Although it requires more substantive verification, Josias Merlet (also written Marles and Marlet) and his wife, Jeanne Robb (also written Rabbe and Robbe), are believed to be the parents of our immigrant ancestor, Gideon Merlet, and his brother, Paulus. Josias is believed to have been born in about 1600 in France, where he was later married to a woman named Jeanne Robb. Josias and Jeanne were apparently residents of Roussy in Champagne Province, France.

Although Gideon and Paulus are the only two children that have been identified as "probable" issue of Josias and Jeanne (Robb) Merlet, it is very likely that they may have had other children.

Gideon Merlet (also written Marles and Marlet), the son of Josias Merlet and Jeanne Robb, is believed to have been born in about 1625 at Roussy in Champagne Province, France. As a young man, Gideon fled the religious persecution that was taking place in France, and moved to Leiden in the Province of Zuid Holland in the Netherlands. Gideon was later married in the Walloon Church at Leiden to a woman named Marguerite Martijn on 21 August 1644. According to their marriage record, Gideon had arrived at Leiden from Gouda in the Netherlands during the month of December 1643, while Marguerite had come from the Limburg region in the southeast part of Holland and northeast Belgium. Gideon was a carpenter by trade.

In about 1650, Gideon and Marguerite left Leiden and moved to the City of Mannheim in the Palatinate of Germany (now the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany), where they remained for nearly twelve years. Gideon, his wife, Marguerite, four sons aged 15, 8, 6, and 4, Gideon’s uncle, Philip Merlet, and his wife's cousin, Jeanne Martijn, later emigrated to America, arriving in the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam (now New York City, New York) on 12 October 1662 aboard the ship "De Purmerlander Kerck." Shortly thereafter, on 19 March 1663, Gideon, along with a number of other emigrants, petitioned the government for "grants of land and seed grain, with provisions for six months." Gideon subsequently received a grant of land on Staten Island, and it is there that he and his family settled.

In 1671, Gideon was appointed Constable of Staten Island by Governor Francis Lovelace, and in 1674, he was appointed a magistrate by Governor Coive. Sometime later, Gideon and Marguerite appear to have moved to Piscataway in the Province of East Jersey (now within Middlesex County, New Jersey), where they resided for the remainder of their lives. Marguerite is believed to have died on 25 August 1681 at Piscataway, while Gideon died there during the month of February 1682/83.

Although Josias and Sarah continued to reside on Staten Island after their marriage, available land records indicate that Josias, along with a man named Abraham Luten, purchased property at Woodbridge in Middlesex County, New Jersey from Stephen and Mary Kent on 21 August 1696. Even though Josias purchased land in New Jersey in 1696, he and Sarah appear to have maintained a dual residency between Staten Island and New Jersey for several years afterwards, as the Richmond County, New York records indicate that he was elected Constable of the South Division of Staten Island in 1699.

Abraham Marlet (also written Merlet), the son of Gideon Merlet and Marguerite Martijn, was born on 26 January 1656 at Mannheim in the Palatinate, Germany (Mannheim is now within Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany). He was subsequently christened on 3 February 1656 in the French Church at Mannheim. As a young boy, Abraham emigrated with his parents to America, where they settled on Staten Island in what is now Richmond County, New York. Abraham is believed to have been married twice during his life. He married his first wife, Christence Billieu, in about 1677 in New York. Christence, who was found in various records to be listed as "Corten Billieu," was the daughter of Peter Billieu.

According to available records, on 17 March 1678 Abraham was given one-half of a lot of land on Staten Island by his brother, Paulus. This lot was apparently being received by Paulus out of his father’s land patent. Other records indicate that Abraham was elected in 1698, and again in 1703, to be the Tax Collector for the South Division of Staten Island.

