The Putman Family BulletinMaria Johannes Pootman was born about 1678 and married Steven Bedeut also known as Steven Bedent.
In the baptismal records of the City of New York, Steven is listed with names similar to Bedeut. Steven seems to have signed his name "Bedeut" and that may be the best indication of his surname.
In French, "Bedeut" means beadle, which is a herald or messenger in a law court or a person who keeps order in a church and performs the function of an usher. Part of the job of a usher is to collect money from the parishioners. The functions are similar to a balie one who receives goods of another in trust.
The name Bedeut seems to be French; however, German "bedeut" also means to bode.
Steven Cofooy was said to have been a second husband of Maria Pootman; however, the name Cofooy seems to have been a professional title for Steven Bedeut or possibly a misspelling of this name. The name Mefoor may also have been an occupation or mispelled named of Stephen's.
Steven Bedeut and the Pootman's of New York City and Brooklyn in New York and Changaroras in New Jersey were close to the Van Gelder family.
In New York, Marie Pootman was also associated with Abraham Messelear.
"Steven Bedeuw and Maria" were baptismal sponsors in Brooklyn, New York, for Janet Brouwer, daughter of William Brower and Martha Boulton. Perhaps, Martha Boulton's last name was also Bedeut.
At the baptism of Steven and Maria's son Nicolas, Maria Brower the wife of Barent Van Tilburg was a witness along with Francois Du Femme. William and Maria Brower seems to have been siblings.
Steven Bedeut was well educated from the way he signed his name
Children:
1. Nicolas. Baptized April 10, 1700, at the New York City Dutch Church.
2. Cornelia. Baptized May 29, 1701, in Schenectady, New York.
3. Anna. Baptized Sept4mber 19, 1703. Father's name was translated as Steven Mefoor
4. Garret.