Tell us about a brick wall you want to break down.
My greatest brick wall is about my grandmother Irmgard (Ohnimus) Ykema. I don’t know her father. The story goes that it was a married dentist in Karlsruhe (year 1911/1912). My great grandmother Lina Irma (Ohnimus) Korevaar (1895-1981) gave birth to my grandmother in July 1912. She came from the area Karlsruhe. Later in life her parents lived in Bieleveld in a large villa with an elevator. The story goes they were the founders or owners of Anker sewing machine factory (no source found). Every now and then I research possibilities with no busting through yet. However, I have tested my DNA and maybe one day this will give clarity. I would appreciate any help and have to admit that I have difficulty in looking for free German sources in Bielefeld, Langen and Karlsruhe.
If you could pick one person in history to be related to, who would it be and why?
No doubt. That would be Michelangelo Buonarroti. Born 500 years ago in Tuscany, Italy. The beautiful province where I spent many holidays. I saw Michelangelo’s famous work, David, the Pietà and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (last two both in Rome) and so many more. I was fortunate enough to have business in Tuscany and lived in Italy for one year. Can you imagine to live in his time and meet him?
What are some of your interests outside of genealogy?
I love cooking, photography, Jabula, our Rhodesian Ridgeback from South Africa and our recent addition, a little puppy, Sausage, a miniature Dachshund. My work is published on Cucina Carolina on Facebook and Instagram. My most recent addiction is knitting, which works very well under the coronavirus pandemic.
How long have you been on WikiTree and what do you spend the most time doing?
I have been on WikiTree for many years however since 2018, after early retirement, I have a lot of time to spend. I am in the possession of documentation regarding my family Dagevos and Ykema. There are hundreds of pages with history and photos which I am working through. I recently participated in the Spring Clean-a-Thon 2021.
If you could improve one thing about WikiTree, what would it be?
I love WikiTree. Because it is free, easy accessible, the surprise to look forward to each week’s connection and the friendly assistance of many Wonderful Wikitreers like Pam Cormac who made photos of the tombstones and church in South Africa which my spouse’s great grandfather Frank Seager (abt.1858-1914) donated.
Since I am Dutch I would like to see that I don’t have to click “no” on middle name after I have added a Dutch or South African profile. The Dutch name convention doesn’t have a middle name. A lot of people don’t know this and fill in this middle name as most Dutch people do have a second and/or third name.
What is an example of how WikiTree has helped you with your genealogy?
There is a very good network on WikiTree and it is very user friendly. Last year I was contacted by someone outside WikiTree. She had googled me and sent me an email on the WikiTree profile of my great grandfather. Her parents had found a painting of my great grandfather Bauke Ykema and I could have it. Can you imagine my excitement?
Any tips for someone just starting out on WikiTree?
To be precise on sources. Be informative. Make time to find information on WikiTree as there is very helpful and detailed information. And if you can’t find it, reach out in G2G as there are so many friendly WikiTreers who love to assist.