Sometime after his first wife passed away, Abraham married for a second time to a woman named Elizabeth. Although a number of researchers believe her to be Elizabeth Morgan, this has not been proven. After their marriage, Abraham and Elizabeth settled at Piscataway in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Abraham died at Piscataway in 1716. His will, which had been written on 6 June 1714, was probated before the Middlesex County Court on 16 May 1716.

NOTE: Over the years, there has been considerable debate regarding which Abraham Marlet wrote his will on 6 June 1714, was married to a woman named Elizabeth, and died in Middlesex County, New Jersey in 1716. Although some researchers have concluded that it was actually Abraham’s son, Abraham, who was married to Elizabeth and died in 1716, there is sufficient reason to believe otherwise. This is primarily because Abraham’s daughter, Frances, who was married to Jan LaForge and was mentioned in Abraham’s will, was most likely born during the period 1682 through 1684. Because the younger Abraham was christened on 16 May 1680, and would have been under five years of age when Frances was born, it must have been the elder Abraham who was her father.

Issue from 1st marriage: (Surname Marlet)

Jean Pierre Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the son of Gideon Merlet and Marguerite Martijn, was born on 18 April 1658 at Mannheim in the Palatinate, Germany (Mannheim is now within Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany). He was subsequently christened in the French Church at Mannheim on 2 May 1658. As a young boy of four, Jean Pierre accompanied his family on the trip to America, where shortly after arriving they settled on Staten Island.

Jean Pierre was apparently married twice during his lifetime. His first wife, and the mother of our direct line ancestor, Theodorus Melott, was Marie Bellemain. Although Jean Pierre and Marie continued to reside on Staten Island for a number of years after their marriage, they eventually moved to Middlesex County, New Jersey, settling first in the vicinity of Perth Amboy, then later in the vicinity of Piscataway. Although Jean Pierre purchased approximately 280 acres of land in Piscataway Township from the estate of Major James Giles during the month of April 1693, it does not appear that he settled there permanently until several years later.

Sometime after moving to New Jersey, Jean Pierre's first wife passed away. Jean subsequently married for a second time to a widow named Mary Jabou. No issue are known from Jean's second marriage. Jean Pierre, who was a blacksmith by trade, died in Piscataway Township, New Jersey in 1704. His last will and testament, which had been written on 30 January 1703, was probated before the Middlesex County Court on 18 April 1704. In his will, Jean Pierre mentions his second wife, Mary, and her daughter, Lydia Jabou (underage), from her previous marriage. Although some researchers believe Jean Pierre may have moved into Gloucester County, New Jersey just prior to his death, this has not been verified.

Joseph Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the son of Josias Marlet and his first wife, Sarah Bowne, was born in about 1682 on Staten Island, New York. He was later married in New Jersey to a woman named Sarah.

George Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the son of Josias Marlet and his first wife, Sarah Bowne, was born in about 1685 on Staten Island, New York. He was later married in New Jersey to a woman named Hannah Howe.

Although George is known to have resided in Middlesex County, New Jersey during his younger years, it is not known at this time whether or not he was married in Middlesex County, or if, after his father died in about 1710, he had moved elsewhere and married there. It is known, however, that by 1732 George and Hannah were residing in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, where George had been elected that year to be "Overseer of the Poor" for Lebanon Township.

Known and probable issue: (Surname Marlet)

38. George
        b. ca. 1719 in NJ.

18. Ann Marlet.

Ann Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the daughter of Josias Marlet and his first wife, Sarah Bowne, was born in New York. She was later married in New Jersey to a man named Alexander Scobie (also written Scoby and Scobey). Alexander and Ann resided at Perth Amboy in Middlesex County, New Jersey.

Alexander, who was a planter by trade, died at Perth Amboy in 1722. His will, which had been written on 22 April 1722, was probated before the Middlesex County Court on 16 June 1722. Although it is believed that Ann also died in New Jersey, the actual date and place of her death have not been determined. The below listed children, all of whom were underage, were named in Alexander’s will.

