Page 8 - Poat_to_Poot_Engels

they could have been developing the farmlands they owned. Other Poot
bouwmen were leasing land out to tenant farmers. These facts suggest
that a "bouwman" is a landowner who has some involvement in farming or
land development.

Several revisions were made relating to the geography and place names
used in the Netherlands. Place names were not well standardized in the
Netherlands, and most locations have two or three different names. It is
no surprise that some place names have become obsolete over the past
century. The hierarchy of provinces and municipalities is not as clear as
one might hope. The borders of these have undergone a number of
changes over the years. Currently, many communities are merging
together. These issues were a source of confusion and served as
impediments to my research. I am comforted by the knowledge that
people who live in the Netherlands complain that the situation is
confusing at times. A Dutch "Provincie" or province is like a state in the
U.S.. A municipality or district is similar to a county in America. A
"Gemeente" or community can be like an American municipality, township
or city.

Any additional information, such as stories, additions to the family tree, or
old photographs that can be copied are desired. There are undoubtedly
mistakes and omissions that family members can help correct. There are
some details that are still indeterminate and some that are the subject of
disagreement. None the less, I think the soundness of the whole will
withstand the flaws that occur in some parts.

I hope you can enjoy this work in progress, and please contribute to help
make it better!