04


THE ROSENKRANTZ FAMILY IN EUROPE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter Date Origin Writer
1 November 20, 1893 Brussels Charles J. Roe
2 March 30, 1895 The Hague J.J. Helsdon Rix, Private Secretary, U.S. Legation
3 March 15, 1895 Amsterdam O. Creen, Chief Director of the National Museum
4 May 16, 1895 The Hague J.J. Helsdon Rix
5 May 15, 1995 Amsterdam U.N. Veder, Archivist
6 April 7, 1896 Amsterdam O. Creen, Hoofddirecteur,
Van Rijks Museum
7 August 22, 1895 Berlin Theodore Runyon, Ambassador
8 October 25, 1895 Berlin Theodore Runyon
9 May 8, 1896 Berlin Gustave Ateyler, Herold
10 October 24, 1896 Copenhagen Robert J. Kirk, Consul
11 November 5, 1896 Christiania E.A. Thromle, Rigsarkvet
12 March 6, 1897 Copenhagen Thiset, Archivist, Royal Archives
13 January 3, 1898 Copenhagen Jules Blom
14 February 21, 1898 Christiania E.A. Thromle
15 March 7, 1898 Copenhagen Jules Blom
16 March 30, 1898 Stockholm C.T. Odhuer, Kongl Riksarkivet
17 April 16, 1898 Copenhagen Jules Blom
18 April 29, 1898 Bergen B.E. Bendixen, Rector
19 June 3, 1898 Amsterdam U.N. Veder
20 May 4, 1896 Altona Pastor J. Liebolt
21 February 6, 1896 Wandsbeck Von Aspern, Captain of Cavalry, Member of Heraldry

 


Letter 1

Holland, Scandinavia and Germany have each been claimed by individual members in this country as the birth place of the Rosenkrans family, but the majority claim Holland. In accordance therefore with the traditional belief that our ancestors were Hollanders, the writer, in 1893, began a course of inquiry there to learn of the family through Charles J. Roe, Attorney, and German scholar of Newton, who for the second time visited Holland that year. The report of his investigation was received by letter from Belgium as follows:

Brussels, November 20th, 1893

Allen Rosenkrans, Newton, New Jersey. — My Dear Sir: — l bore in mind our talk, and while in Holland tried my best to find such facts as might be useful to you, but I fear have met with very poor success. *     *     * I did intend traveling through little Holland, which I have done quite thoroughly. The name Rosenkrans (a wreath or crown of roses) is today a name absolutely unknown in the Netherlands. People who should know say it is not a Holland or Dutch name, nor never was; that it is pure and simple a German, or high Dutch name. It is a fact that the diphthong — an — never does occur in the Flemish, or Dutch, language. The name Rosenkrans in Holland, Flemish or Dutch, would be Roos Kruin — a rose wreath or rose crown. Besides this name Rosenkrans is now never met with in this country. The name Roos and Kruin is found separate, but I have failed to find it in combination. At Amsterdam, among the portraits of the burgomasters, or mayors of that city, in the gallery there is one "Rosenkrauntz," but this goes for little, as at the time 1520 AD , Holland was a part of the German Empire, and it is very likely this burgomaster was a German, appointed by the German Emperor (Charles V.) The fact that his history is unknown and his descendants untraced points strongly to that view of the case. Again in Berlin and throughout Germany proper the name Rosenkrans or Krauntz occurring so frequently as it does — you meet it everywhere — seems to me to be conclusive that it is derived from Germany, and that your family is high Dutch and not low Dutch, as you imagine. *     *     * My own opinions are that your family originated in Germany, possibly in Saxony.

Yours, etc.,

CHARLES J. ROE.

Letter 2

In February, 1895, I wrote to the Honorable W.E. Quimby, the American Minister at the Hague, for further information regarding the Rosenkrauntz burgomaster spoken of in the above letter and of the family in Amsterdam, also concerning the records of a Rosenkrans who is said to have died in Holland leaving a fortune belonging to the American branch of the family. In due time the following letter was received:

Legation of the U.S., The Hague, March 30, 1895

Mr. Allen Rosenkrans, Newton, New Jersey. — Dear Sir: — In reply to your letter of February 21st last, I beg to enclose a letter from the Director of the National Museum at Amsterdam, and to add that the Archivist of Amsterdam has been addressed on the subject, but evidently cannot (as is surmised from his silence) discover anything more definite with regard to the Rosenkrauntz. Should he or any other person throw any light on the investigation started in your interests you shall be informed thereof.

Respectfully yours,

J.J. HELSDON RIX., Private Secretary.

