Members of this family played a critical role in the formation of the United States and served as leaders in business, politics and society.

"According to Putnam's Historic New York, 'Beekman or the man of the brook; this interpretation of the name was recognized by heralds during the reign of King James I of England when the arms granted to the Rev.

Mr. Beekman, grandfather of William, as a coat of arms, a rivulet running between roses."

His ancestors were residents of the country of the Rhine, and a branch of the family were Barons of Belgium.

Wilhelmus' grandfather, Cornelius Beekman, was a wealthy burgher of Cologne, who resided on the Rhine in Germany.