The Terhune Surname
It’s been a while since the origin of the Terhune surname was last discussed on this board with several alternative theories being suggested. Before the board becomes read only, I add the following.
We know from photos taken by a Terhune cousin during a recent visit to the Netherlands that there is a small concentration of buildings named Huinen. The Dutch version of Wikipedia refers to it as a hamlet. It also refers to Huinen as region named for its peaty soil known for the archaeological discoveries found there dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries.
Following Dutch convention, the prefix “Ter” would appear to be more appropriate than “Van” (Ter Avest in Dutch means "at the forest edge" or "at the shelter) meaning the family lived near Huinen.
It has been suggested that the family could not have lived in the area and supported themselves as weavers. It has also been asked if there were a connection between the family and Kilaen van Rensselaer. While van Rensselaer lived in Amsterdam, he was born in Nijkerk (a city to the west of Huinen). His country estate was located in Huinen, which suggests to me that the family may have been employed by van Rensselaer living on or near his estate whether as weavers or in another capacity. Weaving could well have been an avocation to supplement the family income
It also suggest to me that when traveling to municipal markets in Putten and Nijkerk, the family could well have added Ter Huinen to their legal name to distinguish themselves from others with similar names.
NOTE: Search for "Surname" for previous posts.