native of Artois, an old province in Normandy; fled to Leyden, Holland because of his religious beliefs; listed as from Lille when married, and living at the Cattle Market in Leyden, Holland; Emigrated from Walslandt Pays de Vaud and sailed from Amsterdam, Holland 9 May 1661 on the ship "St. Jan Baptiste" with wife and 5 children aged 9, 7, 6, 2.5, and newborn; Scheppen of New Amsterdam 1664; sheriff and presiding Magistrate of Staten Island 1673; patented land there 22 Aug 1661; he and his wife joined the New Amsterdam Reformed Protestant church 2 Oct 1661; bought a farm in Flatbush 12 Sep 1670; Bought a large plantation near Piscataway on the Raritan river in NJ; yeoman; of Richmond Co, New York at death; Will signed by Pierre and dated 11 Sep 1699.∼According to Elmer G. VanName in Pierre Billiou, the Walloon, Staten Island Pioneer in 1958, "Pierre Billiou and his wife Francoise DuBois were born at LaBasse or Wicres in French Flanders, which was then a possession of the King of Spain, afterwards a part of Artois, France. Pierre and his wife were therefore Walloons. . ."
According to the archives of Leiden, Holland (Record Books of Kerklijk Oundertrouwregister): date Apr 9, 1649, betrothal - Pieter Biljouw, Walloon Church, born near Lille, young man, occupation, grograin worker, dwelling place, Cattle Market; sponsored by Jeacq Biljou, his father of School Lane, to Francoise duBoys, born near Lille, spinster, living Haarlem Street, sponsored by Lysbeth Floris, her acquaintance. Marriage date May 2, 1649.
Van Name continues: "They were married in the Walloon Church at Leyden [Holland] Apr 6, 1649, he from Lille and she from Reims and they had four daughters born to them at Leyden, the eldest Marie, being baptized in the Walloon Church March 6, 1650.
"They embarked at Amsterdam in the ship St. Jan Baptiste May 9, 1661, accompanied by four children aged 9, 7, 6, and 2 ½ years, and arriving here Aug 6, 1661."
There is an account at the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society giving a report of the Billious reading their Bible during the voyage. Isaac was baptized four days after they landed at New Amsterdam. And when Isaac married in November 1684, it was stated that he was born at sea. This record was made while his father was living and his mother could have been also.
"Pierre must have possessed the true spirit of the pioneer. Within 16 days he was ready to face the wilderness, for it is known that until Pierre and 18 associates on Aug 22, 1661 petitioned the Governor of the Province to grant them land upon which to settle on Staten Island, this beautiful isle was almost bare of inhabitants. A majority of those who joined in the petition turned back, but Billiou pressed on. It was Billiou who succeeded in pacifying the Indians where others had failed, and it was he who, with the assistance of the Governor's surveyor, laid out the first Staten Island town at "Old Town" near the present South Beach.
"On Oct 2, 1661, he and his wife joined the Reformed Protestant Church at New Amsterdam. He was a judicial officer of the first court established Jan 28, 1664, was a delegate to the General Assembly in Manhattan on Apr 10, 1664, was appointed a Lieutenant of Militia on May 14, 1669, and was on Aug 25, 1673 elected Schout and Schlepen (sherrif and magistrate) during the Dutch re-occupation."
One Dr. Prall wrote, "thus we. . . perceive that Pierre Billiou was trusted by the English when they took possession of New Netherland a few years after the resettlement of Staten Island, that he was spoken of by Governor Lovelace as 'one of the ancient inhabitants' and as 'one that was best acquainted among the Indians. He was trudted by the Dutch during the short time New Netherland was returned to them in 1673. By the inhabitants of Staten Island, he was nominated to the principal offices, and by the commanders in the Council of War, he was confirmed in these responsible positions. . . He was held in high esteem by the authorities at Fort Willem Hendrick, who looked to him to inform them of the coming of the Dutch and the English fleets. . . Accordingly, his name should be held in reverence by all who have followed him . . ."
"It is said that the Stillwell-Perine house stands on land covered by a Dutch ground brief made to Pierre Billiou in 1664. In 1685 the land was surveyed to Captain Thomas Stillwell.
"He also bought land in New Jersey and in or near Flatbush."
