Michael Samuel DeBruhl spoke several languages.

Michael Samuel DeBruhl Spoke High Dutch, Low Dutch, English, and German,

and some French.  

When the DeBruhl family arrived in Halifax, NS in June 1749, in addition to the family,

they brought two servants with them.  He was retired from the British Army, Third Troop

Royal Horse Guards.  While in Halifax he was part of a home militia force.  When the

town was laid out he owned five lots.  The family left Halifax in 1757 and moved to 

New York, City.  Their house was located at the corner of New and Beaver Streets.

The family were members of Old Trinity Anglican Church.  In 1763 they left New York

and moved to New Bern, NC.  While in New Bern he practiced his trade of engraver,

and worked for Governor Tryon gold chasing pin stripping on the royal coaches.

Michael Samuel DeBruhl died at New Bern, NC in 1773.  He was buried at Christ Episcopal

Church cemetery in New Bern.  He was a member of Saint Johns Lodge number 3 AF&AM

Masonic Lodge, New Bern.  His funeral was conducted by Saint Johns Lodge.

 His grave marker was replaced by the late Everett Hines DeBruhl in 2009.

 

Specifically the phrase High Dutch referred to people from the mountainous area of what is now southern Germany. Low Dutch referred to people from the flatlands in what is now the Netherlands. Within the Holy Roman Empire, the word Netherlands was used to describe people from the low-lying (nether) region (land).Dec 16, 2011