Issue: (Surname Scobie)

40. John
        b. in Middlesex Co., NJ.

41. William
        b. in Middlesex Co., NJ.

42. Andrew
        b. in Middlesex Co., NJ.

43. Elizabeth
        b. in Middlesex Co., NJ.

44. Mary
        b. in Middlesex Co., NJ.

46. Margaret
        b. in Middlesex Co., NJ.

47. Ellinor
        b. in Middlesex Co., NJ.

19. Janneke Marlet.

Janneke Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the daughter of Paulus Marlet and Lijsbeth Bunwijck, was born in New York. She was subsequently christened in the Dutch Reformed Church at Flatbush, New York on 18 May 1679 (Flatbush is now part of greater Brooklyn in Kings County, New York). No additional information has been found concerning this individual.

20. Margaret Marlet.

Margaret Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the daughter of Abraham Marlet and his first wife, Christence Billieu, was born in New York. She was subsequently christened on 31 March 1678 in the Dutch Reformed Church at Flatbush, New York (Flatbush is now part of Brooklyn in Kings County, New York). Because no additional information has been found concerning this individual, and she was not mentioned in her father’s will in 1714, it is believed that this child may have died young.

21. Abraham Marlet.

Abraham Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the son of Abraham Marlet and his first wife, Christence Billieu, was born in New York. He was subsequently christened on 16 May 1680 in the Dutch Reformed Church at New Utrecht, New York (New Utrecht is in Kings County, New York). Because no additional information has been found concerning this individual, and he was not mentioned in his father’s will in 1714, it is believed that this child may have died young.

22. Frances Marlet.

Frances Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the daughter of Abraham Marlet and his first wife, Christence Billieu, was born in New York. She was later married to a man named Jan LaForge (also written John LaForge and LeForge). Jan was the son of Jean and Margaretta LaForge.

Frances subsequently died in 1755 at Piscataway in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Her will, which was written on 3 October 1751, was later probated before the Middlesex County Court on 31 October 1755. In her will, Frances stated that she was a widow, which indicates that Jan died prior to 1751. The following children were named in her will.

Issue: (Surname LaForge)

23. Elizabeth Marlet.

Elizabeth Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the daughter of Abraham Marlet and his first wife, Christence Billieu, was born in New York. When Elizabeth’s father wrote his will on 6 June 1714, he mentioned that Elizabeth had a child. Unfortunately, neither the name of the child, nor the name of the father, were mentioned.

Elizabeth was later married in New Jersey to a man named Cornelius Sleght (also written Sleght, Sleight, Slaght, etc.). Cornelius, who was born in 1708 at Brooklyn in Kings County, New York, was the son of Abraham Sleght and Jannetje Van Der Haven. Cornelius died intestate in 1745 at Piscataway in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Bond was subsequently posted by Elizabeth as Administratrix of his estate, along with her brother, Gideon, on 12 January 1746.

Issue: (Father Unknown)

54. (unknown)
        b. in NJ.

Issue: (Surname Sleght)

24. Thomas Marlet.

Thomas Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the son of Abraham Marlet and his first wife, Christence Billieu, was born in New York. He was later married in New Jersey to a woman named Neeltje (also referred to as Nelly).

Thomas subsequently died in Somerset County, New Jersey in either late 1748, or very early 1749. His will, which had been written on 25 August 1748, was subsequently probated before the Somerset County Court on 18 January 1748/49. In his will, Thomas names his wife, Nelly, and four sons, but only refers to his having three daughters.

Sometime after Thomas passed away, Neeltje apparently married for a second time to a man named Randle. In the will of her son, Thomas, he refers to his mother as Eleanor Randle. Neeltje and Nelly are considered to be variations of Eleanor.

Issue: (Surname Marlet)

57. Margrietje "Margaret"
        b. ca. 1721 in Somerset Co., NJ.
        chr. 2 April 1721 at the Raritan D.R.C., Somerset Co., NJ.

