Nicasius de Sille

Dr. Nicasius de Sille (1543–1600) was a 16th-century statesman from what is now Belgium who served as a special ambassador of the Dutch Republic to several nations, and as secretary to future-Holy Roman Emperor Matthias.

Early life Nicasius was born August 3, 1543, in the city of Mechelen, Habsburg Netherlands, the son of Nicolaas de Sille and Barbara van der Goes. His grandfather, Antonius de Sille, was a page for Philip, Duke of Burgundy.

He spent his early life studying, eventually becoming a Doctor Juris and practicing at the Superior Court of Mechelen.

In 1587, de Sille was sent as a special ambassador to England, appearing at the embassy before Queen Elizabeth. Following the successful mission, Nicasius was sent as a special ambassador several times to Denmark, Germany, and France. He would also serve twice as a commissioner of the Army.

Marriage and family On January 31, 1571, he married in Namur Genoveve de Romaignan, daughter of Laurens de Romaignan and Philippotte le Noire. Genoveve died the following year, leaving Nicasius a son: Laurens de Sille (1572-1637), burgomeister of Arnhem and later treasurer of Brabant; he and his wife Walburga Everwyn had five children, including: Nicasius de Sille (1610-c.1674), who emigrated to New Amsterdam in 1653 and became First Councillor to Governor Peter Stuyvesant

De Sille remarried to Johanna de Trello (also: de Thrello, van Trillo), and had two daughters: Johanna de Sille, who married Sir Daniel van Hofdijck, Lord of Middelharnis Clara de Sille

He died in Amsterdam on August 22, 1600, and was buried there at the Oude Kerk.