The history of our family goes way back to the 16th century. Our country was at war with Spain, which started with the battle of Heiligerlee on May 23, 1568, initiated by the "beeldenstorm" in 1566. It was a war against Spain for freedom and religion. A great number of Spanish troops came to occupy the Low Countries. As in every war hardship is the only item continuously available and this continued for 80 years. It ended with "The peace settlement of Münster" on Jan 30, 1648. It was in those days that one of our ancestors decided to desert the Spanish army to stay in Holland. He succeeded to evade the army and came to live in Schayk. Married a Dutch woman and started a family. His son was called:
"Jacobus Johannis Hendrici Spagniers". It was around the year 1620.