(from Watford Guide-Advocate, May 24, 2000)
Martinus Van Bree (–1965) and Josephine Smits (–1969) were married in Holland in 1928. Twenty-two years later, they and their family of twelve children immigrated to Canada. Upon reaching Watford they were reunited with Martin’s older brother Chris. Chris Van Bree had come from Holland 24 years earlier before. He had worked long and hard to sponsor his brother and family to join him. In compliance with immigration rulings, Martin would work one year for his brother, then he would be permitted to purchase his own farm. Martin and his four sons worked for Chris or neighbouring farmers and six of the eight girls went to school.
Two years after their arrival the Martin Van Bree family purchased a farm on Nauvoo Rd., between Brick Yard Line and Birnam Line. The family operated a mixed farm and all of the children either worked on the home farm, at other farms, or in businesses, to help make ends meet.
Their children all married: Rita married Hubert Vossen; Peter married Willy Geerts; Tony married Mary Siroen; Frank married Elsie Hoevenaars; Paul married Christine Kesteloot; Nellie married Henry Verhoeven; Annie married Bernard Geerts; Frances married Casey Nooren; Minie married Harry Van Eyk; Pauline married Bill Van Eyk; Tina married Peter Thuss; and Teresa married Jack Van Diepen.
As of May 2000, the family totalled 202 members and was still growing.
Chapter 24 of 25 - Van Bree, Martin
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