Joris (George) Jansen Rapalje was born in Valencenne in Hainut, a province in the southern part of the Spanish Netherlands, on Apr 28, 1604. He died Feb 21, 1663 in Brooklyn, New York at the age of 58.

He married Catalyntje Jeronimus Trico (Cataline Tricault) on Jan 21, 1623/4 in the Walloon Church, Amsterdam, Netherlands. She was born in 1605 and died Sep 11, 1689 around the age of 84. She was the daughter of Jeronimus Trico.

They sailed to America Jan 25, 1624, on board the Eondracht, arriving in the spring of 1624. Holgate wrote in 1848 that Rapalje family tradition stated that he brought 1500 Pounds in currency with him.

Joris Jansen Rapalje was a first settler at Fort Orange (now Albany), New York.

After three years at Fort Orange, Peter Minuet ordered all farmers in New Netherland to concentrate on Manhattan. He acquired a plot of ground at what is now the foot of Pearl Street, his property abutting the East wall of Fort Amsterdam at the present Battery. Shortly after his arrival there, he was followed by his two brothers Antonie Janssen and Willem Janssen. The descendants of these two brothers dropped the name Rapalje in favor of their middle name Jansen, while the descendants of their brother Joris retained the traditional family name of Rapalje. (Note: this doesn't square with other information that Joris's two brothers had no children.)

In 1626, the population of lower Manhattan was 270 white inhabitants. Joris remained there 22 years.

On Jun 16, 1637, he bought 167 morgen (335 acres) of land from the Kakapeyno or Pewichaas Indianscalled Rinnegakonck, on Long Island (now Brooklyn). On Jun 17, 1643, Governor Kieft patented his purchase. His woodlot was on a hill where Fort Greene Park is now located, and his meadowland on the level space upon which City Park is built, between Flushing, Park, Navy, and Edward Streets. A creek ran through a part of the property and emptied into Wallabout Bay, known as Ronnegagonck. Today there is little left of the creek which, in the course of time, has been filled in. For many years the old Wallabout Market stood on this property, and it was at this point (Wallabout Bay) where the British prison ships were moored during the Revolutionary War.

In Aug, 1641, he took a prominent part in public affairs, and was one of twelve men who represented Manhattan, Bruekelen, and Pavonia to suggest a means of punishment for Indians accused of a murder.

On Jun 12, 1647, he was listed as a sailor (chief boatswain) in Amsterdam.

On Mar 16, 1648, his name was listed among others who were inn keepers and tapsters (owning a tavern) in the books of the burgomaster court, promising to observe the Mar 10, 1648 proclamation of Governor Stuyvesant regulating such houses.

He was a magistrate of Brooklyn in 1655 (appointed Apr 13), 1656, 1657, 1660, and 1662.

On Mar 1, 1660, he, along with his son-in-law Tonis Gysbert Bogaert, petitioned for permission to plant a village on the river opposite the Manhattans, in site of Fort Amsterdam, between the lands of Bogaert and a man named Kip, but the petition was denied. Bogaert at this time owned the lands patented to Hans Hansen Bergen. The location of the proposed village was between Brooklyn and Bushwick.

On Apr 26, 1660, Joris Jansen Rapalie petitioned to be allowed to leave his house standing on his farm. This application appears to have been denied, because at this period an order had been issued for everyone residing outside villages to move to the fortified villages for safety from the Indians.

In Aug, 1661, he was appointed a member of the famous Council of Twelve Men who conferred with Governor Kieft in regard to the consequences of an impending war as a result of the murder of a Dutchman named Claess Swits, by the Indians, in revenge for the death of an Indian some twenty years previously.

On Aug 25, 1662, Joris Jansen Rapalie became a member of the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church of Brooklyn. He had been elected as a deacon in 1661. He died at an election of church officers Feb 21, 1663.

He was buried in the Flatbush Reformed Dutch Church Cemetery in Flatbush, Kings County, NY. The cemetery is withinin the grounds of Erasmus Hall High School.

He is listed as a Huguenot ancestor represented in the membership of the Huguenot Society of New Jersey. One member of the Huguenot Society claiming Joris Jansen Rapalje as his ancestor, is Larry Patrick Cornwell, National number 16-163.

Two members of the National Society, Daughters of the American Colonists, are Mrs. Sarah Wilson Allen (number 1087), and Mrs. Cora Vandemark Marsh (number 277) who claim Joris Jansen Rapalie as their ancestor.

