I am fascinated - completely overwhelmed - by the third wife of Jacob Derks Kruizenga (1830-1906) named Jentje Wittink.  And thanks to Kate Folkertsma I may now have a picture of her.  She stands in the attire of the 1860s-70s, dressed in black, and knowing that she was a seamstress, she may have made the dress herself.  Very likely. 

Jentje came from a family of 6.  She was born in Staphorst, Overijssel Province, Netherlands, on 2 Dec 1836.  Her father was a baker and probably taught his daughter's how to cook.  Being from Staphorst, Jentje was probably very religious in the Reformed faith as this city is renowned for its faith.  In fact, many in Staphorst today oppose the libertarian loose morals Dutch law has dissipated into. 

Jentje married at the young age of 22 to a farmer named Jan Witte.  Jan too was from Staphorst.  Together they had three children: Harm (1860), Hendrik (1862), and Jan (1866).  Jentje, called Jennie in America, emigrated with Jan and her three children in 1868.  I believe they came through Canada.

Jan Witte was a laborer and died from fever 12 Oct 1868 not too long after having arrived in America.  Harm, the eldest son, died from consumption (TB) in 1879.  And the youngest son Jan died in 1887.

Jentje joined the Second Reformed Church and this is likely where she met her 2nd husband Peter Bylsma (born 1820).  Peter was 16 years Jennie's senior.  It was probably a matter of convenience… Peter being a respective member of the Dutch community, recently widowed, and having land.  The two were married on 9 Aug 1870.  This relationship was short-lived however, as Peter's heart gave out.  He died on 14 Oct 1875.  The couple did not share any children.

A little over a year later, Jennie married her 3rd and final husband - Jacob Derks Kruizenga, also a member of the Second Reformed Church.  Jennie was Jacob's 3rd wife (after Janna and Gezina).  They were married on 15 Nov 1876 within the Second Reformed Church building (deconstructed - stood where the GR Community College Student Center now stands - close to the GR Library).  Jennie was 39.  Jacob was 46.

The couple shared one child whom they spoiled - Derk Jacobs Kruizenga (born 1879).  They had a farm in Plainfield, Michigan off Grand River Drive.  I am not certain how the farm was worked, because Jacob lived on the west side of Grand Rapids near American Seating.  He worked at L.M. Cutcheon, a lumber company.

It may be that Jennie spent most of her time up at the farm.  And perhaps Jacob would go home on the weekends?  Derk grew up at the farm - and the farm became his after Jacob and Jennie's passing.  He in turn would pass the farm on to his eldest son Jacob Derk at his own passing.

Jennie seemed to have a quiet life.  I wish I knew a lot more about her.  Perhaps in time I will.  Having died in 1905, there is no-one left alive who would remember her.  And I can only guess that the picture I have is of her. 

I have recently posted the following records pertaining to Jennie:

• Marriage Record to Jan Witte - features signatures of Jan Witte, Jennie Wittink, Geertje Bos (Jan's mother), Hendrik Wittink (Jennie's father), and Hendrikje Plasjes (Jennie's mother).  Jan's father passed away in April of 1857.
• Birth record of Harm Witte.
• Birth record of Jan Witte.
• Birth record of Hendrik Witte.

I have yet to post the accompanying documents (proof texts) to Jan and Jennie's marriage.  These include: Jan's Nationale Militie Certificaat, Jan's birth record, Jennie's birth record, and Harm Witte's death record.

Records posted from this page.