Gerrit Jansz de Heere

Background

De Heere was the son of Johan Gerritsz de Heere and Marritje Gerrits.

Career

In 1693/1694 he was Opperhoofd at Dejima, after which he became top merchant (opperkoopman) in Batavia, Dutch East Indies. De Heere was appointed Governor of Ceylon on 22 February 1697 which he remained until his death on 26 November 1702. He was succeeded by Cornelis Joannes Simonszoon.

Achievements

• There, in 1695, he married the 26-year younger Johanna Maria van Riebeeck (1679-1759), daughter of Abraham van Riebeeck and granddaughter of January van Riebeeck, the founder of Cape Town.