The Claassen-family we researched came from the Schleswig-Holstein area of Germany and we believe that they had close connectios with the Menonites from West Prusia. During the period 1680 to about 1725 members of my ancestors emigrated to Holland from where they dispersed as members of the VOC to the Americas, Rusia and South Africa. A book on the Claassen-family in South Africa was published in 2001 also giving a report on the Claassens (Clauszen) of the Dithmarschen-area staying at Delve. My GGGGgrandparent, Claus Clauszen moved from Delve to Holland and from there to South Africa in 1920 as employee of the VOC.
As far as I know the Claassens originaly came from Denmark/North Germany. We would like to confirm this statement and this could only be done if the dates of the movement of Tom's ancestors could be verified. I would rather say that the dike workers came from Germany. Tom, where can I obtain the book you refer to.I believe that there is also a book on the Menonite Claassens that I would like to get. Could some one please advise me where to get it. My e-mail address is
claassen@mweb.co.za. Postal address is Box 8293, Centurion 0046, South Africa. Skype address: nicclaassen.