The children of Joris Jansen Rapalje and Catalyntje Jeronimus Trico were:

*i Sarah Jorise, b. Jan7/9, 1625, m. 1st, Hans Hansen in 1639; 2nd, Teunis Gysbertsen Bogaert in Mar, 1655, d. Apr 1685. 15 children
ii Marretie Jorise, bap. Mar 11, 1627, m. Michael Pauluszen Van DeVoert on Nov 18, 1640, d. after 1690. 10 children
iii Jannetie Jorise, bap. Aug 6, 1629, m. Rem Jansen Van DeBeeck on Dec 21, 1642. 17 children
iv Judith Jorise, bap. Jul 5, 1635, m. Peter Pieterszen Van Nest ca. 1652, d. Jun 6, 1726. 11 children
v Jan Jorizen, bap. Aug 28, 1637, m. Maria Fredericks Maer on Apr 26, 1660, and Antie Coerta, d. in 1622. 1 child
vi Jacob Jorizen, bap. May 28, 1639. Killed by Indians at age 4 iri 1643
vii Catalyntje Jorise, b. Mar 20, 1641, bap. Mar 29, 1641, m. Jeremias Jansen Van Westerhout on Aug 16, 1664
viii Jeronemus Joriszen, b. Jun 27, 1643, bap. Jun 28, 1643, m. Annetie Tunise Denyse (daughter of Teunis Nyssen) in 1663, d. ca. 1700. 9 children
ix Annetie Jorise, bap. Feb 8, 1646, m. 1st, Martin Ryersen on May 14, 1663; 2nd, Joost Fransz on Jan 30, 1692. 6 children
x Elizabeth Jorise, bap. Mar 28, 1648, m. Derrick Cornelise Hogelandt. At least one son
xi Daniel Joriszen, bap. Dec 29, 1650, m. Sarah Klock on Jun 13, 1674, d. Mar 27, 1724
∼Joris Janszen Rapalje was born in 1604 at Valenciennes, (then Hainault, now France), (age 19 on 13 Jan 1624).
John Albert Bogart, The Bogart Family: Tunis Gysbert Bogaert and His Decendants (Scranton, Penn.: Printed by the Haddon Craftsman, 1959), p.34.
George Olin Zabriskie, "The Founding Families of New Neterland", De Halve Maen Vol. 46, no. 4, Vol. 47 nos. 1 & 2 (1972): 46:7.
Nancy Terhune Morrison, "Early Rapalje Family Records", New Netherland Connections Vol. 8, page 85 (2003).
Dorothy A. Koening and Pim Nieuwenhuis, "Catalina Trico from Namur (1605-1689) and Her Nephew Arnoldus de la Grange", New Netherland Connections Vol.1 no.3 (1996): page 57. Marriage intention of Joris Rapaarlie and Catharina Triko.
George Olin Zabriskie, "The Founding Families of New Neterland", De Halve Maen Vol. 46, no. 4, Vol. 47 nos. 1 & 2 (1972): part III, page 13. Joris Rapalje may be the child baptized as Georges, son of Jean Rapareillet, molnier (miller) and "la femme Rapareille," at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, Valenciennes, France. Other children of Jean Rapareillet baptized there were Olivier, 28 Feb 1594; Anne, 17 Sep 1595; Francois, 5 Nov 1596; Nicolaes, 10 Jul 1598; and a child of undetermined sex buried 16 Nov 1600 without baptism.

He married Catalyna Trico, daughter of Jeronimus Trico and Michele Sauvagie, at Walloon Church, Amsterdam, Noord Holland, Netherlands, on 21 January 1624 (banns 13 Jan 1624).
Dorothy A. Koening and Pim Nieuwenhuis, "Catalina Trico from Namur (1605-1689) and Her Nephew Arnoldus de la Grange", New Netherland Connections Vol.1 no.3 (1996): citing George Olin Zabriskie, "The Founding Families of New Netherland," De Halve Maen vol.46, no.4, Jan. 1972, page 7.
George Olin Zabriskie, "The Founding Families of New Neterland", De Halve Maen Vol. 46, no. 4, Vol. 47 nos. 1 & 2 (1972): The intention reads: Joris Raparlie van Valenchie../ boratwercker out 19 jaeren woon.. op't Waele / padt & Catharina triko van [word parijs crossed out] pris in / [word Vranckrijck crossed out] Walslant geasst.. met mary Fla sponsors Daniel Joriszen, Joris Joriszen, Marritie Loockermans egh/ haar suster woon.. in de Vles out 18 jae.. (signed with their marks). Tranlation: Joris Raparlie, born in Valenchie.., borat worker, age 19 years, living at the Waele padt, and Catharina Triko, born (word "Paris" crossed out) pris, in (word "France" crossed out) Walslant, assisted by Mary Flamegh, her sister, living in de Vles, age 18 years.

