Nicholas, born in New Amsterdam, was the son of the Roosevelt immigrant ancestor, Claes Maartenszen van Rosenvelt (c. 1626-1659).
According to one history, "he was successful in farming and business ventures, and took what seemed to his friends a strange and extravagant delight in works of art.
He is said to have been one of the first to import paintings, fine furniture, and artistic metal ware from the Netherlands.
He was convicted of setting fire to Fort George and executed by being burned at the stake.
[3] Johannes married Heyltje Sjoerts (Shourd) (1688–1752) on September 25, 1708, at the Reformed Dutch Church of New York.