Gerrit de Graeff (IV), vrijheer van Zuid-Polsbroek, Purmerland and Ilpendam[1] (26 July 1797, Ilpendam – 27 March 1870) was a Dutchpatrician, Amsterdamaristocrat and feudal Lord.
Gerrit de Graeff was a scion of the De Graeff family and a son of Gerrit de Graeff (III.) van Zuid-Polsbroek and Emilia Henriette Stadlander.[2] At the age of 17 years he inherited the Free Lordships (Vrijheerlijkheiden) of Zuid-Polsbroek and Purmerland and Ilpendam from his father.[1] His profession was a manufacturer and he became captain of the AmsterdamSchutterij (Civic Guard), President College Hoofdingelanden of the Purmer[1] and a member of the Amsterdam Municipal Council between 1839 and 1848.[2] In 1833 he acted as a deacon of the Reformed Church in Amsterdam.[3]
De Graeff had seven children through his 1827 marriage with Carolina Ursulina Stephania Engels (1795-1864):[1]
Emilia Henrietta Maria de Graeff (1828-1839), died young
Gerrit Arnold Theodoor de Graeff (1831–1889), founded a family branch in South-Africa
Carolina Frederica Christina de Graeff (1832–1885), married Gustaaf Adolf Croockewit
Dirk de Graeff van Polsbroek (1833–1916), diplomat who laid the foundation stone for modern Dutch and European diplomacy in Japan
Christina Jacoba de Graeff (1836-1842), died young
Frederik Lodewijk de Graeff (1837-1918), major hussar, lieutenant-colonel
field 4 (right below) shows the red and black lions on gold (the arms of the County of Holland) for Ilpendam (High Lordship Purmerland and Ilpendam) above a blue area
shield holders are two silver swans
helmet covers in red and silver
helm adornment shows an upright silver spade with ostrich feathers (Herren von Graben)
motto: MORS SCEPTRA LIGONIBUS AEQUAT (DEATH MAKES SEPTRES AND HOES EQUAL)