Histories

Joost Klazes and Akke Atzes were produce farmers in Snikzwaag, Friesland. Joost and Akke initially were tenants and leased the Snikzwaag property from Jhr. Hobbe, baron of Aylva. The farm was 159 pondenmaat (58.4 hectares, note: one Friese pondenmaat = 3675 m2, 0.3675 hectare) in size and was leased for an annual sum of 320 Caroulus guilder (1 Caroulus guilder = 1.5 guilders). At 320 Carolus guilders (or 480 guilders, fl) this was a significant annual rental and equates to a ‘purchasing power’ of fl. 10,043.76 dutch guilders (€ 4,557.66) or $7,608 AUD in the year 2005.

In 1731 good fortune comes Joost and Akkes way when as noted in the Proclamation Book of Haskerland (Proclamatieboeken van Haskerland K.9. fol 170. gedateerd 8-10-1731) a marvellous fact occurs as the Baron of Aylva gifts his Snikzwaag property to Jooste Klazes and Akke Atzes.

Joost and Akke's grandson Hette Klazes would adopt the Laagland surname in 1811 as a result of the Napoleonic Decree.

Hobbe Jesaias, Baron van Aylva (b. 1696 - d. 1772) an Infantry General was Governor of Maastricht from
26 Mar 1749 - 15 Dec 1772.


Sources:
Source: ‘purchasing power’ - International Institute of Social History, Amsterdam Netherlands, http://www.iisg.nl/index.php