Herman op den Graeff

Hermann op den Graeff (* November 26, 1585 in Aldekerk, † December 27, 1642 in Krefeld ) was a leading figure of the Krefeld Mennonites.

Life and work

Hermann was born in Aldekerk, near the Dutch border. In Aldekerk he exercised the profession of a linen weaver and trader, which he prospered. In 1609, Hermann grimaced with his family to Krefeld. There was the option Graeff lay preacher and chairman of the Mennonite community. In 1630, Op den Graeff was create as a sign of his devotion for him and his wife two glass windows with paintings and sayings. In 1632 Hermann attended the Mennonite Dordrecht Assembly and was one of the signatories of the Dordrecht Confession.

Progeny

Was married Hermann op den Graeff with Grietjen Pletjes, with whom he had 18 children. One of his sons, Abraham op den Graeff (~ 1610-1656 ) married Eva von der Leyen, a sister of Adolf von der Leyen, the founder of Krefeld silk industry. Isaac married Margaret Hermans ' Grietgen ' Peters Doors (d. 1679 ) and converted to Quakerism.

The three sons of Isaac Herman op den Graeff, Derrick Isacks, Hermann Isacks op den Graeff, and Abraham Isacks emigrated to the United States. They were among the thirteen ( "Original 13") families which German Town founded after they landed in 1683 on the sailing ship Concord in Pennsylvania. Two of the brothers, Derrick Isacks and Abraham Isacks signed the first protest against slavery in America. Abraham numerous descendants can still be found today under various spellings such as Opdegraf ( f), Updegrave, Updegrove, etc., and under the name Updegraf in Pennsylvania.