Pieter Dijkhuizen

     Pieter Dijkhuizen was born to Anna Petronella Dijkhuizen in 1860, in the Netherlands. Anna was unmarried, and shortly after Pieter's birth she gave  him over into someone else's care. She died shortly after. Pieter was given a good home and education and raised in a Christian atmosphere. His Christian convictions eventually led him to a new land. Pieter desired  religious freedom for his family. In the spring of 1885, Pieter began the journey to America with his wife Eike Japinga. They became U S citizens on  October 31, 1890.

     With the help of friends, Pieter and Eike settled near Morrison, Illinois. Pieter was a hard worker and loved to learn. One of his desires was to become a minister. Though he had some seminary training, he never completed the course. But he did continue to study and teach. He gave his children a great Christian heritage and taught them the importance of faith and family. He wrote sermons and poetry, one of which follows:

                    Ga te ruste, ik ben moe
                    Sluit mijn ogen beide toe.
                    Heere houde op deze nacht
                    over mij getrouwe wacht.
                    Heb ik heden kwaad gedaan
                    Zie het Heere toch niet aan
                    en vergev mijn trouwe Heer
                    al mijn schuld en zonden weer.
                    Doe mij veilig en gezond
                    opstaan in de morgen stond
                    en voor alle mensen zaan
                    bid ik U in Jezus naam.
                                    Amen


That translates:

                    Go to rest, I am tired
                    Tightly close both my eyes.
                    Lord keep on this night
                    over me trustful watch.
                    If I have done wrong today
                    Lord don't notice it yet
                    and forgive, my faithful Lord,
                    all my faults and sins again.
                    Keep me safe and healthy
                    that I may rise again in the morning
                    and for all people's sake
                    I pray to you in Jesus' name.
                                    Amen

     Pieter and Eike had 14 children between 1884 and 1906. The 14th child only lived for 10 days. The family spoke Dutch much of the time. When the children learned English, so did Pieter and Eike. They changed their names to more compatible with the American names.

     This family never acquired worldly fame or great earthly riches. But they had an abundant supply of love and strong moral convictions. They were given the greatest heritage that one can receive.

Will, Dora, Pieter, Agnes, Ella, George

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