There is a Memorial Pillar Inscription at the Church of the Huguenots in Huguenot Park, Staten Island, New York: "Sacred to the memory of Pierre Billiou and Francoise DuBois, both of Artois, who were married in the Walloon Church Leyden Apr 20, 1649, and emigrated to the New Netherlands May 9th, 1661, and of their daughter Marie Billiou, who married at Wiltwyck Jun 3, 1670 Arendt Jansen Prall, who died on Staten Island 1725. May they rest in Peace."
Pierre Billiou wrote his will on Sep 1, 1699 in Richmond County, New York. It was probated in New York on Jan 6, 1702 and recorded in Liber 7, page 79. It read:
"In the Name of God, Amen.
"Bee it known and manifest unto whom these presents shall come that I, Pierre Billiou, of the County of Richmond in the Province of New York, yeoman, considering the frailty of this present Transitory life, the Certainty of Death and the uncertain-time and hour thereof, being at this present in good health, Sound memory and understanding, have made, ordained and declared, and hereby make and order these present to bee my last will and Testament in manner and forme hereinafter Expressed, hereby revoking ~d annulling and all former Wills and Testaments by me heretofore made and declared willing and required these presents only to be my last and uncotrouled Will and Testament.
"Imprimis I do bequeath my Soule into the hands of my most merciful God and Creator, hoping and only trusting for mercy and Salvation and the Pardon of my manyfold Sins in and throh the Meritorious Death and Passion of the Blessed Son God my Redeemer, and my body to the Earth there to bee decently Interred, according to the Discretion E~. Executors named in the hope of a glorious resurrection at the last Day and as for ~t Temporall Estate the Lord of Mercy has been pleased to bestowe
"Item: I do give unto (my) welbeloved wife Gerritje [Lamberts Spiegelagers] Biljou the sume of Tenn Pounds (£10) Currant Money of this Province and also do give and confirme to her the Sume of ffivetteen pounds per annum during her natural life the which per ante-nuptial contract I did engage to her And my Will and pleasure is that my Executors before any division bee made of my Estate Shall give in Sufficient Security to pay the same yearly and every year during her natural life afore said.
"Item: I do give unto my welbeloved Wife Gerritje Biljou aforesaid during her natural life and for her use all and Singular my husehold Stuffe & furniture, none excepted, of my house belonging to thereto apurtening.
"Item: I Give and bequeath unto my eldest son Isaac Biljou the Sume of Twenty ffive pounds currant Money for this Province and his birthright.
"Item: I Give and bequeath the Two Children of my Son Jacob Biljou Deceased the Sume of One hundred Pounds Currant money of this Province, that is to say ffifety Pounds to each of them, I haing Sufficiently done for their ffather in his life time.
"Item: I Give and bequeath unto the four Sonns of my Daughter Catharin Lawfully on her begotten by Richard Curtis a Certain Tract of land adjoining to Daniel Lake in the County of Richmond aforesaid, being Eighty ffour Acres or there-abouts bee it more or less, to be equally divided or Sold Amongst them for ever without any trouble or Incumbrances of all or any of my children.
"Item: I Having Payd a certain mortgage of the Sume of One Hundred and Twenty pounds Currant Money of this Province unto Paul Richard of the City of New York, Merchant, which he had on a Certain piece of land belonging to Nicholas Larzilliere deceased, late the husband of my daughter ffrancoyse who is since Intermarried with John Morgan, which piece of land lyeth in Richmond aforesaid, whereby all the Intrest, Title, claime and demand of the Said piece of Land is devolved upon my Selfe and Whereas Nicholas the Son and heir of the said Nicholas Larzilliere is heir at Law to the Estate of his Said Father whom I had on the marriage with Daughter ffrancoise Sufficiently Provided for, My Express will and pleasure (is) that my Said Daughter shall enjoy the benefit of the Said Mortgage untill Such time that her Said Son shall bee of age and take possession of Said Land and then the Said Nicholas his heires or Executors shall well and truly pay or cause to be made the Said Sume of One hundred and Twenty ffive pounds in equall Proportions unto the Children of my said Daughter his Mother without any distinction whether they be begotten of his Own father or of John Morgan, I thinking that his is Sufficiently Provided for by his father throh my Means And my will and pleasure is that my Said Daughter ffrancoise shall have the income of the portions of her Children untill they bee Severally of age or Marryed.
