This photo is of a sample page of Martha Tanis's Bible and an inscription from when she was 13 years old. The inscription reads "Dit boekje behoort aan Martha Tanis A. Oud 13 Jaar 1871." Which translates to "This book belongs to Martha Tanis 13 years old, 1871.”

Martha Tanis was born on March 28, 1857. Thus, she would have been age 13 until March 28, 1871. The "A." in “Martha Tanis A.” is thought to be a patronymic reference to her father Aart. The shown page is from Matthew in her Bible. We chose that page as her first son’s name was Matthew.

Martha’s father was Aart Dirksz Tanis, and her mother was Dirkje Aletta Blaak. In December 1882, Martha Tanis married Adrianus Vanderkloot in Chicago.

Dave Jordan took these photographs at Dick Denker's July 9, 1977 Vanderkloot Reunion in Crystal Lake, Illinois, from Martha's Bible brought by Harry Schodrof. If you would like to add information about these photos, please contact Dave Jordan, a great-grandson of Adrianus and Martha Vanderkloot. The Picture Reference Numbers are 046-23 and 046-24.