Letter 3

Amsterdam, 15 March, 1895

To Mr. J.J. Helsdon Rix., Private Secretary to the U.S. Legation, The Hague. — Dear Sir: — In reply to your esteemed letter of March 11, I have the pleasure to inform you that Dirk Jacobszoon Rosencrans (or Roosencrans) who is represented with several members of the Civil Guard of Amsterdam in the pictures No. 754 and No. 758, was one of the Captains of the Civil Guard of Amsterdam, in 1584 and 1588, and Commissioner in 1589. The date and place of his birth and death are not known to me, but perhaps the Archivist of this town, Mr. W.R. Veder, will be able to give you further genealogical particularities. Messrs. Ad Braun & Company, 43 Avenue de l’Opera Paris, who have reproduced the principal pictures of the National Museum of Amsterdam, can procure you a photo of the picture No. 754. The other picture, No. 758, has not been photographed.

I have the honor to be respectfully yours,
The Chief Director of the National Museum,

O. CREEN.

Letter 4

From the contents of this letter it is evident that Director O. Creen did not fully understand the inquiry regarding the burgomaster, but mistook the Captain of the Civil Guard to be the subject of inquiry. In due time came another note enclosing the report of the Archivist of Amsterdam as follows:

Legation of the U.S., The Hague, May 16, 1895

Mr. Allen Rosenkrans, Newton. — Dear Sir: — Referring to my letter of March 30th last, relating to the Rosecrans ancestor, please find enclosed a letter just received from the Archivist of Amsterdam on the subject.

Respectfully yours,

J.J. HELSDON RIX, Private Secretary.

Letter 5

Amsterdam, May 15, 1895

Sir: — In regard to the Rosencrans family, I can inform you that Dirck Jacobz R. was Commissary of Matrimonial Affairs 1589, 1603. I found Jacob Dircx R. in the list of the banished persons in 1567, whose property was confiscated; perhaps he was the father of the above mentioned. A Jacobs R. was a sexton in the old church. A Jacob Dircx was also a sexton in the old church, and died 20 December, 1555. That is all that I find. A burgomaster of Amsterdam of the name of R. does not appear in Wagenaa’s list.

Respectfully Yours,

U.N. VEDER, Archivist

Letter 6

In the beginning of 1896, I wrote directly to Mr. O. Creen, the Director of the Museum, making special inquiry regarding the burgomaster of 1520, spoken of in letter No. 1, and received the following reply:

Amsterdam, 7 April, 1896

Mr. Allen Rosenkrans, Newton, New Jersey, USA. — Dear Sir: — As far as I know Dirck Jacobsz Rosecrans, or Rosencrans, has never been burgomaster of Amsterdam. He was Captain of the Civil Guards and is reproduced in this quality on two pictures in our museum painted by Cornelius Ketel, in 1584, and in 1588, No. 754 and 758. For any further genealogical particularities, I should advise you to apply to Mr. W.R. Veder, Keeper of the Town Archives, Saint Anthony Poort, Nieuw Market, Amsterdam.

I remain, dear sir, yours truly,
O. CREEN, Hoofddirecteur,
Van Rijks Museum, Amsterdam.

According to the above letter, Director O. Creen has yet failed to understand that my inquiry is concerning another person as burgomaster and not Captain Dirck, of 1584. Neither he nor Mr. Veder, the Archivist, seems to have any knowledge of this Rosenkrauntz burgomaster, whose picture is evidently in the gallery somewhere, since Mr. Roe reported in letter No. 1 that his name was spelled Rosenkrauntz, and in answer to a letter of inquiry, in 1898, as to whether he saw the picture and the name, Mr. Roe writes that the picture 4 "was pointed out" to him in some gallery in Amsterdam.

Letter 7

As the Rosenkrauntz burgomaster of 1520 was probably the beginning of the family in Holland and was evidently of German ancestry, I wrote in the beginning of 1895 to The Honorable Theodore Runion, of New Jersey, Ambassador at Berlin, to obtain information concerning the family in Germany, making especial inquiry as to the origin and beginning of the Noble Family in Germany, believing that in accordance with legend No. 3, the name came from the crowning of a warrior with a Rose-wreath, or from his reception of it, which event was probably at the beginning of the titled family and the name. I also made inquiry about the coat of arms of the family, and in response to my letter received the following:

Berlin, August 22, 1895

Allen Rosenkrans, Esq. — Dear Sir: — Yours of 25th February last was duly received. I have given the matter to which it relates my attention, and am still doing so. When I shall have completed my inquiries I will write you again. Yours truly,

THEODORE RUNYON

Letter 8

Berlin, October 25, 1895

My Dear Sir: — Referring to yours of February 25 last, it has given me pleasure to make the desired inquiries and as a result of them I find that there are many persons here of the name of Rosenkrantz, and that especially there was a family of that name in Holstein but it is said to have died out. It is said also that the head of that family received his name in the way you mentioned, or in some such way. The description of the coat of arms of that family can probably be got at the Heraldry office here, but, of course, it is not worth while to look after it until it be known whether that is your family. I do not find that the other families of the name have a coat of arms.

Very Truly,
THEODORE RUNYON

Allen Rosenkrans, Esq.

