Dear Kimberly Young,
Iread your posting from April 2000
The Bethlehems were way back in the 17th and
18th century farmers at Beetsterzwaag in the
Dutch county of Friesland, known for its
famous cattle. Various family menbers moved
to the U.S. at the beginning of this century,
so i assume that your grandparents are originating from Beetsterzwaag or the
surrounding area. In this village you still
find the beautiful farmhouse, where the ancient farmers used to live.
My grandfather came to Amsterdam around 1867
where he married an young girl from Friesland
Frisian people in general are very proud of
their origin and I know that in the latter half of the 19th century many Frisians moved
to the area of Grand Rapids and Holland in
Michigan.

Best Regards

Hans Bethlehem Amsterdam the Netherlands