25. Gideon Marlet.

Gideon Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the son of Abraham Marlet and his first wife, Christence Billieu, was born in New York. He was later married in New Jersey to a woman named Neeltje Bakker (also referred to as Nelly, Penelope, and Pieternelle).

Gideon subsequently died in Somerset County, New Jersey in 1747. His will, which had been written on 2 April 1747, was probated before the Somerset County Court on 22 April 1747. In his will, Gideon names his wife, Nelly, and the below listed children.

Issue: (Surname Marlet)

64. Abraham
        b. ca. 1725 in Somerset Co., NJ.

26. Joris "George" Marlet.

Joris Marlet (also known as George Marlet, Marlett and Merlet), was the son of Abraham Marlet and his second wife, Elizabeth. He was born on 14 April 1706 in Somerset County, New Jersey, and was subsequently christened at the Raritan Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset County on the same day. Joris was later married in New Jersey to a woman named Rizpah Runyon (also written Rongnion). Rizpah, who had been born on 5 November 1704 in Middlesex County, New Jersey, was the daughter of Vincent Runyon and Mary Hull.

Issue: (Surname Marlet)

70. Marietje "Mary"
        b. 27 June 1731 in Middlesex Co., NJ.
        chr. 14 June 1732 at the Millstone D.R.C., Somerset Co., NJ.

72. Jemima
    b. in Middlesex Co., NJ.

27. Dirck "Richard" Marlet.

Dirck Marlet, the son of Abraham Marlet and his second wife, Elizabeth, was born in Somerset County, New Jersey. He was subsequently christened on 27 October 1708 at the Raritan Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset County. Dirck was apparently married twice during his life. He married his first wife, Jannetje Schamp, at the Millstone Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset County on 13 August 1730. Jannetje, who had been born in about 1712 at Bushwick in Kings County, New York, was the daughter of Joost Schamp and Margrietje Lock. (NOTE: The Millstone Church was also known as the Saurland Church until 1801, at which time it was renamed the Harlingen Church).

After his first wife passed away, Dirck married for a second time to a woman named Jannetje Vlierboom on 16 January 1755 at the New York City Dutch Reformed Church in New York County, New York. No issue are known from Dirck’s second marriage.

Known and probable issue from 1st marriage: (Surname Marlet)

76. Margrietje "Margaret"
        b. ca. 1735 in Somerset Co., NJ.

28. Jan "John" Marlet.

John Marlet, the son of Abraham Marlet and his second wife, Elizabeth, was born on 15 March 1711 in Somerset County, New Jersey. He was subsequently christened at the Raritan Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset County on 25 April 1711. This John is believed to be the John Marlet who was married to a woman named Malle (Mollie).

Known issue: (Surname Marlet)

29. Marie Marlet.

Marie Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the daughter of Jean Pierre Marlet and Marie Bellemain, was born in New York. She was later married in New York to a man named Hooper.

Known issue: (Surname Hooper)

83. Thomas
        b. in NY.

30. Pierre "Peter" Marlet.

Peter Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the son of Jean Pierre Marlet and Marie Bellemain, was born in New York. When Peter’s father wrote his will in 1702, Peter was to receive his father’s plantation in the West Indies as his share of the estate. Aside from this, no additional information has been found concerning this individual.

31. John Marlet.

John Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the son of Jean Pierre Marlet and Marie Bellemain, was born in New York. Aside from having been named in his father’s will in 1702, no additional information has been found concerning this individual.

32. Anne Marlet.

Anne Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the daughter of Jean Pierre Marlet and Marie Bellemain, was born in 1691 in New York. She was subsequently christened in the Staten Island French Church in what is now Richmond County, New York on 19 July 1691. Because Anne was not mentioned in her father’s will in 1702, it is believed that she may have died at an early age.