Letter 9

Soon after receiving the foregoing letter from Ambassador Runyon he died at Berlin, which event ended our correspondence. I next wrote to the Chief of the Heraldry mentioned by Mr. Runyon for a brief report from the records giving the particulars of the beginning, or of the earliest records found there of the Rosenkrantz Noble Family of Germany, and a description of the coat of arms. In due time the following brief note was received from the Herold:

Verin Herold, Berlin, 8 V. 1896

Honored Sir: — In answer to your writing, I send you a letter which I — regarding this affair — have received from Pastor Lieboldt, in Altona. Further, I can recommend you to address the genealogical Institute at Copenhagen.

Respectfully,

GUSTAVE ATEYLER, Herold.

With this letter from the Herold came enclosed the Pastor Lieboldt letter containing an account of the beginning of the Rosenkrantz name followed by a letter from "Von Aspern," a nobleman, giving a report of the titled Rosenkrantz branch of the Danish family still living in Holstein. These two letters were written in German, which the writer could not read or get translated in Newton till 1898, when a German lady teacher, Miss Marie Wahll, was found at the Newton Institute who translated them. Meanwhile the investigation in Europe was continued and the letters received are here presented, while the two letters mentioned will be presented according to the order and time of their translation.

Letter 10

As I was referred by the Herold of Berlin to the genealogical Institute of Copenhagen for further particulars concerning the early history of the family Rosenkrantz, I wrote in October, 1896, to Robert J. Kirk, American Consul at Copenhagen, to make some inquiry at the Institute as to the early records of the family, and to report such information, or refer me to some one who would do so. The following is his reply

Copenhagen, October 24, 1896

Allen Rosenkrans, Esquire, Newton, New Jersey. — Dear Sir: — l am in receipt of your letter of October 12, and in reply beg to refer you to Genealogisk Institute, Vesterbrogade 111, which will probably make the investigation for you. I regret that I cannot undertake such personal matters as the tracing of genealogies without suitable compensation to be agreed upon. The Rosenkrans family being a very large one, and with many branches, the investigation would necessarily be long and tedious. If you desire my personal services in the matter please communicate further with me.

Yours Very Truly,
ROBERT J. KIRK, Consul.

Letter 11

In September, 1896, 1 wrote two letters to Bergen, Norway, one to the Post Master to be directed to the proper official and the other to the pastor of the first Protestant Church of Bergen, making inquiry concerning the Rosenkrans family in Bergen, and asked for information regarding the connection of Herman Hendrickszen with the family there prior to his marriage in New York 1657. The Post Master sent his letter to the Archivist, at Christiania, who reported as follows:

Christiania, November 5, 1896

Mr. Allen Rosenkrans, Newton, New Jersey, USA. : — Your letter of 24th September this year to the post master at Bergen is sent me by him for answering. I therefore hand you enclosed a short genealogy of the Noble Family Rosencrantz in Norway. It will show you that no member of the family has been named Henrik as far back as the year 1650. The Herman Hendrickson that you mention in your letter can therefore probably not belong to the Noble Family Rosencrantz. Mr. Thiset, Archivist, at the Royal Archives of Copenhagen, is the man who can best give you information about the Danish and Norwegian Noble Families.

Respectfully yours,
E.A. THROMLE, Rigsarkvet.

The genealogy above referred to: — Holger Rosenkrands born 1496; married Margareth Roesdatter Fleming. Otte Holgerson, his son born l525; married Margareth Sans born 1525, 3 sons, Holger born 1576, Erik born 1575 and Jorgen. Holger Rosenkrands born 1576; married Karina Eysentheme, one son, Fredrik. Fredrik Rosenkrands born 1603; married R. Wockenhims, one son, Holger. Holger Fredriksen Rosenkrands married Ursula Justina Sourich, 2 sons, Ludvig and Maximilian. Ludvig Rosenkrands, of Rosendal, born 1685 married Karen Moriatt, 2nd Clara Catharina Stockhausen. Maximilian Rosenkrands, Obert, born 1676; married Elizabeth Tuil VanBrilekenstein. Holger Henrik Rosenkrands born 1681.

Letter 12

In February, 1897, I addressed a letter to Mr. Thiset, Archivist of the Royal Archives, Copenhagen, to whom I had been directed by the Herold of Berlin, and by the Archivist of Christiania, requesting information concerning the Noble Family Rosenkrantz, and also concerning the connection of Herman Hendrickson with the untitled branch of the Rosencrantz family of Bergen, Norway. His answer is as follows:

Kjobenhaven, 6th March, 1897

Mr. Allen Rosenkrans, Newton, New Jersey, U.S.A. — Dear Sir: — In answer to your letter of the 3rd of February, I will inform you that you can find everything you wishes to know of the old Danish family Rosenkrantz in a printed book — K. Barner, the history of the family of Rosenkrantz I — II. The book can be required at every bookseller through Reitzels book trade in Copenhagen, and it can tell you of the family’s origin, arms, genealogy, etc. However, I will not recommend you to buy the said book. There is not the least probability that your family is related to this Noble Family. Your ancestor, Herman Hendrickson,, is no doubt related to Henrik Rosenkrans who, in 1617, 1619, 1629 obtained permission to the fishery of herring and whales at the coasts of Greenland and Norway, and whose son Henrik Rosenkrans, 1657, was Berggesell in Norway. These two men were known not of the Danish Noble Family of Rosenkrantz. They were on the whole not Noblemen, as their business shows, but it may be presumed from the lively intercourse which took place at that time between Holland and Norway that they were immigrated Dutchmen. Surely a family of the name of Rosenkrantz lived in Holland and Dirk Jacobsen Rosecrans lived in Amsterdam 1580. Further information I am not able to give you.

