After extensive research in online genealogy and goverment databases thru internet and onsite access in the Nationaal Archief in The Hague, I finally found conclusive proof about my great grandfather Karel Hendrik Bergen (1858-1905) activities. He started as a schoolteacher and as editor wrote articles in the local newspaper in Paramaribo. After accusing the Commisionar of Police for corruption he got trialed for "slander". I found the verdict in the newspapers (time and penalty) but no information about the appeal, As he continued being a schoolteacher I guess, it turned out OK for him (he was not the only Bergen and van Emden (from his father's side) to be sentenced/fined for slander). I am still researching the Justice databases.
In 1903 he was elected as Lid of the Koloniale Staten in Suriname (the Senate consisting of 10 elected members and 5 appointed members, in the beginning only 2% of the Surinamers had voting rights). He was also Head of a Primary School for special education. My grandfather Desiré Schlichte Bergen was only 18 years old when his father passed away in September 1905). Interesting man, who's name I have been given.
Hi Jan Karel,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenHave you tried building your family tree? There are multiple sites to help you do this. Try for instance Geni dot com.