33. Theodorus Marlet. *

Theodorus Marlet (also written Theodore Marlett, Malott, and Melott), the son of Jean Pierre Marlet and Marie Bellemain, was born on 27 January 1694 in New York. He was subsequently christened in the Staten Island French Church, Richmond County, New York on 28 March 1694. Theodorus later moved to Middlesex County, New Jersey, where his name was found on a list of Middlesex County militia members serving in the 4th Company under the command of Colonel Thomas Farmer in 1715.

Theodorus was apparently married twice during his lifetime. He married as his first wife, a woman named Catherine Maple in New Jersey. She was the daughter of Benjamin Maple. Catherine, who was the mother of three children by Theodorus, appears to have died in New Jersey in about 1725/26.

After his first wife passed away, Theodorus married for a second time to a woman named Catherine De La Chaumette (also written De Lashmutt). Although no record of this marriage has been found, it is believed to have taken place in New Jersey in about 1727. Catherine, who appears to have been born in about 1707 in New Jersey, was the daughter of Pierre De La Chaumette. Several years later, Theodorus and his family appear to have left New Jersey and moved to the State of Maryland. Upon arriving in Maryland, they settled in that portion of Prince George's County that was later made a part of Frederick County, Maryland in 1748.

Theodorus, who was styled planter, died in Frederick County, Maryland in 1751. His will, which was written on 17 January 1750, was probated on 19 March 1751. His widow, Catherine, also passed away in Frederick County. Her will, which had been written on 27 December 1770, was subsequently probated before the Frederick County Court on 15 January 1771. The six children from Theodorus’ second marriage to Catherine De La Chaumette were named in Catherine’s will.

Issue from 1st marriage: (Surname Melott)

84. John
        b. in NJ.
        m. ca. 1750/51 to Sarah Stillwell, probably in Frederick Co., MD.
        d. ca. 1783 in Bedford Co., PA.

85. Theodorus
        b. in NJ.

86. Mary
        b. in NJ.
        m. 1753 to James Walling, Jr. in Frederick Co., MD.
        d. 1757 in Frederick Co., MD.

Issue from 2nd marriage:  (Surname Melott)

87. Peter
        b. ca. 1727/28, probably in Middlesex Co., NJ.
        m. (1) Sarah (      ) in MD.
        m. (2) Rachel (      ) in MD.
        d. 1806 in Washington Co., MD.

88. Benjamin
        b. ca. 1734, probably in Middlesex Co., NJ.
        m. Elizabeth Truax in MD.
        d. 1815 in Washington Co., MD.

89. Catherine
        b. in NJ. or MD.
        m. William Crosly in Frederick Co., MD.
        d. 1771 in Frederick Co., MD.

90. Joseph
        b. ca. 1745, probably in Prince George's Co., MD.
        m. unknown in MD.

91. Elizabeth
        b. possibly in Prince George's Co., MD.
        m. ca. 1763 to William Dawson in Frederick Co., MD.
        d. probably in PA.

92. Ruth
        b. probably in Frederick Co., MD.
        m. 5 March 1779 to Harry Wald in Frederick Co., MD.

34. Hannah Marlet.

Hannah Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the daughter of Jean Pierre Marlet and Marie Bellemain, was born in New York. Aside from having been named in her father’s will in 1702, no additional information has been found concerning this individual.

35. Madeline Marlet.

Madeline Marlet (also written Marlett and Merlet), the daughter of Jean Pierre Marlet and Marie Bellemain, was born on 14 February 1698/99 in New York. She was subsequently christened in the Staten Island French Church in Richmond County, New York on 26 February 1698/99. Because this child was not named in her father’s will, it is believed that she may have died at an early age.

NOTE: Only the author's pedigree ancestor and known siblings, and those other family members (cousins) who have the Merlet / Marlet / Malott / Melott, etc. surname, are covered in this generation. 

36. Ann Marlet.

Ann Marlet, the daughter of George Marlet and Hannah Howe, was born in New Jersey. She was later married in New Jersey to a man named Matthias Van Der Ipe.

