KLOOSTER
The Michigan Kruizenga family - descended from Jacob Derks Kruizinga - is married into the Klooster family through Jacob Derks sole-surviving son, Derk Jacobs Kruizenga. Derk married Katherine Klooster, a daughter of Geert Klooster. Derk and Katherine Kruizenga had four children: Jennie (1907) named for Derk's mother; Jacob Derk (1910) named for Derk's father; Minnie R. (1911 - the R. likely stands for Ritska) named for Katherine's mother; and Gerrit Henry (1917) named for Katherine's father.
Geert (Gerrit) Berends Klooster was born on 1-May-1850 in the city of Midwolda, Groningen, Netherlands. He came to America on 19-May-1873 aboard the Idaho. He sailed from Liverpool, England arriving in New York City. His future wife - Ritje Bos - is listed on the passenger manifest directly beneath Gerrit. Gerrit is listed as a laborer: Ritje a baker.
Geert (Gerrit) Berends Klooster was born on 1-May-1850 in the city of Midwolda, Groningen, Netherlands. He came to America on 19-May-1873 aboard the Idaho. He sailed from Liverpool, England arriving in New York City. His future wife - Ritje Bos - is listed on the passenger manifest directly beneath Gerrit. Gerrit is listed as a laborer: Ritje a baker.
It is unknown whether Geert and Ritje had plans to marry once stateside or whether they met and fell in love enroute, but they were soon married in holy matrimony on 28-May-1873. That is a mere 9 days after arrival. The Kent County marriage records states that Gerrt Klooster (23) and Ritska Boes (24), both of Grand Rapids, both born in the Netherlands, were married by C. Kloppenburg, Minister.
 | Rev. Cornelius Kloppenburg belonged to a special reformed group that neither adhered to the RCA or the CRC. Founded in the 1870s by several Dutch immigrants who became dissatisfied with the Dutch Reformed and True Reformed groups. What was desired was a congregation with pure preaching as in the Netherlands. This group organized and asked for Rev. Kloppenburg who lived in the Netherlands. Rev. Kloppenburg came in August of 1870 organizing this fledgling group as the Christian Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids.
Worship services were held in the old Swedenborgian Church located on the corner of Division and Lyon streets. They later moved to a purchased lot on Division and Crescent (then Bronson). Rev. Kloppenburg died from ill-health in 1876. In 1896, the church was renamed to Nederduitsch Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1947 a few congregations merged becoming the First Netherlands Reformed Congregation. It is now the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation which meets on Crescent St. in Grand Rapids. More Information here. |
Geert purchased the farm adjacent Jacob Derks Kruizenga in Plainfield, Michigan along the Grand River. Geert farmed the land for the rest of his life. He died on 24 Sept 1932 in Grand Rapids. He is buried at Fairplains cemetery.
 Geert and Ritska Klooster had 11 children according to the 1900 Census. Both 1900 and 1910 Censuses state that 5/11 were then living.
Katie (1875-?) - had to pass before 1900. Benjamin (1877-1940) buried Klooster lot - took up farming - land south of Kruizenga's; married Harriett Spaulding Tease (1880-1976) buried Klooster lot - followed in dad's footstep and took up farming (land to west of dad's); married Helen (?) Garrett (1881-1964); married Katherine Stevens Katherine (1883-1930); married Derk Kruizenga Jennie (1887-?); married Gilbert Silver | Geert Berends Klooster was born 1 May 1850.
Geert's father was Berend Jans Klooster (died 1898). Geert's mother was Trijntje Geerts Strijker. Geert's paternal grandfather was Jan Berends Klooster. Geert's paternal grandmother was Janna Berends van der Schuur. Geert's maternal grandfather was Geert Everts Strijker. Geert's maternal grandmother was Harmke Harms Boer. Geert's siblings include: Harmke (1842-1847) Janna (1843-1923) married Jakob Jakobs Oorlog on 21 Aug 1865. Anna (1845-1895) married Thomas Stuut on 7 Feb 1868. Antje (1847-1853) Jan (1848-1866) Harm (1852-1852) Harm (1853-1855) Harmke (1850-1926) married Hindrik van der Laan on 27 May 1881. All Geert's siblings remained and died in the Netherlands in or around the Midwolda, Groningen area where they were born. |
   Garret was Geert Klooster's 3rd living son. |  |
