Ebook Annals of Staten Island, From Its Discovery to the Present Time

Another difficulty, and one entirely insurmountable, is found in a custom which obtained among the early Dutch, in an entire and unrecognizable change in the family name; thus, for instance, Hans Jansen may be described as Hans Jansen, van den berg, or John Johnson, from the hill or mountain, or Hans Jansen van de zantwthat is, John J ohn son from the sands or sea-shore — and his descendants, or some of them, would adopt the name of Vandenburg or Vanzant, thus annihilating at once all trace of their descent from the Jansen family.