Uncovering Family History: Dutch Ancestry, Bakker and Neervoort Families, Genealogy Research, Belgian Soldier Origins

Have you ever wondered about your ancestral origins? My journey to uncover my family history started in Rotterdam and Doesburg, revealing roots in Kampen and Dalfsen, Netherlands. Discover how my Bakker and Neervoort families navigated wage labour and crisis eras. From Belgian soldier ancestors to mysterious name origins, explore this fascinating family history mystery.

Have you ever wondered aloud, "Where do I actually come from?" or have you ever been curious about it? A few years ago, I asked myself the same question, and I started a search for where my ancestors were and where they originally came from. My search started in the metropolis of Rotterdam and in Doesburg, the Gelderland mustard city.

Do you know where your grandfathers and grandmothers were born?

Just like you, I have two grandfathers and grandmothers, two on my mother's side, the Neervoort family, and two on my father's side, the Bakker family. Due to the reasons mentioned earlier in my previous stories, I had little contact with my family as a child and now also as an adult. In retrospect, I would have liked to get to know them, but my giftedness, high sensitivity, and my other physical complaints unfortunately prevented this contact from being established. Another fact that may have contributed to this was the fact that three of my grandparents had died before I was born. I never had the pleasure of knowing Willem Bakker (1874-1948) and his wife Cornelia Maria van Eijk (1890-1956) and my maternal grandmother Martha Catharina Johanna Houtzeel (1887-1956).

Did you know that there were also employment agencies in the past?

Unfortunately, I am not quite sure whether I should call my maternal grandfather, Willem Neervoort (1887-1973), a temporary worker or a small self-employed person, but according to the records I know, he was a "wage labourer" in his time. From my knowledge, I think this was a worker that "farmers" could hire per day. If you know more about this, I would like to hear from you. Grandpa Neervoort is the only grandparent I was allowed to know until I was twelve years old. I remember him as a quiet man. In my memory, he always sat on the right corner of the couch in the room with my uncle Anton and aunt Marietje in Doesburg, where he lived in later life. When I sat next to him on the couch and wasn't paying attention, he always secretly grabbed me by the ear, which startled me.

Were Doesburg and Rotterdam original residences of my family?

By rooting around in the origins of my family, I found out that we originally came from other places in the Netherlands. At the Bakker family, I found the Dutch town of Kampen (Province of Overijssel) as the place of origin in the Netherlands. At the Neervoort family, I ended up in Dalfsen (Province of Overijssel, Het Vecht dal). As you can see, both sides of my family came from the same province in the Netherlands. The city of Kampen and the village of Dalfsen are about thirty-six kilometres apart, as the crow flies, in the same Dutch province of Overijssel. The Bakkers were land/wage labourers on Kampereiland, a piece of land on which, according to traditional stories, the workers were exploited considerably at the time. At the Neervoorts there is a story going around that my grandfather was not allowed to work due to a government rule in the time of crisis; it would be about the number of working people per family. Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to find the source of this.

Was the city of Kampen the origin of the Bakker family?

I can say that for me a large part of the origin of the Bakker family in the Netherlands stems from the city of Kampen, but this is not entirely the truth. When I further researched this branch of my family, I suddenly ended up with a Belgian soldier from the Brussels area. This soldier, Jean-Louis Albert (1899-1935), got into a relationship with Johanna Bakker (1895-1935) around 1800. This Johanna already had a daughter before this relationship: "Alijda Sofija van Dijk" (1819-(?). Together, according to my sources, they had two more children, David Guilliame Bakker or Albert, and Grada Federika Bakker, our Albert, and Grada Federika Bakker, our Albert. According to my sources, both parents were never married, but did Jean Louis accept the daughter, Alijda Sofija, as his own? Alijda was an only child, and the family name Bakker should have ended here.

Do you also have any riddles in your family history?

According to my sources, Alijda was the daughter of a certain Berend van Dijk (1786-1836). Whether Alijda's actual parents were ever married? In any case, the family name Bakker hung here on a "silk" thread. But as I wrote before, her foster father has never been married to her mother, and the foster father and her mother have had two more children. (David Guilliame Bakker, or Albert, and Grada Federika Bakker, our Albert.) It is also funny that the name Bakker was still written as Backker at that time. It becomes even more confusing when it turns out that at a later stage "brother and sister," David Guilliame Bakker, or Albert and Alijda Sofija van Dijk, got into a relationship, and this produced five children, including my great-grandfather Berend Jan Bakker (1846–1903).

Do you also not know why and how exactly your family name came about?

Can you still follow me? The name Albert thus disappeared like "snow" in the sun from the family history. Why, I have no idea yet. A story I have read is that Jean Louis Albert was a soldier and died at the age of thirty-five. Another story tells me that this soldier left his family at the age of thirty-five to fight again in Africa, this time in Senegal. Also, very confusing for me is that at the beginning of 1795, French troops led by Charles Pichegru and patriots led by Hendrik Willem Daendels invaded the Netherlands en masse over the then frozen rivers. On January 19, 1795, a day after the flight of William V, they proclaimed the Batavian Republic in the town hall of Amsterdam. The question is, am I originally a Belgian, a Batavian, or a Dutchman? Do you know the answer?

