Jennie Hine’s grandmother Jantje emigrated from Groningen, Netherlands with three daughters (Ankje/Agnes, Jennie, and Henrietta “Etta”), son-in-law Jacob Smit, and newborn grandson Klaas in 1889. Jantje was 49 years old, listed as J. Alberda on the passenger list. I am unsure if she was widowed by Machiel Alberda before she emigrated or if Machiel traveled seperately. I found a record of Machiel and Jantje’s loss of their infant son Hendrik in 1883 when the poor child was just a few weeks old. Jantje later married Berthus Van Weelde in Chicago on July 22, 1897 at the age of 58, but he died only 7 months later.
“Jantje Kooi, first widowed by Machiel Alberda, later by Berthus van Weelde, 5 children and 7 grandchildren also preceded her in eternity. In our house, Mother’s chair is now empty, but our loss is her great gain because she has received her soul’s desire Mother is now with Jesus, whom she served here on Earth with such devotion. Mother had reached the age of 74 years, 9 months and 1 day. The hope of a happy reunion eases our grief. On behalf of the children, Mr. and Mrs. J Smith-Alberda, Mr and Mrs. A. Vanderborg-Alberda, Mr and Mrs. H Weeber-Alberda. Dolton, IL.”
Jantje is buried in Mount Greenwood Cemetery.
