| Commentary | Steven Pelgrom was the son of the prosperous merchant Geraerd Pelgrom. He was the brother of Paulus, Lenaert and Francois Pelgrom, with whom he spent some time in Neurenburg before migrating to Amsterdam about 1600 (Maandblad Amstelodamum 62(1975), p.135). In 1614, Steffano Pelgrom and his brother Paulus Pelgrom sold for 240 f. a hanging copper chandelier ('krone') which was to be included in a munificent gift to the Sultan in Constantinople and the Pashas (Oud Holland 1(1883), p. 183). In 1621, Steven and Paulus Pelgrom became insolvent (Gelderblom, Zuid-Nederlandse kooplieden, p. 231). Paulus (born in 1574) apparently fled to Hamburg. Steven, who married Johanna van Offenburg, the sister of Maria van Offenburg, who in turn was married to Robbert van der Hoeve (of R 24408 of Montias2), was related to the very rich merchant Hans van Loon (of R 7696 of Montias2), His rich relatives apparently did not help him work his way out of his bankruptcy. He was still insolvent at the end of his life. It is astonishing that, at the time of his death, he had sunk to living in a cellar with very few possessions (as witness the present inventory). For further details about the Pelgrom brothers, see the NOTES to R 20039, R 21249, and R 24408 of Montias2. On 2 August 1636, the honorable Marie Belleciers (related to Gillis Bellesier of R 35272) drew up her testament. She was the widow of Vincent Claesz. who had lived in Delft. She bequeathed to Ludewyn Jacobs van Hoeft, the daughter of her late son, her bed, tin, and silverwork. She declared that Maritgen Vincens, the wife of Steven Pelgrom, had already received 600 f. for his marriage. Maritgen Vincens was apparently the daughter of her late husband by an earlier marriage. She also left Lysbeth Jacobs van Hoeft, the sister of Ludewyn cited above, 2,000 f. (NA 315, fol. 72). |