"Item: My Debts, funeral Charges and the aforesaid Legacyes being payd and the yearly pension of my wife Secured, I do Constitute (and) Apoint heires to the remnant or remainder of my Estate both reall & personal, actions & Credits, none excepted, but what are heretofore Mentioned, to be equally divided without any Manner of Distinction, My Son Isaac Biljou, My Daughter Marie's (Aernt Prael's Wife) who is deceased, her seaven Children, Martha the Wife of Thomas Stillewill and Chretienne the Wife of Abraham Marlet (I conceiving to have already Sufficiently given to the rest of my Children), that is to say, One quarter part to my Son Isaac Biljou or to his children in case of his Decease, One quarter part to the Seaven Children of my Daughter Marie the late wife of Arent Prael or their heires, One Quarter part to Martha the wife of Thomas Stillwell or to her Children in case of her Decease, And One quarter part to Chretienne - the Wife of Abraham Marlet or to her Children in case of her Deacease to (be) equally divided by them in ffour equall shares ~divisions but with this express condition that before any Dividend bee made of my Estate which whether they be lands or tenements, I do hereby declare to bee goods and Chattles, they shall give Security to my Said Wife Gerritje to pay or cause to be payd unto her yearly and every Year the sume of ffiveteen Pounds Currant Money of this Province as by this my last Will & Testam't I have given & Bequeathed unto her during her natural life.
"Item: Whereas by this my last Will and Testam't I have given unto my Wife Gerritje Biljou all my household Stuffe & furniture belonging to my Howse during her natural life, My Will and Pleaseure is that after her decease what is left of same shall bee equally shared and Divided by my Children or their Children in the respective of their ffathers or Mothers in manner and forme following:
"That is to Say, One Seaventh part thereof to my Son Isaac Biljou or his Children in his Stead; One Seaventh part thereof to the Children of my Son Jacob Biljou deceased; One Seaventh part therof to the Children of my Daughter Marie deceased Lawfully begotten by Arent Prael; One Seveanth part thereof to the Children of my daughter Catharin Deceased Lawfully begotten by Richard Curtis to whom which Children is to bee understood to bee given what heretofore was in this Testament said to be given to the Mother, One Seaventh part thereof to Chretienne the Wife of Abraham Marlet or her Children in her Stead; and One Seaventh part thereof to ffrancoys the now wife of John Morgan or to her Children in her Stead.
"Lastly: I do hereby appoint my trusty & Welbeloved friends Abraham Gouveneur Esq. Of the City of New York, Jacques Pouillon of the County of Richmond, Esq., & Jasper Nissepat of the City of New York, Merch't. or the Survivors of them to bee the only Executors of this my last Will and Testament, giving & hereby granting unto my Said Executors or the survivors of them the full & Soul just & ample Powers as all Executors by the Law doth appurtain & belong.
"In testimony whereof the said Peter Biljou hath hereunto set his hand & Seale in New York this 11th day of Dept. in the Elleventh Year of his Ma'ties Reign 1699.
"Signed Sealed ~ Published in the presence of Nicolas Jamain, Drner Ceratt, Jacob Thibou. Pierre Billiou (Seal)
"New York, July the 6th, 1702. The within named Jacques Pouillon, Executor of the last Will and Testament of Peter Bilyou lately dec'd appeard and was sworn to ye due Execution of the within written Will.
"Coram me Jo: Bridges Sur.
"Appeard the fifth of this instant Jan'y 1702 the within named Nicholas Jemaine one of the witnesses to the within written will and was sworn to the due Publication of it.
"Coram me Jo: Bridges Sur.
"Appeared this sixth day of January 1702 Abraham Gouverneur (who by an Act of Renunciation refus'd the Executorship of the within written will), and was sworn as A witness to the due Publication of it.
"Coram me Jo: Bridges Sur. R. Milward Prs.
"This (widow) Gerritje was the widow of Jan Spiegelaer of Flatbush and she entered into an antenuptial agreement with Peter Billiou on January 17, 1695/6 indicating their intention to marry. The antenuptial agreement is confirmed in Pierre Billiou's will, but it is clearly distinguishable from the will. It is recorded in a Book of Patents and Deeds."
[She signed as Gerretye Spiegelaers.]
[He signed as Peter Billiou.]
