Hello in Much Discussion on this topic. Dori has some interesting research behind and ahead of her due to the many claims and counter-claims concerning this gentleman Howard has offered some sound advice and thought, as usual. I too would like to add some words to this discussion as it may assist. > > "Andrew was a Colonel in the French Army and a native of Alsace-Lorraine". > > > > "In 1682 he left France with 30 followers, escaped > toward Germany, all but seven were killed before > reaching the frontier." Unless promoted from the field he would have attended a military school or university to be able to attain such a rank. OR .. he would have bought the rank. And who were the killers of his men ? > I recommend starting with what you know and trying to > work > back step by step. Yes, totally agree > Another clue is that his wife's name was shown as > "Annecke" on > the 1692 Frey-Levering marriage certificate. > Anneke is a Dutch name. Not necessarily. It, "Annecke" is common to Belgium and even into Alsace. If the name came up while searching Mons or surrounds I would not dismiss it out of hand. > I think most would agree that Andris Souplis was > French-speaking. > Especially when you see later generations spelling the > name Supplee. If he was a Colonel in the army of the Romanists or Huguenots then he would not be able to give orders without speaking French. > So, where would a French-speaking guy meet a Dutch woman before coming to NY? I met a Dutch speaking woman in an elevator in Rio long ago..but that is another story. I would suggest that as Alsace has been mentioned, the chances are that Andre spoke French and some Flemish, while Anneke spoke Flemish and some French. Now the last part of Howards reply has me intrigued. Just when was the Huguenot Army disbanded for good ? And when was Ecole Militaire opened for business ? Hope I have added to the discussion. Kind Regards, Peter Leroy