Benjamin (known as Bennie) van Gelder was in 1912 married to Rebekka van Leer, daughter of Leman van Leer and Vrougje Roos. The couple had eight children: Anna Regiena, Aron, David, Eliazer, Leman, Rijna Elizabeth, Vogelina and Roosje Vrougje. The family lived in Meppel.
Benjamin van Gelder owned a shop that sold fruit, smoked fish and other foodstuffs. In 1910 he sold the shop and became a book …