"Joann,
You and Jan have done a great service to the Spruijt/Courtland family. Your journey has taken you to places that few of the descendants of these great people will ever travel to. Because of you we are able to come to know and appreciate these ancestors much better. I am not sure what motivates you to do this, but I am grateful that you have taken your time to research, correspond, travel, document, and lastly compile the family information into such a wonderful format for all to enjoy. My mother (daughter of Helen Courtland) does not use internet and was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and I have been sharing bits of information with her about her Courtland family. I am sure that she will be overwhelmed when I print out the full history you have compiled and send that to. My grandmother Helen also would have enjoyed this family history, unfortunately she died 10 years ago on my birthday.
It is true that the longer we live the more we appreciate those who have gone before us. To have so many children (13) and to lose so many at young ages, what stalwart people these must have been.
Thank you again for this wonderful Spruijt/Courtland family history.
-Michael "
"WOW......that shows how much work you two have been into the last few months. Debbie printed out a complete copy for her father. He will get it today. I will take some time and read this, front to back. Lots to digest. Thanks for the info, the time and effort put into this.
Elmer Courtland got a look at the family tree and story. He was extremely impressed at the depth of research. He told Debbie to make sure we sent you and Jan a message saying thank you very much.
Steve Dvorak"
I showed your work to Joann, Fred's sister. She was in awe of all the work that you have done, and she kept saying it. Jo gave me some old family addresses on which I am going to follow up to see if I can find anyone -- they should see all your work too.
Changed on 12-jan-2012 by spruijt.courtland@kulentuur.be