Immigrant ancestor to America on 25 January 1624 Joris came to New Netherland aboard the ship Eendracht (Unity), with his wife Catalyna Trico.
Ibid.

The Rapaljes initially lived at Fort Orange (present day Albany, New York), and not on Long Island or Staten Island. Eldest child Sarah was born at Fort Orange. Joris was a textile worker in Holland, but it is not clear what he did while at Fort Orange. Soon after the harvest in 1626 the Company re-settled all eight families initially at Fort Orange to Manhattan Island, to the Comapny's new center of operations called New Amsterdam. Here the Rapaljes probably lived in a rough shelter near the East River. Eventually Joris acquired a building lot just south of the Fort and built two houses on the north side of Pearl Street, at Nos. 17 and 19, west of Het Marckvelt (present Whitehall Street). Daughter Sarah lived at no. 15. New Amsterdam records show that Joris gained prominence in public affairs, became a plantation owner, part owner of a privateer, a trader, and a tavernkeeper during his lifetime. In 1637 he bought from the Indians land at the Wallabout ("inner bay") in present day Brooklyn on Long Island. The family did not move there permanently until after 1650. In 1654 he sold the Pearl Street home in New Amsterdam. Catalina (Trico) Rapalje retained ownership of the smaller house until 1674.
Ibid., part III, page 11.

Witnessed the baptism of Hendrick Redderhas , son of Abel Reidenhasen and Geertje Nannincks, on 7 September 1642 at Reformed Dutch Church, New Amsterdam, (sponsors Claes Corneliszen, Joris Rapalje, Pieter Pedro Alberto, Maria Rappalje).
"Records of the Reformed Dutch Church in New York", New York Genealogical and Biographical Record Vols.5- (1874-): 5:32. Hendrick; parents: Abel Redderhas; witnesses: Claes Cornelliszen, Joris Rappalje, Pieter Pedro Alberto, Maria Rappalje.

Witnessed the baptism of Josyntie Michielse , daughter of Michiel Pauluszen van der Voort and Marritje Jorise Rapalje, on 20 December 1643 at Reformed Dutch Church, New Amsterdam, (sponsors Joris Rappalje, Jan Aertszen, Tryntje Everts).
Ibid., 5:32. Hendrick; parents: Abel Redderhas; witnesses: Claes Cornelliszen, Joris Rappalje, Pieter Pedro Alberto, Maria Rappalje.

Witnessed the baptism of Annetje Remse , daughter of Rem Jansen and Jannetje Jorise Rapalje, on 12 March 1645 at Reformed Dutch Church, New Amsterdam, (sponsors Joris Rappalje, Catlyn Joris, Margrietje Hendricks).
Ibid., 5:86.

Witnessed the baptism of Belitie Remse , daughter of Rem Jansen and Jannetje Jorise Rapalje, on 20 January 1647 at Reformed Dutch Church, New Amsterdam, (sponsors Joris Rappalje, Catalina Trico).
Ibid., 5:88.

Witnessed the baptism of Paulus Michielszen Van der Voort , son of Michiel Pauluszen van der Voort and Marritje Jorise Rapalje, on 3 January 1649 at Reformed Dutch Church, New Amsterdam, (sponsors Joris Rapalje en s.h.v.).
Ibid., 5:92.

Witnessed the baptism of Pieter Pieterszen Van Nest , son of Pieter Pieterszen van Nest and Judith Jorise Rapalje, on 12 October 1653 at Reformed Dutch Church, New Amsterdam, (sponsors Joris Janszen Rapalje, Hans Hanszen, Catalyn Hieronymus).
Ibid., 5:150. Parents Pieter Pieterszen, Judith Rapalje.

Joris Rapalje served as schepen in Brooklyn from 1655 to 1657 and in 1660.
George Olin Zabriskie, "The Founding Families of New Neterland", De Halve Maen Vol. 46, no. 4, Vol. 47 nos. 1 & 2 (1972): part III, page 12.

Witnessed the baptism of Catalyna Teunise Bogaert , daughter of Teunis Gysberts Bogaert and Sarah Jorise Rapalje, on 16 December 1657 at Reformed Dutch Church, New Amsterdam, (sponsors Joris Rappalje, Cathalyn Hieronymus).
"Records of the Reformed Dutch Church in New York", New York Genealogical and Biographical Record Vols.5- (1874-): 5:181. Cathalyn; parents: Theunis Gysbertszen, Saertie Joris.