Known isue: (Surname Van Der Ipe)

93.  Anne Abigail
        b. 11 July 1760 in NJ.
        m. ca. 1775 to Gideon Marlet. (# 106)
        d. 6 August 1836 at Jasper, Steuben Co., NY.

37. Paul Marlet.

Paul Marlet, the son of George Marlet and Hannah Howe, was born in about 1716 in New Jersey. He was later married in New Jersey to a woman named Catherine.

Paul apparently died intestate in New Jersey in about 1745.

Probable issue: (Surname Marlet)

38. George Marlet.

George Marlet, the son of George Marlet and Hannah Howe, was born in about 1719 in New Jersey. No additional information has been found concerning this individual.

39. John Marlet.

John Marlet, the son of George Marlet and Hannah Howe, was born in New Jersey in about 1721. He was later married in New Jersey to a woman named Lydia.

Sometime after their marriage, John and Lydia settled on a 440 acre farm at Mansfield Woodhouse in that portion of Sussex County, New Jersey that was later formed into Warren County in 1824. John Marlet died in Sussex County, New Jersey in 1780. His last will and testament, which had been written on 10 August 1780, was subsequently admitted for probate before the Sussex County Court on 19 September 1780. In his will, John names his wife, Lydia, and the below listed children.

Issue: (Surname Marlet)

Abraham Marlet, the son of Thomas Marlet and Neeltje, was born in Somerset County, New Jersey. He was subsequently christened on 17 March 1723 at the Raritan Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset County. Abraham was later married in the Raritan church to a woman named Martha Vail on 25 February 1748.

Sometime after their marriage, Abraham and Martha left Somerset County and settled in the community of Readington in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Abraham subsequently died at Readington in 1778. His will, which had been written on 5 March 1777, was probated before the Hunterdon County Court on 1 June 1778. The below listed children were named in Abraham’s will.

Mark Marlet, the son of Thomas Marlet and Neeltje, was born in Somerset County, New Jersey. He was subsequently christened on 25 October 1734 at the Raritan Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset County. Mark was later married in New Jersey to a woman named Sophia Fonteyn.

Sometime after their marriage, Mark and Sophia settled in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, where they resided for a number of years. In about 1770, however, Mark, along with his brother, John, moved to that portion of Albany County, New York that was later formed into Tryon County, but is now part of Montgomery County, New York.  Although no death or probate records have been found for either Mark or Sophia, it is believed that they probably died in Montgomery County, New York.

Issue: (Surname Marlet)

Issue: (Surname Hall)

        Unknown

Mary Marlet, the daughter of Gideon Marlet and Neeltje Bakker, was born in Somerset County, New Jersey. She was subsequently christened on 18 May 1727 at the Millstone Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset County. Mary was later married to a man named Jan "John" Marlet. John, who had been christened at the Raritan Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset County on 10 January 1725, was her cousin and the son of Thomas and Neeltje Marlet.

See family write-up under # 59 above.

Abraham Marlet (also written Marlett), the son of Dirck Marlet and his first wife, Jannetje Schamp, was born on 13 August 1732 in Somerset County, New Jersey. He was subsequently christened on 12 April 1733 at the Millstone Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset County. Abraham was later married in about 1760, possibly in Frederick County, Virginia, to a woman named Nancy.

After their marriage, Abraham and Nancy resided in Frederick County, Virginia for approximately twenty years. However, they eventually settled on a farm in Berkeley County, Virginia (now within West Virginia). Later, on 18 February 1796, a notice was placed in the Potomak Guardian and Berkeley Advertiser by Abraham’s children, stating that all future business transactions with their father, Abraham Marlett, will be void due to his "deranged mind." However, a deed dated 7 September 1803 was later found that shows Abraham, Sr. and Nancy selling a parcel of land on Opeckon Creek in Berkeley County to a Mr. Joseph Manner for $383.00.

