Broome, Latourette, and Mercereau Families of New York and Connecticut

More about the book

In the late 17th century, two separate Huguenot families - LaTourette and Mercereau - fled France when France no longer allowed them to practice their religion. These families independently settled at Staten Island, New York, where they intermarried - a lot. A daughter of these two families was born in Staten Island, grew up there, and married her next door neighbor Samuel Broome. This book tells the story of these early settlers. Many, but not all, prospered in the new land. Most, but not all, supported the fight for independence and helped to establish the new government that allowed them religious freedom. Some of the family members stayed in Staten Island, some moved to Manhattan Island, and others moved to Connecticut and beyond. They worked as farmers, boatmen, carpenters, weavers, merchants, lawyers, entrepreneurs, writers, businessmen, and clergy. Some served in the military. By hard work, they improved their lives and the lives of their children and later descendents. Here are the stories about what they accomplished.