Jessé de Forest
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Jessé de Forest was the leader of the Walloons who fled Europe due to religious persecutions. Born in Avesnes (Hainault) in 1576, he left his native land and settled in Leyde, Holland by way of Sedan and Montcornet. From that time, he moved heaven and earth to obtain the right to emigrate with his own and other Walloon families to the New World. During his stay, he also met English Pilgrims, future passengers of the Mayflower.
Jesse served with Prince Maurice of Nassau, as a Lieutenant and Captain.
On February 5, 1621, Jessé de Forest sent a petition, written in French, to Sir Dudley Carleton, ambassador of his Majesty the in The Hague. It applied for permission to settle about fifty Walloon and French families that planned to follow the Puritans to America (then called the West Indies) in Virginia. Jessé asked to dispose over a territory of eight English miles radius. Known as the Round Robin, this document is now preserved in the British Public Record Office.
On August 11, 1621, the Virginia Company gave an agreement in principle, but raised some restrictions. The worse one was her refusal to have the settlers dwell together in one autonomous colony. Jessé declined the proposition.
It was Jesse's desire to establish a Colony in the New World, so that the Walloons could practice their Reformed Religion without persecution. He then sought permission from the Dutch to establish a colony in what is now New York City. He was granted permission. He assembled approximately 60 families of French Speaking Walloons and Dutch for the settlement in New Amsterdam, New Netherland. The first permanent settlers arrived in New Amsterdam May 1624.
The foundation of the West India Company gave rise to the most clever plan in the Walloon’s mind. Proposing his services and those of his fellow countrymen to the Dutch Company, Jessé informed her that a group of families practicing various trades had the opportunity to emigrate to America, on behalf on the English. Arguing that those colonist should rather be secured for the West India Company, he wished a quick response, adding that it was a take it or leave it offer.
The States of Holland, realizing the importance of such an opening for future colonization, immediately consulted the “Bewindhebbers” (Directors) of the Company, who were meeting in The Hague.
On August 27, 1622, after years of efforts delivered by Willem Usselinx and Jessé de Forest, the latter finally received the authorization to emigrate with other families to the West-Indies.
Left on reconnaissance for the coasts of Guyana in 1623, Jessé de Forest died on the Oyapok River bank (present borderline between Brazil and French Guyana), on October 22, 1624.
His daughter Rachel and his sons Isaac and Henri joined New-Belgium ten years later. New Belgium was the region between Virginia and New England. Several seals during this period show that the territories surrounding the future New York City were referred to as New Belgium.
Today, there is a Monument in Battery Park, New York City called the Walloon Settlers Memorial. That monument was given to the City of New York by the Belgian Province of Hainaut in honor of Jesse's inspiration in founding New York City. Baron de Cartier de Marchienne, representing the Belgian King and Government, presented the monument to Mayor John F. Hylan, for the City of New York May 18, 1924. There is also a monument in Jesse's honor in Avesnes, France, the College Jesse de Forest and Jesse de Forest Avenue.
