No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, by print, photoprint, microfilm or any
other means without prior permission of the author.  Additions and corrections can be sent to  ahofstee@sympatico.ca

Updated to September 26, 2009

There is much more information available on this family.  I have mostly only done the
generations to the turn of the 20th century.  I have much additional information on later
generations.  You can contact me at ahofstee@sympatico.ca.  If you have any additional
information please send it to my e-mail address.  


                                 NEEF FAMILY HISTORY

The Neef family originates out of Vledder in Drenthe.   The earliest known forebear is Garbrant
Jans. His son Geert Garbrants is baptized in Vledder on 25-5-1684.  He is mentioned in two
documents in 1749 as the 'bestevader' of the children left behind by Jochem Geerts.  In the census
of 1749 he is listed as a carpenter, 'een timmerman en wat boerkerie van gemeen bestaan'.  In 
that census there are 3 people above 12 years of age in his family, probably he and his two sons
Jochem and Garbrant. Jochem Geerts is also listed in this census, 'arbeider in een armelijke staat'. 
Jochem Geerts is married to Lummigje Jans, probably daughter of Jan Hendriks and Cleisje
Cleis.  

Jan Hendriks is also mentioned in the documents of 1749 as 'bestevader' of the children of
Jochem Geerts.  Jan Hendriks is 'stelling' in Vinkega.  After 1811 this family was not only known
as Neef but also as Hoornstra (descendants of Jan Reinders), Bloemhoff (Keimpe Jans, son of 
Jan Reinders),  and Vos (descendants of Jochem Reinders) or de Vos (descendants of Jochem
Reinders).

Garbrant Jans, born abt 1650, married to NN.  Garbrant apparently had the following children -
Japikje, Jan, Geert and Roelof.

Geert Garbrants married with Claesjen Jochems in Vledder on 17-4-1705.   She is probably a
daughter of Jochem Harms.  Geert died about 1763 and Claesjen about 1773.  Three children
are known - Garbrant, Harm and  Jochem. 

Garbrant Geerts married Grietje Hartmans.  Garbrant died in February 1798 in Weststellingwerf
and Grietje died in Steggerda in March 1799.  They had at least two children - Hartman,
christened in Steggerda on 8 March 1744 and Geert, christened 27 May 1756. 

Jochem Geerts, born abt 1711, died Steggerda before 25 March 1749.  He was married to
Lummigje Jans, who died about 1747..

children:
1. Reinder, c. Steggerda 28-10-1736, d. Nieuwehorne  4-1-1812,
    m. Berkoop 25-2-1759 Trijntje Jans
2. Klaasje, c. Steggerda 16-3-1738
3. Geert, c. Steggerda 10-5-1743, died before March 1749
4. Lummigjen, c. Steggerda 26-7-1745, died before March 1749