Peter Kivett Family Association, Inc.
PETER KIVETT
A Colonial North Carolina First Family From Germany?
Who was Peter Küwit (Kivet, Kivett) and from what country did he come? What was his genesis’ and reason for coming to America? Was he Dutch ("Deutsche" is the German's word for German) or English? Was he one of the persecuted palatines from Germany, France or Switzerland that escaped down the Rhine River and across the English Channel to Rotterdam, Holland then to England before immigrating to America? Anyone studying the Kivett family has asked these questions many times.
A reference has been located on the Website of The Palatine Project to a Peter Küwit coming to America on the ship Edinburgh from Rotterdam with arrival in Philadelphia 15 Sep 1749. Did he take the "usual Oaths to the Government" at the Court House in Philadelphia, PA or pledge of allegiance to America in Colonial Rowan County, NC as a foreign immigrant?
Was this our Peter Kivett?
It is interesting that Peter Küwit's immigration in 1749 was followed by Jacob Küwit in 1752 and our Peter Kivett named one of his sons Jacob. If Jacob is Peter's father, this would follow Dutch naming patterns of the time.
Peter's grave marker spells the name "Kevit". The German "w" is pronounced as "v" and therefore this is probably a close phonetic American spelling of "Küwit".
Most compelling of all, a fellow Kivett researcher has found Peter Küwit's signature where he signed the Oath of Allegiance in 1749. This can be viewed by visiting Peter of the Palatinate.
If you are a descendant of Peter Kivett or any other surnames buried in the McMasters Cemetery please do not hesitate to click on "PKFA Historian" and share with the PKFA, Inc. your GEDCOM file or Family Group Sheets. We would love to hear from you!