Re: need info on "VanAmber" spelling
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In reply to:
Re: need info on "VanAmber" spelling
11/10/00
My name is Jon Van Amber and I noticed a message on the Genealogy forum posted by you.The question was about the Van Amber name itself relating to the Van Amburgh name?(last year...)
I've done some extensive research on these names and came to the conclusion that the name was changed during or right after the Revolutionary War.My ancestors may have been "Loyalists" (on the British side) during the conflict.In fact, New York City was a hotspot for British Loyalty and did not change until 1783 when the Treaty in Paris was signed ending British involvment in America.Many Loyalists moved or escaped to Canada --- and given a free plot of land and a little money as incentive for going.
I've looked at the geneaology of "Van Amber" there are strong indications that a man by the name of Abraham Van Amburgh changed his name to Van Amber after coming back into Western New York with his family. (away from NYC)Abraham was given a plot of land in St. John after taking the ship "Neptune" to Canada from NYC.He did not stay very long, though.
He had at least one son by the name of Matthew Van Amber, and Matthew was an adult by the 1800 cencus in western New York.
Mattew is the first Van Amber to be found in Western New York... Oneida, Jefferson counties.
It is not a hard conclusion to reach that by dropping the "G" it accomplished three things:
1)The G was usually left off anyway when spoken.(Many Europeans that I know that speak English tell me that "it (the G) would have been left off most of the time when spoken."
2) "Amber" may have been a more attractive name.Amber is a precious mineral found along the western coast of Europe.(no offense to the Van Amburgh's)
3)The name Van Amber also may have signified "starting over" after the war.
It sounds more English and affirmed personal English loyalties.
There is a website where you can find Matthew's name.He married Polly ( which could be a nickname for Maria )
e-mail me if you would like that address.
Matthew's son's, Beckwith, John and George Wesley were boat builders.
They lived near a village that was named "Van Ambersville".The town has since died, but can be found in New York historical records.
George Wesley is my Great, Great Grandfather.He had two wives and 17 kids.....
I hope this gives you some insight.
Jon Van Amber
St. Paul, MN
More Replies:
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Re: need info on "VanAmber" spelling
James Brokaw 7/24/04
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Re: need info on "VanAmber" spelling
8/15/01