1607-c. 1670
Born in 1607 in Haarlem, Holland, Abraham Pietersen (van Deusen) was also known as Abraham Molenaer (the miller). He entered the employ of the Dutch West India Company around 1630 and was the first official miller in New Netherland. In 1665, he lived on the east side of Heeren Street (now Broadway) where he owned a mill and was an inn-keeper.
Abraham Pietersen became a man of prominence and wealth. He was selected to the first representative assembly in New Netherland, the Twelve Men. In 1643, Pietersen was appointed to the second representative assembly, the Eight Men, and was a signatory to the Remonstrance of the Eight Men of the Manhatas.
Abraham Pietersen was a contributor to the 1655 fund to strengthen the defenses of New Amsterdam, and was assessed (paid taxes) for the support of soldiers. He was granted burgher rights on April 14, 1657, and in October 1664, took the oath of allegiance to William III (William of Orange), the King of England.
Abraham Pietersen Van Deusen died in New Netherland around 1670.
Note: Abraham Pietersen Van Deusen was the third great-grandfather of Martin Van Buren (1782-1862) the 8th President of the United States. He was also the seventh great-grandfather of Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) the 32nd President of the United States.