Respectfully, Honest, THISET

Letter 13

This letter of Thiset, Archivist of the Royal Archives of Copenhagen, contained the first authentic evidence received that our ancestors of Norway had emigrated from Holland, and encouraged the hope that the family connection might be found there, as the book "K. Barner" was said to contain the desired information concerning the origin of the family. I again wrote to him for information concerning the book, and that if convenient, he should send me a brief statement from it of the beginning of the family, promising to compensate him for his services, but to this letter no answer came. I then wrote again to Consul Robert J. Kirk asking him to name some person who would give information whether said book could be found in English print; if not to make a brief report from the book. In due time I received the following letter:

Copenhagen, Denmark, January 3, 1898

Allen Rosenkrans, Esquire, Newton, New Jersey. — Dear Sir: — Your favor of the 22nd ultimo addressed to Mr. Robert J. Kirk has been referred to me, and in reply I beg to say that the two volumes exist. They are in Danish, and simply give the history of the Rosenkrantz family, but not the genealogy. The price for the two volumes, by mail, postage paid, will be at $10, and would probably be of no use. The Noble Danish Family Rosenkrantz originated in l757. The Swedish branch in l756. The latter writes its name Rosencrantz. In all, there are four lines, viz. : the so-called elder Baronial line; younger ditto; the Noble Danish line; the Noble Swedish line. I will send you correct list of the family records, giving dates of birth and death, and full particulars, also a seal of the Rosenkrans family upon receipt of $5.

I am, Sir, Your Obedient Servant,
JULES BLOM

Letter 14

Mr. Blom’s letter giving such dates of the beginning of the NobIe Family did not impress me favorably as to his knowledge of the family, and I did not want a long list of names, nor a book printed in Danish. I also wrote to C. A. Reitzel, the book agent, who confirmed the statement that the books were published only in Danish. Another letter of inquiry had also been sent to the Archivist of Norway for the earliest account there found of the family in Norway, and of the earliest known records elsewhere, with some early names of the family. The following is his report:

Christiania, February 21, 1898

Mr. Allen Rosenkrans, Newton, New Jersey, U.S.A. — According to your wish I send to you a short genealogy of the members of the Noble Family of Rosenkrands that are first known in Denmark. The origin of the family can be traced no longer back. About the year 1523, King Frederick 1st, of Denmark, demanded the Nobility to take family names, and the descendants of Niels Iverson took the name of Rosenkrantz after a wreath of roses round the crest on their coat of arms. I enclose to you a sample of the coat of arms of the family. From Denmark the Rosencrantzs came to Norway with Ludvig Rosenkrands, a descendant of Holger Eriksen, son of Erik Otteson. The book that Mr. Thiset has mentioned — K. Barner — No I, is a book of 500 or 600 pages, and No. II also. Both volumes are written in Danish. The books describe the history of the Noble Family of Rosencrantz from the earliest date to circa 1600. The work is continued by Dr. A. Heise in two Danish magazines, "Dansk Historik Tidskrift" and "Personal Historic Tidzkrift." For any trouble with informations about the family of Rosenkrands I should be satisfied with (50) fifty Kroner.

Yours Truly,
E. A. THROMLE, Archivist.

Genealogical List

Niels Iversen, 1308 (three sons) Erik Nielsen, 1355, knight. Jenseller Johannis Nielsen, 1377, Iver Nielsen, Herringholm, 1378.

Iver Nielsen, Herringholm, 1378 (three sons), Niels Iversen, 1412; Ludvig Iversen, Milstedgaard, 1380; Andreas Iversen, Satrupholm, 1450.

Jenseller Johannis Nielsen, 1377 (two sons) Erik Jensen, 1431; Niels Jensen, Tange, 1411, Herringholm.

Niels Jensen (six sons), Scharmo Nielsen, 1455; Otte Nielsen, 1477, Horingholm, Bjornholm; Trinme Nielsen, Engelsholm, Stensballegaard; Anders Nielsen, 1476, Stygge, Horingholm; Niels Nielsen. 1447, Tange; Ludvig Nielsen PalsGaard og Tange.

Otte Nielsen, 1477, Horingholm, Bjornholm; son Erik Ottesen, Bjorenholm, Bollerete, 1503 og Hofmester 16 Bone.

Trinme Nielsen, Engloholm og Stensballegaard (two sons), Erik Trinmesen, Engelsholm, 1523; Niels Trinmesen, Stegesollegaard, 1484.

