Jacob Maasdam was born in Zuid-Beijerland, often called Hitzert. His father was Gerrit Maasdam [1765– 1831] and his mother Adriana den Tuinder [1777–1834]. From thatunion nine children were born. The father of this large family provided an honest life for his family. His life was filled with many struggles and adversities, and finally illness called him home to the Lord at the age of sixty-five on the 23rd of May in the year of our Lord 1831. His life was exemplary and edifying; his life was a pious, godly walk, so that his name will be remembered with blessing. This pious and God-fearing man led his family in prayer, asking that the Lord would be merciful to them.