My experience is that asking for information on this weblog about Zeeuwse relatives or ancestors from either side of the ocean can cause small miracles, so that is why I decided to post this e-mail. I received it from Hal Rozema who lives in Phoenix (AZ) . Rozema, who just turned 80 but still has no desire to retire, is ‘trying to put down some of my life’s experiences and some family history’.
The piece starts like this: ‘This is about one of the early settlers to Grand Rapids, Michigan. My Grandfather, Peter (Pieter) Baas was born in Vlissingen, Zealand, The Netherlands, on December 13, 1854.’ ‘When Peter finished school (he could read and write Dutch and English) at age fifteen, he had saved his money from small jobs or possibly worked in the family business making barrels or furniture and followed the migration of many European folks immigrating to the New World. More than likely a farmer’s son…
In early spring of 1870, Pieter migrated to America. He traveled from the Netherlands (port_________) to the east coast (port________)of the US by ____________.
I’m wondering if there were any triggering social, religious, or political reasons for this kid (my Grandfather) to make such a move. He made three trips back to Zealand, every second year, working in a barrel factory 6 days a week, living in a sod hut on squatters land, and raising vegetables sold to fellow workers. He eventually developed Grand Rapids first commercial dairy of over 100 milk cows with horse drawn neighborhood delivery. He had four sons and four daughters.
He brought his bride Peternella (I only have a first name) on his first return trip. Each of the three trips was to bring 3 or 4 family members or friends to America. He was an outspoken promoter of Spoken (and reading) English and taught those he escorted enough English during the crossing so they could get along in public and perhaps in some employment.
He always said that he made the crossing by Holland American Lines, but I see by my research the HAL was not operating until 1872. He may have traveled with HAL later but certainly must have used some other vessel in 1870.
I have visited Europe and flown in and out of Schiphol several times since 1978. The last time in 2004 when my Grandson married a beautiful German girl in Vlotho, Germany. He now teaches English Second Language at a Berlitz School. His wife runs a fitness spa.
I’d find it very interesting to find any Baas history in or around Vlissingen.’
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