Anders Nielsen Stygge, Herringholm, 1476 (four sons) Eiler Styggesen, Erik Styggesen, Trinme Styggesen, Niels Styggesen.

Niels Nielsen, Tange, 1447, son of Erik Nielsen.

Ludvig Nielsen, PalsGaard og Tange (three sons), Niels Ludvigsen, 1525; Olief and Claus, 4 Boin.

Letter 15

After receiving my last letter, Jules Blom, of Copenhagen, evidently went to Mr. Thiset, the Archivist of Denmark, as the best authority regarding the Noble Family, and with his assistance formed the following report:

Copenhagen, 7 March, 1898

Allen Rosenkrans, Newton, New Jersey.  —Dear Sir: — I duly received your letter of the 11th of January last. With a great deal of trouble Mr. Thiset and I have got the enclosed information together and on the strength of your declaration that you will pay me for it, I send you the information. I think $5 would be a very small fee, but I leave that to you.

Yours truly,
JULES BLOM

Rosenkrantz

It is only at the end of the year 1524 that King Frederick the First of Denmark called a number of the most prominent families in Denmark together in order to make them adopt a family name which was entered upon the Royal Danish Nobility books to be used by them and their descendants. Formerly a gentleman would be called, for instance Niels Iversen, his son would be called Iver Nielsen; his son again Holger Iversen; his son Iver Holgersen, and so on. The name of Rosenkrantz appears for the first time on the 6th January 1525 by Royal letter addressed to Holger Holgerson, Knight owner of the estate called Boller in Jutland, Denmark, thereafter the name Rosenkrantz appears often but although of the same family and even signed by the same name on different occasions the name is spelled differently, viz. : Rosenkrantz, Rosenkrandts, Rosenkrans, Rosenkrands, Raaszentkrantz, Rosenkraunts.

In those days very little writing was done and no importance was attached to the spelling. From the above it will be seen that it is impossible to give the history of the name Rosenkrantz in 1400, as it did not exist until 1525, although the family which finally took that name existed as early as 1227. The name then was Erik to Herringholm. His son was Iver Eriksen to Herringholm, date of birth unknown. His son was Mauritz Iversen to Herringholm. He is known to have lived in 1270. His son was Albert Mauritzen, date of birth unknown, and so on.

The first seal used is from 1355 and was used by Erik Nielsen, Knight. His brother Iver Nielsen and Johannis Nielsen also used seals, but they were all three different. Several changes and additions were made until it finally was adopted by the family Rozenkrantz, in 1525.

Allen Rosenkrans’ ancestors are supposed, in the 16th or 17th centuries, to have emigrated from Holland to Norway and they were employed in the mines. One of them was called Berggesell, which means a position with the Norwegian Mining Company. In the 17th or 18th century some of that family were officers in the Royal Danish Norwegian army. One of Allen Rosenkrans ancestors was called Herman Hendrickson. The names Herman and Henrik were used by this Hollandish, Danish, Norwegian family, but they were not related to the Royal Danish Noble Family of Rosenkrantz. Herman Hendriscksons ancestor again must have been Herman Rosenkrands, who in 1617 was permitted to catch whales in Greenland, a Danish possession. The Noble Family of Rosenkrantz is known since 1525.

Jules Blom

This letter of Jules Blom, dictated in part by Thisit, differs materially from his other letter regarding the beginning of the Danish Noble Family, and correctly gives the time as 1525 when the Danish Noble Family adopted the name. From these last letters one from Norway and the other from Denmark we learn that they had no knowledge of the adoption of the name Rosenkrantz, by Erik Nielsen Knight — only that his coat of arms contained the Rose-wreath and that the Noble Family in adopting a name in 1525 took it from the Rose-wreath on the coat of arms in this branch of the family. Through the two lists of names which they have given us we are enabled to follow the direct line of ancestors from Erik, the Knight spoken of in German history (letter 20), back to Erik the first in 1227, the beginning of the family in Denmark. This Thisit, Blom report places Erik who first used the seal as the eldest son of Niels Iversen, who was the eldest son of Ivor Eriksen. This corroborates the truth of legend 3, which declares that he who first adopted the name Rosenkrantz was the eldest son of the eldest.

Letter 16

In March, 1898, I applied to the archivist of Stockholm, Sweden, for a report of the Noble Family Rosenkrantz, of Sweden, asking several questions, which were answered as follows:

Stockholm, March 30, 1898

Dear Sir: — In reply to your letter of the 14th March, I have the honor to inform you,

(1) The Noble Family Rosencrantz being Danish, you will from Denmark get the best information on its origin. The name was assumed by Erik Rosenkrands about the year 1500; before any family name was used.

(2) When the Danish province Scania in 1658 was ceded to Sweden a branch of the family remained in Scania, but was naturalized as member of the Swedish Nobility first in 1725. In 1805 Captain P.C. Sylvan married with a Rosencrantz and was adopted in this family, consequently two families of the name Rosencrantz are now existing in Sweden, the old and the adopted, the latter being the most numerous.

