Meinte Tichelaar, born in Harlingen on March 30, 1887, son of Hendrik Tichelaar (merchant, workman and postman) and Klaasje Bonk, boilermaker and leerling machinist.

Meinte was married in Harlingen on November 29, 1917, at the age of 30 to
Romkje de Bruin (aged approximately 24 years), born in Harlingen circa 1893, daughter of Pieter de Bruin (bargeman) and Geertruida Vlieger.