Dutch anthropologist Arlette Kouwenhoven researched the de Veer/Fehr family line extensively for her remarkable book, The Fehrs: Four Centuries of Mennonite Migration.
Kouwenhoven drew on original archival sources to reveal:
The de Veer family once prospered through the grain trade, but that prosperity did not last. War disrupted markets and reduced demand. The Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648)—one of the most destructive conflicts in European history, with an estimated eight million deaths—had lasting economic effects. Ongoing conflicts between Poland and Sweden (1563–1721) further destabilized the region and took a toll on Mennonite communities, especially those living just outside Danzig’s fortified walls.
In response, Gijsbert de Veer III (born February 23, 1640) turned to a different livelihood. Along with two of his brothers, he operated a lace-making studio in Alt-Schottland, a suburb of Danzig (now Stare Szkoty in Gdańsk).
Mennonites in the region were highly skilled in lace-making, producing fine embroidery and luxury garments for the Polish elite—even while maintaining modest dress themselves. Their way of life—often described as “in the world, but not of it”—allowed them to participate in such trades without abandoning their religious convictions. (In fact, in Gijsbert’s church, even a button on a man’s trousers could be considered improper.)
Many Mennonites also became known for distilling brandy and whiskey. Barred from many professions by law and guild restrictions, they turned to trades that were open to them. Over time, Mennonites came to dominate the distilling industry in and around Danzig, to the point that the term “Mennonite” became closely associated with brandy production.
The von Roy family, into which Gijsbert married, were originally Calvinist. Archival records show that several of their children—including Catharina—converted to the Mennonite faith through marriage. Because local authorities prohibited Mennonites from baptizing new members, converts had to travel to Amsterdam to be baptized.
Gijsbert de Veer III died on August 20, 1693, as recorded in the church registry below—see the dark red arrow).
Catharina remained alone for over four years.
On December 1, 1697, she married Jacob Steboy.
- Catharina von Roy died on October 27, 1718, at 78.