Joannes A. Reijs traveled from Rotterdam in August of 1923(1) with his brother-in-law Peter Merkus. The following year they sent for their wives (Cornelia Jacoba van den Ham Reijs and Aaitje van den Ham Merkus) and children (Lucy, Cornelia, and John Reijs and Peter Merkus) who also traveled together arriving on Ellis Island on August 17, 1924(2). It was a point of family pride (as told to me at different times by both Connie and John, Joannes' children) that the wives and children traveled "Tourist" class rather than steerage. The Cornelia's and the children's last name was changed at arrival from Reijs to Reys. This appeared to be intentional as there is some evidence that Joannes began using the English spelling before leaving the Netherlands.
(1) Passenger manifest for the ship Veendam leaving Rotterdam on 01 Aug 1923
(2) Ellisisland.org
