I'm searching information concerning my relative, John Barkema. Born: 15 June 1883 in Ulrum, Groningen to Cornelius Barkema and Ebeltje Groen. Immigrated to US sometime before 1907. He had a sister, Martje who died as a child. The children were raised by their Uncle Berend Groen in Horn huisen, Kloosterburen, Groningen.

Carol: My grandfather was John Barkema from Ulrum,Groningen, Netherlands.born abt 1857,d.1933-Holland, MI.Married Antje Vanderploeg,b.1857,d.1957.They had ten children: Matje, or Martje, died as a child, John, Jacob, Katherine,Elizabeth,Corneilius-d. 1918 WW1, Henry, Frank, Martha, Anne.The names on your list may be the same, but timelines don't match. Could they still be connected somehow? Hope this does not add to any confusion. I have not been able to find parents of either John Barkema, or Antje Vanderploeg., Sincerely Charles Barkema

additional info: Your Cornielius could have been a brother to my grandfather John. John and Antje immigrated to the US in the 1880's. He is listed in the Grand Rapids, Mi.city directory in 1889-1890 as a Shoemaker.My Uncle, Cornielius was born in the 1890's, and died in France inWW-I.

Just read this old post. Using the website genlias.nl, I discovered a lot of Barkema genealogy. And I solved my question of how the two John Barkema's in Grand Rapids at the turn of the last century were related. They are in fact first cousins, once removed. I hope that you have also discovered this great site for Dutch genealogy. Thanks for your info.