Watse Bartles de Graaf, born in Harlingen on January 13, 1809, christened there on January 31, 1809, son of Bartle Watses de Graaf (workman) and Meindertje Jans Sleeper, tigchelaarsknecht.

Watse was married in Harlingen on August 29, 1833, at the age of 24 to
Hitje Jans Tigchelaar (aged 24 years), born in Almenum on April 27, 1809, christened in Harlingen on May 14, 1809, daughter of Jan Taekes Tigchelaar and Dieuwke Lolkes.