The children of Peter Billiou and Francois DuBois were:
i. Maria, b. Mar 6, 1649/50, m. Arendt Jansen Praal on Jun 3, 1670, d. bef. Sep 1, 1699
ii. Martha, b. Feb 8, 1651/2, m. 1st, David De Bonrepose, 2nd, Thomas Stillwell, d. Jan 23, 1735/6
iii. Catherine, b. 1654, m. Richard Curtis in 1678, d. bef. 1699
iv. Francoise, b. 1655, m. 1st, Nicholas Larsalere, 2nd, John Morgan
v. Chretienne, b. 1659, m. Abraham Marlet in 1678
vi. Isaac, b. 1661, m. Ida Suebering, d. Dec 22, 1709
vii. Jacob, b. 1663, m. Margaret Larzelere, d. 1694
viii. Peter, b. Jun 6, 1668, m. Maria Brestede in 1701, d. bef. 1702
According to the archives of Leiden, Holland (Record Books of Kerklijk Oundertrouwregister): date Apr 9, 1649, betrothal - Pieter Biljouw, Walloon Church, born near Lille, young man, occupation, grograin worker, dwelling place, Cattle Market; sponsored by Jeacq Biljou, his father of School Lane, to Francoise duBoys, born near Lille, spinster, living Haarlem Street, sponsored by Lysbeth Floris, her acquaintance. Marriage date May 2, 1649.
Van Name continues: "They were married in the Walloon Church at Leyden [Holland] Apr 6, 1649, he from Lille and she from Reims and they had four daughters born to them at Leyden, the eldest Marie, being baptized in the Walloon Church March 6, 1650.
"They embarked at Amsterdam in the ship St. Jan Baptiste May 9, 1661, accompanied by four children aged 9, 7, 6, and 2 ½ years, and arriving here Aug 6, 1661."
There is an account at the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society giving a report of the Billious reading their Bible during the voyage. Isaac was baptized four days after they landed at New Amsterdam. And when Isaac married in November 1684, it was stated that he was born at sea. This record was made while his father was living and his mother could have been also.
"Pierre must have possessed the true spirit of the pioneer. Within 16 days he was ready to face the wilderness, for it is known that until Pierre and 18 associates on Aug 22, 1661 petitioned the Governor of the Province to grant them land upon which to settle on Staten Island, this beautiful isle was almost bare of inhabitants. A majority of those who joined in the petition turned back, but Billiou pressed on. It was Billiou who succeeded in pacifying the Indians where others had failed, and it was he who, with the assistance of the Governor's surveyor, laid out the first Staten Island town at "Old Town" near the present South Beach.
"On Oct 2, 1661, he and his wife joined the Reformed Protestant Church at New Amsterdam. He was a judicial officer of the first court established Jan 28, 1664, was a delegate to the General Assembly in Manhattan on Apr 10, 1664, was appointed a Lieutenant of Militia on May 14, 1669, and was on Aug 25, 1673 elected Schout and Schlepen (sherrif and magistrate) during the Dutch re-occupation."
One Dr. Prall wrote, "thus we. . . perceive that Pierre Billiou was trusted by the English when they took possession of New Netherland a few years after the resettlement of Staten Island, that he was spoken of by Governor Lovelace as 'one of the ancient inhabitants' and as 'one that was best acquainted among the Indians. He was trudted by the Dutch during the short time New Netherland was returned to them in 1673. By the inhabitants of Staten Island, he was nominated to the principal offices, and by the commanders in the Council of War, he was confirmed in these responsible positions. . . He was held in high esteem by the authorities at Fort Willem Hendrick, who looked to him to inform them of the coming of the Dutch and the English fleets. . . Accordingly, his name should be held in reverence by all who have followed him . . ."
"It is said that the Stillwell-Perine house stands on land covered by a Dutch ground brief made to Pierre Billiou in 1664. In 1685 the land was surveyed to Captain Thomas Stillwell.
"He also bought land in New Jersey and in or near Flatbush."
There is a Memorial Pillar Inscription at the Church of the Huguenots in Huguenot Park, Staten Island, New York: "Sacred to the memory of Pierre Billiou and Francoise DuBois, both of Artois, who were married in the Walloon Church Leyden Apr 20, 1649, and emigrated to the New Netherlands May 9th, 1661, and of their daughter Marie Billiou, who married at Wiltwyck Jun 3, 1670 Arendt Jansen Prall, who died on Staten Island 1725. May they rest in Peace."
Pierre Billiou wrote his will on Sep 1, 1699 in Richmond County, New York. It was probated in New York on Jan 6, 1702 and recorded in Liber 7, page 79. It read:
"In the Name of God, Amen.