Abraham Marlet died in Berkeley County, Virginia (now within West Virginia) in 1810. His will, which was written on 6 April 1799, was subsequently probated before the Berkeley County Court on 20 March 1810. The children listed below were named in his will.

Issue: (Surname Marlet)

Joost Marlet (also written Marlett), the son of Dirck Marlet and his first wife, Jannetje Schamp, was born in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He was subsequently christened at the Readington Dutch Reformed Church in Hunterdon County, New Jersey on 6 June 1741. Joost was later married to a woman named Hannah Van Sickel.

When Joost’s father died, Joost inherited his father’s farm in Readington Township in Hunterdon County which consisted of 156 acres. Joost apparently died intestate in 1812 in Readington Township. Unfortunately, the date and place of Hannah’s death have not been determined. Joost’s son, George, and daughter, Mary, inherited his land.

Issue: (Surname Marlet)

137. Mary "Polly"
        b. in Hunterdon Co., NJ.
        chr. 7 June 1792 at the Readington D.R.C., Hunterdon Co., NJ.

Dirck Marlet (also written Marlett), the son of Dirck Marlet and his first wife, Jannetje Schamp, was born in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He was subsequently christened at the Readington Dutch Reformed Church in Hunterdon County, New Jersey on 1 January 1744. Dirck was later married in Hunterdon County to his cousin, Pieternelle "Nelly" Marlet, on 23 November 1772. Nelly, who had been christened at the Readington church on 16 June 1754, was the daughter of Abraham Marlet and Martha Vail.

Known issue: (Surname Marlet)

John Melott (also written Malott), the son of Theodorus Melott and his first wife, Catherine Maple, was born in New Jersey. He was later married in about 1750/51 to a woman named Sarah Stillwell, probably in Frederick County, Maryland. In 1765, John and Sarah moved to the Tonoloway settlement in that portion of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, that was later formed into Bedford County in 1771, but is now within Fulton County, Pennsylvania. During the month of April 1766, John and Sarah were baptized and became members of the Tonoloway Baptist Church.

Shortly after Bedford County was formed, John served as a Justice of the Peace for that County. John died in Bedford County, Pennsylvania in about 1783, while Sarah died there on 4 April 1812. She was subsequently buried in the Sideling Baptist Church Cemetery in Bedford County, Pennsylvania (now within Fulton County, Pennsylvania).

Issue: (Surname Melott)

Mary Melott (also written Malott), the daughter of Theodorus Melott and his first wife, Catherine Maple, was born in New Jersey. She was later married in Frederick County, Maryland, to a man named James Walling, Jr. in about 1753. James, who was born on 20 September 1727, was the son of James Walling, Sr. and Mary De La Chaumette.

Mary subsequently died in Frederick County in 1757.

Issue: (Surname Walling)

Peter Melott (also written Malott), the son of Theodorus Melott and his second wife, Catherine De La Chaumette, is believed to have been born in about 1727/28, probably in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Peter was apparently married twice during his life. He married first to a woman named Sarah in Maryland.

In 1754, Peter and Sarah leased 106 acres of land along Conegocheague Creek in that portion of Frederick County, Maryland that was later formed into Washington County, Maryland in 1776. Peter’s wife, Sarah, was last found in the Maryland land records signing a land transaction with Peter in Frederick County on 13 April 1775. On 22 June 1778, Peter was commissioned as an Ensign in the Washington County, Maryland Militia, and on 21 November 1780, he was promoted to Second Lieutenant.

Peter later married for a second time, also in Maryland, to a woman named Rachel. Peter died in Washington County, Maryland in 1806. His will, which had been written on 17 January 1804, was probated before the Washington County Court on 23 May 1806. Four days later, on 27 May 1806, Peter’s widow, Rachel, informed the Washington County Court that she would not abide with Peter’s will, and elected to take her one-third share (dower) in lieu thereof. The children listed below were named in Peter’s will. The three youngest children are believed to be the children of Peter by his second wife, Rachel.

