Joan Wood has accomplished for her ancestors Albert and Arent Bradt what the historian of every well organized New Netherland family should attempt, a full social history encompassing genealogy and biography. The book's private publication does not lessen professionalism in presenting the historical tableau into which Bradt family descent is skilfully woven. As a product, with agreeably readable typeface, ample bright illustrations, and scholarly presentation of text and reference matter the book is as good as any from a commercial publisher. The risk is much reduced readership.
Arriving in Rensselaerswijck in 1637, the Bradts are important as middle-rank entrepreneurs who, while never joining the wealthy or political elite, substantially improve their status over the first few generations. Originally from Fredrikstad, Norway, the Bradt brothers travelled in the timber trade to Amsterdam where they came to the attention of the first patroon, Kiliaen van Rensselaer. Albert and Arent Bradt are well documented in colonial records. By situating them within larger events shaping New York History, such as Albany's expansion in the fur trade, struggles for political leadership, the Leisler Rebellion, the Schenectady Massacre, and the American Revolution leading to Loyalist migration to Upper Canada, we are given a vivid review of the family's participation in history. Is there not bound to be a disproportion between large shaping events and one focal family? In general Joan Wood avoids swamping her subjects in the tide of events.
The point is that families such as the Bradts are every bit as much in the social fabric of America as are acknowledged leaders in politics and enterprise. They were typical of the will to survive in harsh frontier conditions and of expansionist energies. Albert was a tough, hard-driving success in sawmilling, essential to the building trade. He also had a try at tobacco growing and trading, and he owned a warehouse in Manhattan. Arent, who stirred up less displeasure in his superiors, resorted to farming but also appears to have been a merchant and to have represented Albany neighbours (where he owned a house) in the Manhattan court. Like Albert he chafed against the restriction of working for a patroon and when Schenectady was independently organized, Arent joined the proprietors. Medieval overlordships were not for them. An invaluable account of the family relations of these pioneers and their wives is given.
Joan Wood's book culminates the efforts to document the Bradt family that began in earnest with Cynthia Biasca's Descendants of Albert and Arent Adriessen Bradt (1990) and its Supplement (1993). Peter R. Christoph's A Norwegian Family in Colonial America (3rd edition, 1994) brings together biographical essays on the Bradts and allied colonial families, giving life to genealogy. Much of the scholarly effort was inspired by Bradt/Van der Zee family gatherings, where papers were presented. Bradt Family News, edited by Kenneth Bradt, has published new findings on family origins and descent, keeping together many scattered descendants. In July 1998 Joan Wood and her husband led an historical tour in Europe of the main Bradt sites. A remarkable heritage has been established, an example to other New Netherland families which have yet to mobilize their talents.
Reprinted from de Halve Maen by permission of The Holland Society of New York.