Gerrit H. DeGraaf, dealer in staple and fancy groceries in Grand Rapids, Mich., was born in Buffalo, N. Y., October 4, 1851, and is a son of Gerrit and Helen (Katz) DeGraaf, both parents native of Holland. Gerrit DeGraaf, Sr., came to the United States in 1846, locating at Buffalo, N. Y., and there engaged in business on an extensive scale. In 1856 he came to Grand Rapids and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, door, sash, blinds and other building material, and met with most encouraging success in the undertaking, employing a large number of men, and accumulating considerable wealth. He was actively identified with the manufacturing interests of the city until his death, which took place in 1895. Ten children constituted the family of Gerrit and Helen DeGraaf, four of whom at present are living, the subject of this review being the second in order of birth. The DeGraaf family were prominent in social circles of Grand Rapids, and also occupied a conspicuous place among the Holland people of the city. Mr. DeGraaf was a man of vigorous intellect, highly educated and well versed in general literature, a fact which always made his presence welcome among people whose tastes ran in that direction. He was also an active member of the Dutch Reform church of Grand Rapids, and will be remembered as one of the city’s most energetic and intelligent men.

Gerrit H. DeGraaf was but five years old when the family came to Grand Rapids, consequently he has spent nearly all his life within the confines of the city. When of proper age he was sent to the city schools, which he attended until seventeenth year, and then entered a grocery house as salesman, in which capacity he continued until 1875. Having in the meantime become familiar with the grocery trade in its every detail, he engaged in the business for himself in the above year, and has since given it his attention, meeting with substantial success, and at this time being proprietor of one of the best-known houses of the kind in Grand Rapids. Mr. DeGraaf carries a general line of groceries and provisions, studies intelligently the wishes of the public in his various lines, and has a large stock, representing a capital of over $6,000.

Mr. DeGraaf was married June 29, 1875, to Miss Minnie Achteres, who was born in Allegan county, Mich., February 11, 1855. Mrs. DeGraaf is the daughter of John and Minnie Achteres, both natives of Holland and early pioneers of the county of Allegan.

Mr. and Mrs. DeGraaf are the parents of three children, viz: Henry, who assists his father in the store, Minnie and Arthur.

In his political belief Mr. DeGraaf is a republican, and as such has been several times elected to represent his ward in the city council, having served as a member of that body from 1884 to 1890, and from 1893 to 1897, inclusive. While in the council he was no idle member, but an active worker, and took a prominent part in promoting much valuable legislation, serving on the committees of ways and means, claims and accounts, streets, and several others of equal importance. He is a member of the fraternity of Elks, belonging to lodge No. 48, of which he served as exalted ruler during the year 1891-92, and is also identified with the Royal Arcanum, Royal League and National Union orders.

Financially, Mr. DeGraaf is considered one of Grand Rapids’ substantial men. He has met with success in the mercantile business and has contributed to the city’s property by erecting a large and beautiful brick business block, two stories in height and containing three commodious business rooms, one of which he occupies.