Issue from 1st marriage: (Surname Melott)

Probable issue from 2nd marriage:  (Surname Melott)

157. Sarah
        b. ca. 1786 in Washington Co., MD.
        m. 25 December 1802 to John Stewart in Washington Co., MD. 

NOTE: At the present time there is still some confusion regarding the identity of the individual who was the husband of the Sarah Melott who was captured by a party of Delaware Indians at Fish Creek on the Ohio River on 22 March in 1780 and taken to Canada. In addition, there also appears to be a lack of consensus regarding the identities of the children who were captured with Sarah, as well as their parentage.
According to available documents, including the Draper Manuscripts, it appears that three families, those of Peter Melott, John Reynolds, and another that I believe was Joseph Melott's, Peter's brother, were traveling down the Ohio River on their way to Kentucky when they were attacked. During the attack John Reynolds was killed, and Sarah Melott and a number of children were kidnapped and taken north to Canada. Even though one source states that seven children were kidnapped, I do not know for sure if all of them were Melott children. Those Melott children who are "generally" referred to in various documents are Peter, Catherine, Theodore, Delilah, and David. There is also a Keziah Melott mentioned in some documents. Unfortunately, some information pertaining to these individuals is problematic.

Based upon my research, there is no doubt in my mind that Sarah Melott was definitely the mother of two of the captured children, namely Catherine Melott, who was later married to Simon Girty, and Peter Melott, who later married a woman named Mary Jones. In my opinion, it is also very likely that this Sarah Melott was the first wife of the Peter Melott who was born in about 1727/1728 and died in 1806 in Washington County, Maryland. I do not believe she was the wife of Joseph Melott. Whether or not any of the other children could have been Peter's, I simply cannot say at this time. Because I believe that the families of both Peter Melott and Joseph Melott were together when the attack took place, I also feel it is highly probable that both Peter and his brother, Joseph, had children who were captured and taken to Canada. In some respects this scenario actually makes more sense since it eliminates a number of conflicting facts.

Ironically, some researchers believe that Joseph Melott may have also been married to a woman named Sarah, with the possibility that her full name was Sarah Harmon. To the best of my knowledge, however, this has never been substantiated. Regardless of who Joseph may have married, I believe that one of the captive children, Theodore, is surely not one of Peter's children. Peter's son, Theodore, was alive and well in Maryland during the time the captive Theodore was in Canada. As such, he must have been the son of another Melott, and Joseph is the only logical candidate that I can come up with. With respect to the other captured children, I can only speculate at this time as to which family they might belong to. Because there simply does not appear to be sufficient evidence available to resolve this issue once and for all, no additional information will be presented in this write-up regarding the connection between Peter and/or Joseph Melott and the individuals who were kidnapped by the Delaware Indians and taken to Canada.

88. Benjamin Melott.

Benjamin Melott (also written Malott), the son of Theodorus Melott and his second wife, Catherine De La Chaumette, was born in about 1734, probably in Middlesex County, New Jersey. He was later married in Maryland to a woman named Elizabeth Truax.

Benjamin died in 1815 in Washington County, Maryland. His will, which had been written on 1 June 1815, was subsequently probated before the Washington County Court on 18 September 1815. The below listed children were named in Benjamin’s will. Their exact order of birth is not known, however.

Issue: (Surname Melott)

89. Catherine Melott.

Catherine Melott (also written Malott), the daughter of Theodorus Melott and his second wife, Catherine De La Chaumette, was born in either, Middlesex County, New Jersey or Prince George's County, Maryland. She was later married in Frederick County, Maryland to a man named William Crosly (also written Crossly). Confirmation that Catherine was married to William Crosly was found in a deed dated 12 April 1770, which showed William selling land in Frederick County to Samuel Beall. In that document, Catherine waived her dower rights. Catherine died in Frederick County, Maryland in 1771.

Known issue: (Surname Crosly)

90. Joseph Melott.

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