Arnout, son of Cornelis Vielè, the first settler, married Geeritje Gerritse of Amsterdam; the records mention but three children, — Arnout, Willempie, who married Symon Jacobse Schermerhorn, and Maria (211-3), who married first Matthys Vrooman, and secondly Douwe Aukes of Schenectady. He usually resided in Albany and was for many years provincial interpreter at all the important negotiations with the Indians, and at their yearly gatherings at Albany. On account of their high esteem for him and as a recognition of his services, the Mohawks in 1683 gave him a parcel of land above Schenectady on the north side of the river called Wachkeerhoha.
In 1687 while on his way to Ottawa to trade with the natives, he was taken prisoner by the French. (211-4)
Espousing the cause of Leisler in opposition to Col. Ingoldsby he was dismissed from his office of interpreter, after which he retired to Long Island (211-5), but being held in "great esteeme with the Indians" and "being a good and faithful interpreter," he was recalled and reinstated in his office. (212-1) At the burning of Schenectady in 1690, his son Arnout was carried away to Canada and remained with the Indians three years, but on the occasion of the attack made upon the Mohawk castles by the French in 1693, he escaped. (212-2)
The above mentioned grant from the Mohawks was that parcel of flat land afterwards called the Fourth flat. It is not probable that Vielè settled upon it, or that his title was regarded as good, for it was about this time occupied by Ludovicus Cobes and his son-in-law Johannes Kleyn (212-3), under title received from the trustees of the township in 1684.
Notes
(211-3) [See Ante, Cornelis Cornelise Vielè, note.]
(211-4) Col. Doc., III, 431.
(211-5) Col. Doc., IV, 198.
(212-1) Col. Doc., IV, 214, 329, 347.
(212-2) Col. Doc., IV, 17.
(212-3) [He may have transferred his claim under Indian title to Ludovicus Cobes schout and secretary. It would require no record, as no patent had been issued to him by the Governor. — M'M.]