Reverend Johannes Stricker was Vincent's uncle by marriage. Stricker was a respected theologian and writer and he was instrumental in assisting with Vincent's studies in 1877. Vincent was seeking to enter the clergy and his Uncle Stricker arranged for Vincent to be tutored by Dr. Mendes da Costa. Stricker took an interest in Vincent's progress, but ultimately Vincent withdrew from his studies. Their relationship was further strained when Vincent unrelentingly pursued Stricker's daughter, Cornelia (Kee).