Discover the Spiritual Legacy of Krishna

Discover the Spiritual Legacy of Krishna: Exploring Durbuy’s Radhadesh Temple and the Beauty of the Ardennes

Explore the enchanting beauty of the Ardennes and the spiritual legacy of Krishna at the Radhadesh Temple in Durbuy. Experience captivating rituals like Arati, immerse yourself in the rich history of ISKCON, and enjoy breathtaking landscapes. Join us on this journey of discovery, where nature and spirituality intertwine to create unforgettable memories. Perfect for travelers seeking cultural experiences!

Discover the Spiritual Legacy of Krishna: Exploring Durbuy’s Radhadesh Temple and the Beauty of the Ardennes

On October 22, 2024, I embarked on a memorable adventure with my wife, Monique, and our four-month-old Labrador Retriever. We set off on a road trip to Belgium, towing our newly acquired "Kip" caravan. Our first stop was Dochamps, a picturesque camping spot nestled in the heart of the Ardennes, a region known for its stunning mountainous landscapes and dense woodlands.

Why the Ardennes?

Our choice to visit the Ardennes stemmed from a desire to test our new caravan, but the beauty of the area encouraged us to make the most of our time there. One of my personal goals was to revisit Durbuy, a charming medieval village that is part of the municipality of Durbuy. This village lies at the crossroads of three notable geographical regions: the Ardennes, the Condroz, and the Famenne. Additionally, the fast-flowing Ourthe River meanders through this breathtaking nature reserve, enhancing its scenic beauty.

Discovering Durbuy

Years ago, I had stumbled upon Durbuy while exploring the area. I was captivated by a seemingly dilapidated castle that piqued my curiosity. As I approached, I noticed a group of people dressed in orange, engaged in what appeared to be a fascinating activity. It turned out that this “castle” was the Radhadesh temple, a serene place dedicated to the Hindu god Sri Krishna. Today, hundreds of followers continue to gather there, practicing their faith in this beautiful setting.

The Radhadesh Temple: A Sacred Place

Visiting the Radhadesh temple, known as Château De Petit Somme, offers a glimpse into a sacred and vibrant community. Daily rituals, such as Arati, are performed in this peaceful environment. The Arati ceremony, which takes place twice a day in homes and temples alike, is an experience that leaves a lasting impression on those present. This ritual incorporates various elements, including a conch shell, bells, flowers, incense, lamps, and fabric, representing the pure forms of Earth, water, fire, and air.

The Legacy of Swami Prabhupada

The Radhadesh temple was established by followers of Sri Srimad A.D. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Swami Prabhupada was a significant figure in bringing Hindu philosophy and practices to the West in the 1960s and 1970s, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. His dedication to spreading the message of peace and meditation has touched countless lives.Interestingly, Hinduism is often misunderstood as a single religion; in reality, it is an umbrella term encompassing a variety of beliefs and practices. The term itself was introduced by Persians to describe the diverse cultures and traditions of the people living beyond the Indus River, in present-day Pakistan.

Swami Prabhupada: A Transformative Leader

Swami Prabhupada, like his contemporary Swami Hariharananda Giri, traveled to the West to share the wisdom of yoga and meditation. Both swamis encouraged people to engage in meditation and public chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. I am deeply grateful for their contributions to our understanding of spirituality and for the journeys they undertook, often far from their families.Born in 1896 in India, Swami Prabhupada studied Chemistry at the University of Calcutta but chose not to pursue a formal degree. Instead, he founded a small pharmaceutical business to support his family. His spiritual journey began when he met his guru, Bhaktisiddanta Saraswati, in 1922, and he was initiated into the tradition in 1932. His teachings and dedication have laid the foundation for a global movement that continues to inspire people today.

Experiencing the Rituals

Participating in the Arati ceremony at the Radhadesh temple was a profound experience. The atmosphere was filled with devotion and reverence as the elements of the ceremony were carefully presented. The sound of the conch shell echoed through the temple, signaling the start of the ritual. The flickering flames of the lamps and the fragrant incense created a sensory tapestry that transported us to a different world, one filled with spiritual significance.

A Deep Appreciation for Culture

Our trip to Durbuy and the surrounding Ardennes region was not just a getaway; it was a journey into the heart of culture and spirituality. The serene environment of the Radhadesh temple allowed for reflection and connection, reminding us of the importance of preserving such traditions for future generations.

Cherishing Wisdom and Experience

As we drove back from our adventure, I reflected on the beauty of the landscapes we had traversed and the spiritual richness we had experienced. The teachings of Swami Prabhupada and the vibrant community at the Radhadesh temple serve as a reminder to cherish the wisdom of those who came before us. Their dedication and perseverance have laid the groundwork for a brighter, more mindful future.n conclusion, our trip to the Ardennes was an enriching experience, blending the beauty of nature with the depth of spiritual exploration.

Whether you are drawn to the stunning landscapes or the profound teachings of the past, there is something for everyone in this remarkable region. As we continue to explore and learn, let us honor the legacy of those who have shaped our understanding of life and consciousness.