Born in Holland in the year of 1886, John Van Enk lost his mother when he was twelve years of age, and he was forced to work out as a farm-hand.

In 1906, John came to America, as did his sister, Dena, and a brother, Asp, who came in 1922. John obtained farm employment in the Litchville-Marion area. Here he met Clara Hoekstra, also born in Holland, the daughter of Peter and Tryna Hoekstra. They were married December 11, 1912, and were the parents of three children: Harry of Valley City, married to Bertha Miedema; Alvin, married to Jennie De Vries, and Jean (Crittenden) of Fairhope, Alabama.

John Van Enk passed away in November of 1931, at the age of 45. Clara married Ben Duven in 1941, and he passed away in 1948. She now lives at the Sheyenne Manor in Valley City, with fifteen great-grandchildren to her credit.

Wedding of Carol Van Hal, David, Harry, Carol, Helen (Mrs. Van Hal), and Chris

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 258