During his lifetime, our ancestor, Adriaen Hendricksz de Wees, owned a bookshop in Amsterdam. He was known for his collection of etchings and paintings and acquired many from the local masters. He was well acquainted with Rembrandt van Rijn.

Rembrandt is considered the master of the "Dutch Masters" by most art historians. While a few others of his time created works that some scholars deem to be of equal quality, none of his peers produced the same volume of great works.

During the 1650s, Rembrandt fell upon hard times. The expenses of his school (he had many student/apprentices) as well as his lifestyle, far exceeded his income and he was eventually forced to "declare bankruptcy." His works were to be sold at auction to pay off his debts. Adriaen de Wees was selected to inventory and evaluate these paintings and etchings for the sale (Volume 3 ). In the end (unimaginable today), proceeds from the auction didn't cover the debt and Rembrandt's life took a permanent downturn.

Many of the great masterpieces, found in various museums today, passed through Adriaen's hands. Viewing them in that light may give a new perspective to our family members.

[Courtesy of the Dewees Family Newsletter, editor Ted Dewees, Salem, Oregon]

Probate: 1674, Estate Inventory
Will: May 21, 1670, New Last Will and Testament (Amsterdam) in the local archive vol. 2175 pp 85-88
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The origin of the Dewees family is veiled in obscurity, many descendants claiming that they are of French extraction. The first family of that name in this country emigrated from Holland about the year 1689, landing in New York, whence they removed to Pennsylvania the same year, or early in 1690.

In 1898, Garret E. de Wees [relation not known], claiming to be a native of Zaandam, Holland, gave the following history: "In 1563 there was born in Dortrecht, Holland, Jan Piètre, the only son of his parents, who died when he was very young. He was adopted by a family who gave him the surname of de Wees which being anglicized means the Orphan, thus originating the name of de Wees, or later Dewees." It looks reasonable that such should be the case, as it was customary in those days to give surnames according to the avocation or circumstances in which one was placed, thus Jan Piètre, the orphan, became Jan Piètre de Wees.

The name Dewees is unmistakably of Holland origin.

"The D'Bwes of England were descended from one Gerrard or Garret D'Ewes the eldest son of Adrian D'Ewes, of Amsterdam, Holland, who died in 1251, descended from the ancient lords of Kessel, in Guilderland. Gerrard or Garret D'Ewes, settled in England about the beginning of the reign of Henry VIII." (This family may be connected with the Dewees family, but the proof of the matter is not obtainable).1524