Dutch term – Eiland

An eiland is an island. The Netherlands has several islands, such as the Zeeland islands in the south-west and the Wadden islands in the north. But there used to be many more. Large parts of the mainland of the coastal provinces used to be islands. The waterways have since been dammed off and reclaimed from the sea. Modern examples of this are the former islands of Urk and Schokland, now part of the province of Flevoland. Earlier examples include the former island of Cadzand in … [Read more...]

Ask Yvette – Dealing with Records Loss in World War II

To celebrate 1,000 likes of Dutch Genealogy Services on Facebook, likers were invited to ask a research question for a free consultation. Some could quickly be answered on Facebook. Eric Schmidt asked a question that some of you may struggle with as well, so I thought I'd answer it in more detail. Eric asked: For years this is my brick wall located in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen in the Netherlands. I am searching for the parents of Anthonij de Smidt (more information here). As a lot of records from … [Read more...]

Daane, Peter

Peter Daane was one of the Dutch emigrants who settled in Wisconsin and managed to establish a thriving business there. He fought for the Union during the Civil war. He is considered as the founder of Oostburg, WI. To this day, his descendants live in that area. … [Read more...]

DeMaster, John and Wilhelmina van der Jagt

John DeMaster and Wilhelmina Van der Jagt were both born in the province of Zeeland. Both their families emigrated to the United States when they were children. The families settled in the Sheboygan area, WI. As a young adult, John worked on de Vanderjagt farm and married the farmer's daughter. … [Read more...]

Zeeland

Zeeland is a province in the south-west of the Netherlands. It borders on Noord-Brabant in the east, the country of Belgium in the south, the North Sea in the west and Zuid-Holland in the north. The capital of Zeeland is Middelburg. Other larger towns are: Vlissingen Goes Terneuzen … [Read more...]