I am reasearching information about my Grandfather, Henrick Vlietstra and my Grandmother Elizabeth Modderman. I know that my grandpa immigrated to America in 1902 and he also served in the army and he went to Germany to work in the coal mines and he immigrated from Germany to America- I also would would to know why some Vlietstra's went to Germany to find work, was the economy so poor in The Netherlands? I know nothing about my grandma, Elizabeth Modderman. If possible if someone know the name of the boat they were on and also I have heard rumors that they met on the boat? is this true? My Grandparents were born in 1878. I am making a Heritage Memory Scrapbook and would appreciate any informatiom even some information about that period 1878-1902 economy, political, social, religious aspects . Thank you very much for any information you may have