About Us
The Association of Philippe du Trieux Descendants was established in 1981 to locate and bring together the descendants of one of North America’s oldest families.
During the four centuries since the family’s arrival from the Netherlands, some 18 generations have been produced. The descendants are widely scattered throughout the United States and Canada. The “cousins” are of many family names.
This website, a quarterly Journal, leadership, and approximately 250 members have evolved over the last four decades.
The internet has made many things possible since 1981. We have had fun and informational reunions, as well as creating a scholarship. It is our hope that we will continue to grow and with your help, be able to bring both our members and web visitors more information about our interesting family history.
The website’s namesake, Philippe du Trieux, was a Walloon who arrived in ‘New Netherlands’ as an exile in France through Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Sailing on the vessel “New Amsterdam”, Philippe, his second wife Susanna du Chesne, his son Philippe Jr. and daughter Maria of his first marriage arrived in New Amsterdam, now New York City, in mid-May 1624.
With very few exceptions, all those with the surname Truax, Truex, Trueax, Truaxe and other variants are descended from Philippe du Trieux.
In the examination of any family’s genealogy, many wonderful stories are found on both our grandfathers’ and grandmothers’ sides. Most members of the Association study not only the family of the paternal emigrant, Philippe du Trieux, but those who joined his descendants in marriage, generation by generation.
The Association of Philippe du Trieux Association is a volunteer, non-profit organization. Unlike many descendant organizations, membership in the Association is not limited to those who descend from Philippe du Trieux. Membership is open to all parties interested in the rich history we have to offer.
Click here for membership information.
Reunion
The Association of Philippe du Trieux Descendants had its first Zoom Reunion on June 1, 2024. It was a way to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of our family in colonial America. They settled in the Beverwyck/Albany area and New Amsterdam/New York City, later becoming the state of New York.
The Zoom Reunion allowed people from all over the US, Canada, and as far away as Europe and Australia to join in.
Russell Shorto, author of The Island at the Center of the World… “The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America,” was our headline presenter. Mr. Shorto spoke to us live. His book is considered the “go to” for the history of New Amsterdam and New York City. Mr. Shorto’s next book is Taking Manhattan due in March 2025.
Beth M. Caruso, author of The Salty Rose, based on the life of Philippe du Trieux’s daughter, Marie du Trieux, a tavern keeper with a salty tongue and a heart of gold, struggles as she navigates love and loss, Native wars, and possible banishment by authorities in the unruly trading port of New Amsterdam, an outpost of the Dutch West India Company. Ms. Caruso spoke to us live with a Power Point presentation of Maria’s interesting life.
Marietta Carr, Archivist, spoke on the Truax collection maintained at the Schenectady County Historical Society. Ms. Carr exhibited many original documents of our family and the era of that time.
The officers of the Association also relayed what is happening at the Association. Our members (and nonmembers who were also invited to attend) expressed appreciation for the reunion and suggested we have others in the future. We will certainly keep that in mind. Zoom is a way that allows anyone to attend and learn without the cost of travel and rooms with only a small registration fee.