They made their way across the vast oceans, leaving
behind all they knew; family, friends, land, their furniture,
and most of their personal belongings. They were going 
to a strange new land, far away and into a wilderness 
which was wild and full of savage Indians.  As they 
crossed the oceans, most of them were only allowed a 
minimal amount of space to bring their most valued 
possessions.  This meant only what they could stuff into 
a big chest, one made in a sturdy manner to handle the 
rough handling of the journey.

And so they came.  And with only their chest full of their few
meagre possessions, but ready and willing to start a new
life.

IRON CHEST

This Sinnickson Family chest may have come from Sweden
as early as 1638 when Anders Sinicka and two sons, Broors
and Anders, came to America with Peter Minuit.  Note the
painted decoration of flowers, sea and landscaptes, wrought
iron end handles, foliated escutcheon and intricate lock.

OLD CHEST

Presented to the American Swedish Historical Museum by
Mrs. Norman Grey in memory of her son Andrew Sinnickson
Grey 1911-1938.

Although the above two inscriptions accompany the chest as shown in the
photograph and which is on display at the American Swedish Museum,
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, 1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania 19145 it has in recent years been brought to our attention
by various researchers that the progenitor of this family was one
Sinnick Broer who arrived circa the mid 1650 era, rather than the
earlier 1638 date.  He had sons Broer, Anders and Jan.  No information
to date is available for any wife.  A daughter, whose name remains
unknown to us, although she was married to Hendrick Jacob Falkenberg.
One known son, Henry Falkenberg, was born of this union, no further
information is available, or known of,  this daughter of Sinnick Broer.

In my research I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to
correspond with Dr. Peter Stebbins Craig, the author of The 1693 Census
of the Swedes on the Delaware and in the many letters exchanged between
us he made mention of - Quote - Many questions still need to be resolved
to complete the story.  However, the outlines seem clear.  Henry Jacobs
Falkenberg of Little Egg Harbor NJ was the probable father of Henry
Falkenberg by his first wife, a daughter of Sinnick Broer, and the
progenitor of the southern Falkenbergs (most of whom later became
Fortenberrys).
 - Unquote -

Note:  Anyone desiring to do any continued research of the
Falkenberg/Fortenberry family can do so by referring to THE FORTENBERRY
FAMILY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI by  Adrianne Fortenberry Criminger.

The Kalmar Nyckel

May 9, 1998, commissioning day for the new Kalmar Nyckel in Wilmington, Delaware.

Copyright© by Antoinette, January 4, 1999.