"Bee it known and manifest unto whom these presents shall come that I, Pierre Billiou, of the County of Richmond in the Province of New York, yeoman, considering the frailty of this present Transitory life, the Certainty of Death and the uncertain-time and hour thereof, being at this present in good health, Sound memory and understanding, have made, ordained and declared, and hereby make and order these present to bee my last will and Testament in manner and forme hereinafter Expressed, hereby revoking ~d annulling and all former Wills and Testaments by me heretofore made and declared willing and required these presents only to be my last and uncotrouled Will and Testament.
"Imprimis I do bequeath my Soule into the hands of my most merciful God and Creator, hoping and only trusting for mercy and Salvation and the Pardon of my manyfold Sins in and throh the Meritorious Death and Passion of the Blessed Son God my Redeemer, and my body to the Earth there to bee decently Interred, according to the Discretion E~. Executors named in the hope of a glorious resurrection at the last Day and as for ~t Temporall Estate the Lord of Mercy has been pleased to bestowe
"Item: I do give unto (my) welbeloved wife Gerritje [Lamberts Spiegelagers] Biljou the sume of Tenn Pounds (£10) Currant Money of this Province and also do give and confirme to her the Sume of ffivetteen pounds per annum during her natural life the which per ante-nuptial contract I did engage to her And my Will and pleasure is that my Executors before any division bee made of my Estate Shall give in Sufficient Security to pay the same yearly and every year during her natural life afore said.
"Item: I do give unto my welbeloved Wife Gerritje Biljou aforesaid during her natural life and for her use all and Singular my husehold Stuffe & furniture, none excepted, of my house belonging to thereto apurtening.
"Item: I Give and bequeath unto my eldest son Isaac Biljou the Sume of Twenty ffive pounds currant Money for this Province and his birthright.
"Item: I Give and bequeath the Two Children of my Son Jacob Biljou Deceased the Sume of One hundred Pounds Currant money of this Province, that is to say ffifety Pounds to each of them, I haing Sufficiently done for their ffather in his life time.
"Item: I Give and bequeath unto the four Sonns of my Daughter Catharin Lawfully on her begotten by Richard Curtis a Certain Tract of land adjoining to Daniel Lake in the County of Richmond aforesaid, being Eighty ffour Acres or there-abouts bee it more or less, to be equally divided or Sold Amongst them for ever without any trouble or Incumbrances of all or any of my children.
"Item: I Having Payd a certain mortgage of the Sume of One Hundred and Twenty pounds Currant Money of this Province unto Paul Richard of the City of New York, Merchant, which he had on a Certain piece of land belonging to Nicholas Larzilliere deceased, late the husband of my daughter ffrancoyse who is since Intermarried with John Morgan, which piece of land lyeth in Richmond aforesaid, whereby all the Intrest, Title, claime and demand of the Said piece of Land is devolved upon my Selfe and Whereas Nicholas the Son and heir of the said Nicholas Larzilliere is heir at Law to the Estate of his Said Father whom I had on the marriage with Daughter ffrancoise Sufficiently Provided for, My Express will and pleasure (is) that my Said Daughter shall enjoy the benefit of the Said Mortgage untill Such time that her Said Son shall bee of age and take possession of Said Land and then the Said Nicholas his heires or Executors shall well and truly pay or cause to be made the Said Sume of One hundred and Twenty ffive pounds in equall Proportions unto the Children of my said Daughter his Mother without any distinction whether they be begotten of his Own father or of John Morgan, I thinking that his is Sufficiently Provided for by his father throh my Means And my will and pleasure is that my Said Daughter ffrancoise shall have the income of the portions of her Children untill they bee Severally of age or Marryed.
"Item: My Debts, funeral Charges and the aforesaid Legacyes being payd and the yearly pension of my wife Secured, I do Constitute (and) Apoint heires to the remnant or remainder of my Estate both reall & personal, actions & Credits, none excepted, but what are heretofore Mentioned, to be equally divided without any Manner of Distinction, My Son Isaac Biljou, My Daughter Marie's (Aernt Prael's Wife) who is deceased, her seaven Children, Martha the Wife of Thomas Stillewill and Chretienne the Wife of Abraham Marlet (I conceiving to have already Sufficiently given to the rest of my Children), that is to say, One quarter part to my Son Isaac Biljou or to his children in case of his Decease, One quarter part to the Seaven Children of my Daughter Marie the late wife of Arent Prael or their heires, One Quarter part to Martha the wife of Thomas Stillwell or to her Children in case of her Decease, And One quarter part to Chretienne - the Wife of Abraham Marlet or to her Children in case of her Deacease to (be) equally divided by them in ffour equall shares ~divisions but with this express condition that before any Dividend bee made of my Estate which whether they be lands or tenements, I do hereby declare to bee goods and Chattles, they shall give Security to my Said Wife Gerritje to pay or cause to be payd unto her yearly and every Year the sume of ffiveteen Pounds Currant Money of this Province as by this my last Will & Testam't I have given & Bequeathed unto her during her natural life.