(3) The coat of arms of the Swedish families represents in the second and the third field a crowned rising lion, in the first and the fourth field a checky scene, that extends obliquely over the whole escutcheon.

(4) The political privileges of the Swedish Nobility are abolished, but the House of Nobles continues as a social corporation with particular assemblies funds, etc.

(6) A Baronial family Rosencrantz does not exist in Sweden, but in Denmark. The Swedish Rosenkrans, Danish Rosenkrands, German Rosenkrantz, is Rose-wreath.

Sincerely yours,
C.T. ODHUER ,
Kongl Riksarkivet of Stockholm

Letter 17

Having written in March, 1898, to Jules Blom, Copenhagen, telling him of Pastor Leyboldt’s letter and that one Erik adopted the name Rosenkrantz, 1325, which name is German, and having given him the name of the German author, he answered as follows:

Copenhagen, April 16, 1898

Allen Rosenkrans, Esquire, Dear Sir: — I have received your favor of the 25th March, and the $5 with thanks. I enclose Mr. Thiset’s receipt for his share. The German family Rosenkrantz, as stated by Hellbach is identical with the old Danish Noble Family, of Rosenkrantz, that the family in Hellbach’s book is stated as German, is owing to that family having lived in Schleswig, Holstein, then Danish, but in 1864 ceded to Germany. That there is now being a plebeian family Rosenkrantz in Germany is unknown to me, and nothing is known about it being of Danish origin, or has anything to do with the Danish Noble Family of Rosenkrantz. It is, of course, not impossible that one of the young Danish Noble Rosenkrantzs in the 16th or 17th century can have married in Germany and left issue, but nothing is known about it here. History does state that one Erik went to Rome and by the Pope in 1325 was presented with a Rosary, and the name Rosenkrantz in 1524 is supposed originated from that fact. Nothing is known here of the untitled family in Germany. The Rosenkrantz fishermen in 1617-1619-1626 one was called Herman, and another Henrik, but which one of them was your ancestor is not known. Mr. Thiset cannot say whether Henrik or Herman. He has no positive fact about it but, he is inclined to think it was Herman.

Yours very truly,
JULES BLOM

Letter 18

The letter previously mentioned, sent in 1896, to the pastor of the first Protestant Church of Bergen, making inquiry about the baptism and parentage of Herman Hendrickszen Rosenkrans, our American ancestor who came from Bergen, was answered in 1898, as follows:

Bergen, 29 April, 1898

Mr. Allen Rosenkrans — Dear Sir: — I beg your excuse that your letter has remained for so long time without answer, partly because that I have been occupied by different labors, and partly because of the difficulty of the principal question: that about you ancestors. Herman Rosencrantz, not Henrik, obtained in year 1617, together with Michael Vibe and Claus Coldevin rights to whale hunting by the coast of Greenland; the hunting should be made by their managers and foreign people who were knowing this sort of fishing. The same man obtained, in 1619, rights for four years to fishing herring in the bays and gulfs of Trondhjem (Dronthem) with Dutch, or others. Probably he was a Dutchman and a rich merchant, what the names of his two associates indicate. A certain Henricksen, citizen of Amsterdam, was charged with trading unlawfully in Sundmor in Norway in 1613 — 1614. These names Hendrik Hendriksen, Herman Hendriksen and Hendrik Hermansen are often to be found in the city rolls of Bergen in the years 1593 — 1652. One Hendriksen became citizen 1593, another 1596, another 1601 — 1607 — 1620 — 1621 — 1630 — 1633 — 1651. Herman or Harmon Hendriksen, citizen, 1607, then 1614 — 1620 — 1652. Herman Hermansen, a citizen, 1617, another 1618. It is impossible to see if there is any connection between these persons, specially because all the church records in Bergen from this time are destroyed, or burnt, and there do not exist any of these books before 1674. In the long list of members of the Famous Rosenkrantz Noble Family there don’t exist any man whose life is proved historically of that name Herman, but a few have been named Henrik. I think, therefore, that Herman Rosenkrantz cannot have been a descendant of that family, especially since he pursued a trade. We know very well the many Rosencrantzs at the period in question. The Rosenkrantz family is perhaps the most famous of all the Noble Families in Denmark, and is still flourishing. Some of them were governors in different parts of Norway, where they had by marriage inherited great possessions. Erik Rosencrantz, who has built, or rather reconstructed the large tower in Bergen that was originally built by King Haakon Haakonson about 1250, was governor of the western and the northern part of Norway (the present diocese of Bergen and Trompso, and the western shires of the diocese of Krishansand) 1560 — 1568 conspicuous as statesman and warrior. Later one member of the family, Ludvig, married a Norwegian Noblewoman, Karen Moriat, 1637, and became Baron of Rosendal, but this branch was extinct already. With certainty can be proved to exist about 1350. Its history is written by two Danish savants, Mr. K. Barner and Mr. A. Hise. I have myself described the Norwegian branch.

