5.12.03

As we delve deeper into our ancestral roots, it is very apparent that under the title of 'Dutch Burgher' many other Europeans were placed. The Tranchells were descended from Per Tranchell, born in Romelanda, Sweden, whilst the Brohier ancestor was a Huguenot from Jersey.
A recent 'Burgher' speaker spoke of hardworking, 'ordinary'
folk but it seems that many who came to our island had coats of Arms liberally carved on their memorials and were of the aristocracy. For instance, Jacobus, Wilhelmus Balthazar, was the Baron Von Imhoff born in Westphalia. E. Friesland, a disputed terrritory, his names belies his Germanic origin. Then there was August Carel Frederic von Ranzow whose father Ferdinand, Count von Ranzow was born in Wolffenbuttel. He returned home and married, Louisa, Henrietta, Baroness Breckenburg. By her, he had three sons, who all came out to Ceylon and served with the VOC. One of them was 'baker to the troops' in 1801.
Baron, Stephen van Lynden also comes to mind, not forgetting the Marquis and Comte de Lassosay. All, it seems left descendants whether in the female line or not. We are a very hybrid race indeed, descended from predikants, boukhouders, Commandeurs, Barons and Counts all drawn to the VOC and after them, the British.I suspect many were also Huguenots.
Sincerely,
A.W.Williams