Jan Alberts Hansman was born in around 1760. His parents were Albert Hansman and Geesje Jans.
Sometime, probably in the late 1780's, Jan married Aaltje Gerrits. Aaltje, the daughter of Gerrit Wilmz and Jennigje Jansz, was also known as Aaltje Wilmz. The couple went on to have several children - five have so far been traced.
Jan and his wife Aaltje were farmers in the village of Junne, Ommen, in Overijssel. Junne had only 94 inhabitants in 2006.
On 29 May 1823 Aaltje died aged 55. Jan then moved to Bestmen, Overijssel where he worked as a farmer until his death on 31 May 1832 aged 72.