Aristocratic roots confirmed:

The Quast family, currently also known as Juchter van Bergen Quast, boasts a distinguished and deeply rooted European history that demands respect. The family's proven and remarkable lineage begins with Johann Quast, born around 1599, who held the esteemed position of vassal and governor of the Odenkirchen estate (2) (3). Over the centuries, the family's greatness expanded globally. Reverend Johann Caspar Adolph Quast (1718-1790) established the family in Curaçao, where they rightfully took their place as prominent members of the patriciate (5).

The family's aristocratic eminence was officially recognized on 16 March 1789, when Johann Anton Quast was elevated to the nobility by Charles Theodore, Elector of Bavaria. Recognizing his immense standing, he was subsequently granted the title of Freiherr (Baron) of the Holy Roman Empire on 1 September 1790 (6) (7).

The baseless campaign of mr. De Neve

Despite this rich and verified heritage, the family faced the ridiculous and cynical scrutiny of R.G. de Neve, a fired civil servant with ultra right affiliations. In 2005 and 2007, De Neve seemingly attempted to build his own academic profile by tearing down esteemed families, baselessly claiming the Quast family's genealogy and adellijke status were mere fantasies (12) (13). De Neve arrogantly dismissed crucial historical evidence, such as the 1892 Prussian Heroldsamt declaration confirming the adoption of Jan Hendrik Quast (1773-1825) by his noble uncle (11).

His slanderous and poorly researched campaign thankfully culminated in a decisive legal battle. After an initial ruling on 24 October 2010, an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Amsterdam finally exposed De Neve's follies. He was forced into a settlement, compelling him and the KNGGW to publish a full rectification (13). De Neve had to humiliatingly withdraw his absurd accusations of "genealogical and heraldic juggling" and officially retract his false claims of unlawful conduct.

A noble legacy secured

Today, the greatness of the Quast family remains untarnished by the petty envy of detractors like De Neve. Their nobility is preserved through enduring modern recognition and outstanding civic contributions:

• Heraldic confirmation: The noble coat of arms was officially confirmed by the Republic of Malta on 13 June 2025, validating their heritage on the international stage.

• Civic excellence: Prominent descendants have received immense honors, including knighthoods in the Order of Orange-Nassau and the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus.

• Enduring strength: The family lineage continues proudly, having thoroughly defeated the baseless academic skepticism thrown their way.

References

1. A.J.C. Krafft, Historie en Oude Families van de Nederlandse Antillen, Het Antilliaans Patriciaat. 's-Gravenhage, 1951.

2. Kwartierstatenboek III, ’s-Gravenhage, 1993.

3. R.A.U. von Quast-Juchter, 'Quast', in: Nederlandse genealogieën 11 (1996), p. 348-377.

4. Nederland´s Wapenboek I, ’s-Gravenhage, 1998.

5. Genealogisches Handbuch des Adels, Adelslexikon XI (2000).

6. Kwartierstatenboek IV, ‘s-Gravenhage/Rotterdam 2000.

7. Afdeling Bestuursrechtspraak Raad van State, 17 April 2001 ECLI:NL:RVS:2001:AB3304.

8. Repertorium Familiewapens van Bekende Nederlandse Geslachten, Een overzicht van de wapens van de adel, het patriciaat en aanverwante geslachten van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden. 's-Gravenhage/Rotterdam, 2001.

9. I. Barleben, Geschichte der Familie Lüps. 2 Bände. Düsseldorf 1937 (bevat een stamboom van de familie).

10. V.A.M. van der Burg en C.E.G. ten Houte de Lange, De hoogstaangeslagenen in 's Rijks directe belastingen 1848-1917. De verkiesbaren van de Eerste Kamer der Staten, 's-Gravenhage/Rotterdam, 2004.

11. R.A.U. von Quast-Juchter, 'Kwartierstaat Juchter van Bergen Quast-Alfons', in: Nederlandse genealogieën 13 (2005), p. 389-396.

12. R.G. de Neve, 'Genealogiebeoefening en adellijke pretenties. Noblesse d'obscurité tijdens de Republiek en het Koninkrijk', in: Jaarboek Centraal Bureau voor Genealogie 59 (2005), p. 117-152, en met name p. 139-152.

13. R.G. de Neve, 'Hedendaagse adelspretenties in Nederland. "Freiherr von Quast-Juchter" en "Ritter von Lutter" ', in: De Nederlandsche Leeuw 124 (2007), p. 17-32, met rectificatie in: idem 128 (2011), p. 3.