If you can’t find a Dutch ancestor from the 1700s, it could be that they originally came from elsewhere. At that time, you had to provide a bond letter (borgbrief or akte van indemniteit) from your previous place of residence before you could settle elsewhere. This letter assured the new town that you would not be a burden to them, because the old town agreed to take care of you if you were unable to support yourself. They are a wonderful source of information about migrations.
Beggar. Print by Mathias de Sallieth, collection Rijksmuseum (public domain)
About Yvette Hoitink