Respectfully Yours,
B.E. BENDIXEN, Rector

The above letter from Rector Bendixen, of Bergen, establishes the fact as declared by Mr. Thiset, of Copenhagen, that many of the Rosenkrantz family left Holland and went to Bergen, Norway, between 1593 and 1652. The Herman Hendriksen who went to Norway in 1652 may have been our ancestor born in Holland, who came from Bergen to New York and was married there in 1657 or as Mr. Thiset imagines, Herman Hendrickson, our ancestor, may have been the son of Henrik, the Burgesell of Norway, who he says was the son of Herman the fisherman, descendant of Captain Dirk. But his identity before reaching this country cannot be positively determined, as the early records of Bergen were burned.

Letter 19

Having again written to U.N. Veder, archivist of Amsterdam, Holland, and sent him a registered letter containing a remittance for services tendered, which had caused some difficulty on account of an error in writing his name, and having made more definite inquiry concerning the records of the family there, he wrote me the following letter:

Amsterdam, Holland, June 3, 1898

Dear Sir: — l wrote you already that there has been a mistake in rendering my name, which was, as it seems, written by myself in a way that you saw in it deRoever’s name, instead of Veder. Now, I will try to inform you on the questions you have addressed to me in your letter of April 29, 1898. The first record of Rosenkrans is that of the name of Jacob Dirks, who lived in a house on the Warmoes Street and that house was labeled "In the Rosenkrans. " In former days many houses had their names derived from a sign board or marked stone. The family name originated from the inscription of that signboard. So Jacob Dirks was living "In the Rosenkrans," and his son Dirk Jacobs took the family name of Rosenkrans. You know already that Dirk Jacobs was a Captain of the Civil Guard in 1581 — 1584 — 1585 — 1588. His portrait I see is mentioned in the MSS. (of Schaeys) painted by Ketel. The father was Jacob Dirks. He also was a chief man in the Hand Book Docket in the year 1553. He was banished for the state of his religion. He was a Calvinist and so his name was put on the list of fugitives by the Spanish Government of the Duke of Alva, in 1567, and his funds were confiscated. His wife was Adriana, Jacob Jr. ’s daughter. So I think for I see the name written on the same line. But I don’t see Jacob Dirks after his banishment, 1567, on the list of burgomasters. You are told that his portrait hangs in the gallery of the burgomasters. Please be so kind and tell me where I can find that gallery and I send you a copy of Jacob Dirks.

The son Dirks name I find on the list of Magistrates as a Commissary. Coat of Arms (a Rose-wreath) I found in the MSS. of Bendenery, where his name as a Captain of the Civil Guard is mentioned. I am sure you will like to have a copy of it, so I send you. (See title page. ) In the city accounts I find the name of a Jacob Dirks who pays for his citizenship in 1533. Perhaps this Jacob Dirks is the same who lived in 1552 in the Rosenkrans in the Warmoes Street. The first Registers of baptismal records begins 1582, so it will be impossible to give genealogical statement up to 1620. A Hendrick R. went to Norway in 1617 (?) (so Thisit said. ) Is it a fact that he came from Amsterdam? In that case an examination can be made to find in what year he was baptized. Over how many years do you wish that the Registers shall be looked through? I shall be glad to hear. Reply.

Yours, U.N. VEDER

Letter 20

Leyboldt Letter, Received 1896, Translated 1898.

Altona, 4. V. 1896

Most respected Counsel: — It has given me an extraordinary pleasure to receive a few lines from your dear hand for although I have in the week Whitsuntide, or a little later to come to Berlin, will it be doubtful to me if I then will find the opportunity of seeing you. Concerning the affair itself, I am indeed not prepared to give you enough desired information. First, it appears without doubt that the mentioned family (Rosenkrantz) are Germans, for never do the Danes write the name Rosenkrantz, but Rose or Rausenkrands. Now there are many Rosen, and estates named after them in Schleswig Holstein, such as Rosendaal, Rosenhaf, etc. Rosenkrantz only occurs in Schleswig twice. First at Eckernforde, at which place near Gettorf (not Gottorf) there is an endowment estate. Second, a village near Tondem, the last well known to me. It belongs, think I to the parish of Aventofft, the inhabitants speak raren Danish, as is customary, in Schleswig Holstein, but they are mostly in sympathy with Germany, in spite of Mozeltondeen, having been formerly a Jutland possession. Biography. There was one Schinkel on the banks of the Eider, two miles south from Eckernforde, the estate of Gettorf, proprietor since 1828, Dr. Weber. The estate with Rathmannsdorf was entailed 1786. Weber bought only the principal part.

