On July 25, 1536, in the stately building at Oude Delft 205, a wealthy brewing family welcomed a new member. Jan Janszoon Graswinckel, Treasurer of the city of Delft, and his wife Geertje Jacobsdochter became the proud parents of a son named Jacob, after his maternal grandfather. The name Graswinckel was likely derived from a piece of grassland in Den Hoorn, triangular in shape, that the family had owned for centuries. The name Ruytensteyn was also used for a time, referencing the brewery ‘De Ruyt’ on the Koornmarkt, which was owned by the family. The Graswinckel family was a patrician family in Delft, with members serving as regents, brewers, and merchants.
However, Jacob would achieve fame and recognition in a completely different manner. The residents of Delft gave Jacob the nickname Boot, referring to his father’s brewery "De Boot." As an adult, Jacob lived a secluded life in a part of the parental home, deeply concerned about the fate of his less fortunate fellow citizens. He helped wherever he could, cultivating numerous herbs in the large garden behind the house that extended to the western city wall. In the back house where he lived, he dedicated himself to the self-taught study of medicine and herbalism to better serve the poor.
Jacob Graswinckel, also known as the "Israelite of Delft," was renowned for his exceptional humility, frugality, charity, piety, and other virtues. Saved from death at a young age, he decided to show his gratitude through a life full of good deeds. Despite his frugal lifestyle (managing to live on thirty guilders a year), he made a significant impact on his community. He was 88 years old when he passed away on March 10, 1624, and was buried in the Old Church in Delft. His tombstone bears the inscription:
"In this grave rests Jacob Jansz. Graswinckel, called Boot, born July 25, 1536, a miracle to the poor, rich to them, poor to himself. Died March 10, 1624, at the age of 88."
In memory, Jacob Graswinckel lives on as ‘the miracle doctor,’ a title popularized by the historical novel “The Miracle Doctor of Delft” from 1870-71 by Alkmaar writer Geertruid Bosboom-Toussaint. Historical descriptions call him ‘an example of humility.’ The Hofje van Gratie (Graswinckel) and Graswinckelstraat in Delft remind us of this remarkable family and their legacy.
‘Jacob Jansz. Graswinckel genaamt den Delftsche Israëlijt’, drawn by W. Graswinckel.
"In this grave rests Jacob Jansz. Graswinckel, called Boot, born July 25, 1536, a miracle to the poor, rich to them, poor to himself. Died March 10, 1624, at the age of 88."