"Item: Whereas by this my last Will and Testam't I have given unto my Wife Gerritje Biljou all my household Stuffe & furniture belonging to my Howse during her natural life, My Will and Pleaseure is that after her decease what is left of same shall bee equally shared and Divided by my Children or their Children in the respective of their ffathers or Mothers in manner and forme following:
"That is to Say, One Seaventh part thereof to my Son Isaac Biljou or his Children in his Stead; One Seaventh part thereof to the Children of my Son Jacob Biljou deceased; One Seaventh part therof to the Children of my Daughter Marie deceased Lawfully begotten by Arent Prael; One Seveanth part thereof to the Children of my daughter Catharin Deceased Lawfully begotten by Richard Curtis to whom which Children is to bee understood to bee given what heretofore was in this Testament said to be given to the Mother, One Seaventh part thereof to Chretienne the Wife of Abraham Marlet or her Children in her Stead; and One Seaventh part thereof to ffrancoys the now wife of John Morgan or to her Children in her Stead.
"Lastly: I do hereby appoint my trusty & Welbeloved friends Abraham Gouveneur Esq. Of the City of New York, Jacques Pouillon of the County of Richmond, Esq., & Jasper Nissepat of the City of New York, Merch't. or the Survivors of them to bee the only Executors of this my last Will and Testament, giving & hereby granting unto my Said Executors or the survivors of them the full & Soul just & ample Powers as all Executors by the Law doth appurtain & belong.
"In testimony whereof the said Peter Biljou hath hereunto set his hand & Seale in New York this 11th day of Dept. in the Elleventh Year of his Ma'ties Reign 1699.
"Signed Sealed ~ Published in the presence of Nicolas Jamain, Drner Ceratt, Jacob Thibou. Pierre Billiou (Seal)
"New York, July the 6th, 1702. The within named Jacques Pouillon, Executor of the last Will and Testament of Peter Bilyou lately dec'd appeard and was sworn to ye due Execution of the within written Will.
"Coram me Jo: Bridges Sur.
"Appeard the fifth of this instant Jan'y 1702 the within named Nicholas Jemaine one of the witnesses to the within written will and was sworn to the due Publication of it.
"Coram me Jo: Bridges Sur.
"Appeared this sixth day of January 1702 Abraham Gouverneur (who by an Act of Renunciation refus'd the Executorship of the within written will), and was sworn as A witness to the due Publication of it.
"Coram me Jo: Bridges Sur. R. Milward Prs.
"This (widow) Gerritje was the widow of Jan Spiegelaer of Flatbush and she entered into an antenuptial agreement with Peter Billiou on January 17, 1695/6 indicating their intention to marry. The antenuptial agreement is confirmed in Pierre Billiou's will, but it is clearly distinguishable from the will. It is recorded in a Book of Patents and Deeds."
[She signed as Gerretye Spiegelaers.]
[He signed as Peter Billiou.]
The children of Peter Billiou and Francois DuBois were:
i. Maria, b. Mar 6, 1649/50, m. Arendt Jansen Praal on Jun 3, 1670, d. bef. Sep 1, 1699
ii. Martha, b. Feb 8, 1651/2, m. 1st, David De Bonrepose, 2nd, Thomas Stillwell, d. Jan 23, 1735/6
iii. Catherine, b. 1654, m. Richard Curtis in 1678, d. bef. 1699
iv. Francoise, b. 1655, m. 1st, Nicholas Larsalere, 2nd, John Morgan
v. Chretienne, b. 1659, m. Abraham Marlet in 1678
vi. Isaac, b. 1661, m. Ida Suebering, d. Dec 22, 1709
vii. Jacob, b. 1663, m. Margaret Larzelere, d. 1694
viii. Peter, b. Jun 6, 1668, m. Maria Brestede in 1701, d. bef. 1702
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