Witnessed the baptism of Catalyntje Jacobse , daughter of Jacob Jacobszen and Machtelt Michiels, on 4 August 1658 at Reformed Dutch Church, New Amsterdam, (sponsors Joris Janszen Rapalje, Marritje Joris, Christyntje Capoens).
Ibid., 6:41. Catalyntje; parents: Jacob Jacobszen, Machtelt Michielszen.

Witnessed the baptism of Theunis Aertszen Middagh , son of Aert Anthonize Middagh and Brecktje Hanse, on 25 March 1661 at Reformed Dutch Church, New Amsterdam, (sponsors Theinis Gysbertszen Bogaert, Joris Rapalje, Sara Joris).
Ibid., 6:92. Theunis; parents: Aart Theuniszen, middag, Brechtje Hans.

Witnessed the baptism of Frederick Jansen Rapalje , son of Jan Joriszen Rapalje and Maria Fredericks, on 30 April 1662 at Old First Dutch Reformed Church, Breuckelen (Brooklyn), Kings Co., Long Island, New York, (sponsors Joris Janse de Rappalie, Aeltie Claes).
A. P. G. Jos van der Linde, Old First Dutch Reformed Church of Brooklyn, New York: First Book of Records, 1660-1752, New York Historical Manuscripts: Dutch (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1983), page 111. Frederick (died July 1662); parents: Jan Joriszen de Rappalie, Maria Fredericks, "as above" (= "from the Walebocht").

Witnessed the baptism of Gerrit Onckelbach , son of Adam Onckelbach and Neeltje Jans, on 18 February 1663 at Reformed Dutch Church, New Amsterdam, (sponsors Joris Janszen, Hillegond Joris).
"Records of the Reformed Dutch Church in New York", New York Genealogical and Biographical Record Vols.5- (1874-): 6:152. Gerrit; parents: Adam Onckelbach, Neeltje Jans.

Witnessed the baptism of Jannetie Cornelise , daughter of Cornelis Jansz Van Hoorn and Anna Marie Jans, on 10 February 1664 at Reformed Dutch Church, New Amsterdam, (sponsors Joris Janszen, Hillegond Joris).
Ibid., 6:156. Jannetie; parents: Cornelis Janszen, Anna Maria Jans.

Witnessed the baptism of Catalyn Pieterse Van Nest , daughter of Pieter Pieterszen van Nest and Judith Jorise Rapalje, on 3 March 1672 at Reformed Dutch Church, New York City, New York, (sponsors Daniel Joriszen, Joris Joriszen, Marritie Loockermans).
Ibid., 8:25. Catalyn; parents: Pieter Pieterszen Van Nest, Judith Joris.

Children by Catalyna Trico b. 1605, d. 1689:
Sarah Jorise Rapalje b. 9 Jun 1625, d. 1685
Marritje Jorise Rapalje b. 11 Mar 1627
Jannetje Jorise Rapalje b. 18 Aug 1629
Judith Jorise Rapalje b. 5 Jul 1635, d. 21 May 1726
Jan Joriszen Rapalje b. 28 Aug 1637, d. before Oct 1662
Jacob Joriszen Rapalje b. 28 May 1639
Catalyntje Jorise Rapalje b. 28 Mar 1641
Jeronimus Joriszen Rapalje b. 27 Jun 1643
Annetje Jorise Rapalje b. 8 Feb 1646
Lysbeth Jorise Rapalje b. 28 Mar 1648
Daniel Joriszen Rapalje b. 29 Dec 1650
John Albert Bogart, The Bogart Family: Tunis Gysbert Bogaert and His Decendants (Scranton, Penn.: Printed by the Haddon Craftsman, 1959), p.34.
George E. McCracken, "Catalyntje Trico Rapalje", The American Genealogist vol.35 (1959): 35:196.
"Records of the Reformed Dutch Church in New York", New York Genealogical and Biographical Record Vols.5- (1874-): 5:33.
John Reynolds Totten, "Van Der Beek Family Notes", New York Genealogical & Biographical Record Vol. 64, pp.229-243; 367-387 (1933): p.373.

Joris Janszen Rapalje died before 11 October 1677.
Dorothy A. Koening, "Further Information About Catalina Trico", New Netherland Connections Vol.1, page 89 (1996): page 91. Notarial abstract from Noord Amerika Chronologie regarding the estate of Margriet Trico (half-sister of Catalina Trico).

Bio includes data from The Brouwer Genealogy Database.
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~brouwergenealogydata/surname_index.htm
∼https://www.geni.com/people/Joris-Jansen-Rapalje/6000000000375036325

... said to be the first burial in the Flatbush Reformed Dutch Church Cemetery, Flatbush, Kings County, New York, United States

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joris_Jansen_Rapelje

https://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=chris1westcott&id=I5660