A Huguenot on the Hackensack explores the life and legacy of David Demarest; a seventeenth-century French Protestant who; in middle age; emigrated to New Amsterdam and became one of the earliest settlers of the Hackensack Valley. There he founded a prosperous family that for nearly three centuries retained local influence and high status before being eclipsed by post-World War II economic and demographic changes. Transcending the narrow genealogical antiquarianism and filial pietism of traditional family history; the authors carefully set Demarest and his descendants in the context of their times.The astute patriarch is seen as a man who balanced risk and opportunity to achieve a prosperity that would have been impossible in his native Europe. Some early descendants moved to booming areas in Pennsylvania; upstate New York; Kentucky; and beyond; while others stayed close to home and dealt with the rigors of the American Revolution and the dilemmas of religious controversy in New Jersey. Members of later generations adapted to new conditions as rural Bergen County slowly was transformed by railroads and suburban housing.This book illuminates the role of kinship and culture in the Jersey Dutch heartland from colonial times to the modern era. David C. Major is Senior Research Scientist at the Columbia University Earth Institute's Center for Research on Climate Systems. John S. Major is an independent scholar.
#948806 in Books Helyer Larry R 2012-10-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.00 x 6.00l; 1.11 #File Name: 0830839828329 pagesThe Life and Witness of Peter
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An intense study not for the faint at heartBy bpsWhile the author has obviously conducted a great deal of research; the book comes across as more of a PhD thesis. While full of information; it is not an easy read and should only be attempted by those seeking serious and scholarly pursuits. The addition of questions at the end of each chapter lends the book to Bible study groups. However; be ready for an intense scholarly discussion.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. which I highly recommend; this volume caught my eyeBy EdAfter finishing Helyer's 'The Witness of Jesus; Paul; and John'; which I highly recommend; this volume caught my eye. I was not disappointed. Helyer presents a strong historical background for Peter the man and Apostle. Perhaps because there is less for 'modern critics' to analyze; there is less of the 'Experts now agree that Paul wrote X; Y and Z; but probably didn't write A; B and C'; so to speak. I don't put a lot of stock in 'modern critics'. What the book does is give the reader a serious background in Peter; his work in the early church; his epistles and illuminates much of Mark's narrative. There are other books and certainly other authors plumbing the depths of Peter. But this is a good choice to add to your personal library. Recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Nancy Savenkogood quality well constructed