The name Rosenkrantz was more widely made known by Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the events of which occur in comparatively latter days. The old records of Schleswig Holstein "Lubecks Hamburg" know this race not. It is a fact that to the oldest families of nobility the Rosenkrantzs do not belong neither to the Antochtonen nor to those who after conquest, that is, extinction of the Wendors in Wagram when the Schaumburgers and Henry the Long came into the land. In "Westphalia Monumentis ined" are Holstein Rosenkrantz not mentioned. "Hellbach" says (II p. 119) "Rosenkrantz, a very old Holstein family, which has spread especially in Denmark, and of whom have sprung great statesmen, the first which was known was called Erichs (also no Holstein name) who traveled 1325 to Rome where the Pope (John 22) presented him with a Rosary (or Rosenkrantz in German) which he added to his coat of arms and henceforth called himself Rosenkrantz. "

He further quotes from Hellbach: *     *     * "Anna Rosenkrantz 1550 — 1612 at Rantzen — many heirs. Brindor R. born 1556, and the sons of the learned Henry R. 1525 — 1598. " "Book of Record," Adami Theatre Nobilitat Cymbros newly edited 1618 — 1756, page 70. The Von R. and Iversen are of one lineage and carry the same coat of arms. The family VonRosenkrantz is very great and mighty in the Kingdom of Denmark *     *     * George R, heir at Rosenholm, 1588, after King Frederick died, was one of the four States Counselors. Denmark *     *     * Erich heir of Bestrup, Royal Mayor, died at Novarz, 1575. His two daughters, Anna and Sophia, were married to Frank and Breidor Rantzn. Holger Rosenkrantz, Rosenholm, Royal Clerk at the Monastery Dalun, a talented, learned and in all faculties experienced man, who favored the arts and amateurs of all kinds, showed much kindness to the professors. He collected a great library of all kinds of fine and rare books, that its like was not easily to be found. 1617 Christian 4th gave to him the monastery Dalun situated near the Odensell, and him honored and loved. *     *     * Danmarks Calendar of Nobility, edited 1885, is embellished with a portrait of Gottlot Baron Rosenkrantz. For a title page, and of his family page 322, therein is said: "An old Danish Noble Family whose ancestor, John Nielsen, of Herringsholm lived 1361, coat of arms, a shield with a standing lion. The Swedish branch of this family was naturalized in Sweden in 1752. They distinguished in Denmark the old branch of the Rosenholm and the younger branch to whom belongs the above mentioned Baron, by Lophienthal Liesbund and Vornegaard, Proprietor of the small R. Estate (entailed) the Danish branch of whom are extinct all male heirs. Then comes yet the Swedish branch at Orup and Glinnarige in Schoonen. The following record is found there: Niels Jensen, upon Tange, 1411. Otte Neilsen, at Bjornsholm, 1477. Jorgen Rosenkrantz, at Kjeldgaard1607 - 1675. Jens R. Onitsonsholm, 1695. Holger R. 1772 - 1819. Coat of arms upon the helm a wreath of red and silver roses. I am inclined to think that Westphalia is the first home of the Rosenkrantz.

PASTOR J. LIEBOLDT, Altona

The above report of April 18, 1896, from Pastor Lieboldt, of Altona, Germany, received through the Herold of Berlin, and translated in February, 1898, gives the information long sought after: the time and place and particulars of the beginning of the Rosenkrantz family and name. The last named coat of arms, a Rose-wreath upon a helm, is the original coat of arms of the Rosenkrantz family, adopted by Erik the Knight, and corresponds with the legend received as mentioned under traditions (3), Erik having had a helm for his coat of arms, added to it the Rose-wreath and took the name of Rosenkrantz.

Letter 21

The following is the report received from the Nobleman, VonAspern, 1896, made by request of the Herold of Berlin, which being in German was not translated till February, 1898:

Wandsbeck, June 2, 1896

In assuming that your inquiry concerning the family Rosenkrantz in Holstein (which inquiry came up for discussion in 637th meeting of the Heraldry Society in Berlin July 4, 1896), can only refer to the family Weber VonRosenkrantz, I take pleasure in giving you the following information regarding the same. The family of Weber VonRosenkrantz own the estate of Nobility called Rosenkrantz (formerly called Skinkle) and the estate called Rathmauntdorf, in the County of Eckernforde, Province Schleswig Holstein. The Royal Master of the Chase, Dr. Weber, who possessed these estates already before 1853, was given a Patent of Nobility the 19 - 12 - 62, and confirmed by the Crown of Denmark. The description of his crest (coat of arms) is found in the Gotha Almanac of the year 1870, p. 1006. Robert Lord, Weber VonRosenkrantz married with N.N, 14 - 2 - 76, four children. First child Axel born 25 - 5 - 28 in Kiel; married 14 - 9 - 54 in Bonn with Emily H.W.M. Pryer, born 16 - 7 - 45, in Manchester; two children. First child Richard, born 18 - 7 - 65 at Wiesbaden. Second child Woldemar, born 17 - 2 - 68 at Wiesbaden. Second child of Robert R. Charlotte, born 17 - 6 - 31. Kiel. Third child Thekla, born 17 - 6 - 35 at Rosenkrantz; married 9 - 8 - 54 with Wilhelm Osterrom in Barmen. Fourth child Elise, born 25 - 10 - 38 at Rosenkrantz; married with Peter Von Eynern, Kiel.

Respectfully,
VON ASPERN,
Captain of Cavalry — Member of Heraldry

 


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