De Clecq Family — Maldegem to the USA
The De Clerck family of Maldegem represents one of the most extensive emigration networks from the Meetjesland region. Between 1873 and 1923, family members spread from Illinois to Minnesota, New York and New Jersey, often following siblings, cousins or uncles already established overseas.
Illinois — Kewanee & Moline corridor
An early Illinois cluster forms around Kewanee. Henry De Clerck (born 10 September 1878, Maldegem), son of Pieter De Clerck and Rosalie Van der Hauwe, departed on 21 March 1905, joining brother August in Kewanee.
Edmond De Clerck (born 21 December 1877), son of Louis De Clerck and Louise De Meyere of Klein Burkel, Maldegem, departed on 25 September 1907 aboard the VADERLAND, bound for brother Honoré (Henry) in Kewanee.
Charles De Clerck (born 17 September 1883) appears twice: in 1910 aboard the MAURETANIA to Moline, and in 1920 again on the MAURETANIA toward Rock Island, following family connections.
Minnesota — Ghent connection
A separate line leads to Ghent, Minnesota. Désiré De Clerck (born 1 January 1858, Maldegem) departed on 28 April 1920 aboard the KROONLAND, travelling to brother Leopold Lams.
Young Yvonne De Clerck (born 1911) followed on the same vessel and date, indicating a family consolidation in the Midwest.
New York & New Jersey — the Macedon branch
A strong migration chain developed toward Macedon, NY and later New Jersey.
Armand De Clerck (born 8 September 1892, Maldegem), son of Louis De Clerck (Klein Burkel), departed on 28 March 1910 aboard the NIEUW AMSTERDAM, travelling to brother Edmond.
Edmond De Clerck (born 21 December 1877) returned again in 1923 aboard the AQUITANIA, listed as married to Livina De Vogelaere. He had become a U.S. citizen (26 October 1917).
On 27 April 1923, several children travelled together on the AQUITANIA toward uncle Armand in Macedon: Henrie, Marcella, Remie and Remy — all connected to parents Edmond De Clerck and Livina De Vogelaere.
Early wave — 1873 Rydall Hall
One of the earliest recorded crossings is remarkable: on 13 October 1873, multiple De Clercq family members departed aboard the RYDALL HALL to Illinois.
Among them: Charles De Clercq (born 18 February 1828), Petrus De Clercq (born 6 July 1866), Sylvia De Clercq (born 6 July 1869), and Barbara De Clercq (born 1834). Parents listed include Charles and Barbara Vermeersch.
What makes this departure even more meaningful is the presence of Ambrose Van Landschoot and his wife Mary Jane on the same vessel. After living in the United States for more than 22 years, they had returned to Maldegem for a visit and were now travelling back to America.
It appears that Ambrose and Mary Jane did not travel alone — they likely acted as guides and anchors for the De Clercq families. Their long American experience would have provided reassurance, practical knowledge, and trusted contacts in Illinois.
The 1873 Rydall Hall crossing therefore represents not only a migration, but a transfer of confidence: experienced emigrants leading new families across the Atlantic.
Migration pattern
The De Clerck migration shows three distinct phases:
- 1873: Early Illinois pioneer group (Rydall Hall)
- 1905–1913: Illinois and Minnesota consolidation
- 1910–1923: New York / New Jersey expansion via Macedon
Repeated ship names — VADERLAND, MAURETANIA, KROONLAND, AQUITANIA, NIEUW AMSTERDAM — underline the scale of this family network.
Hans-note
The De Clerck story feels less like a single migration and more like a carefully built bridge — generation after generation reinforcing the path from Maldegem to America.
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