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Colonel Theunis Dey was a descendant of Dutch
settlers who came from Amsterdam, Holland, to New
Amsterdam in the seventeenth century. The
Colonel's great-great grandparents are the first
Dey family recorded in the New World: "Dirck Janse
Dey married Jannetje in 1641."
Four generations
later, in 1726, Theunis Dey was born near
Preakness, New Jersey. In the decade between 1740
and 1750, Theunis' father constructed the family
home, located about 2 miles from Paterson, New
Jersey. This home is known to this day as the "Dey
Mansion." When Theunis married Hester Schuyler in
1751, the couple settled into the family home
where their ten children were born. Five sons
joined their father in service during the War of
Independence.
Theunis Dey became
Colonel of the Bergen County (New Jersey) Militia
at the beginning of the American Revolution and
served with staunch and unswerving loyalty.
General George Washington entrusted him with the
supervision and safety of the territory of the
westerly side of the Hudson River above New York
Bay. The relationship of confidence between the
two developed into intimate friendship, and the
General established his headquarters for 3 months
at the Dey Mansion around 1780 while the American
Army was encamped along the Passaic River.
The Dey Mansion
structure was restored, along with many of its
furnishings, and was designated a historical
monument in 1933. It is under the supervision of
the Passaic County (NJ) Park Commission and is
open to visitors almost daily.
The Colonel Theunis
Dey Chapter was organized on October 15, 1966, by
Alva Dey Butler (Mrs. John P.), who was Organizing
Regent.
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