Catharina Bröms facts for kids

Catharina "Karin" Bröms (1665–1735) was a very successful Swedish businesswoman. She was known as an "ironmaster," which means she owned and managed large factories that made iron. Catharina owned the Wij iron works in Ockelbo for many years, from 1686 until she passed away in 1735.

She was so good at business that she bought even more iron factories. Eventually, she owned most of the land and businesses in the Ockelbo area! People called her "Her Grace at Wij" because she was so powerful and successful. She even managed to keep her businesses strong during tough times, like a big war called the Great Northern War.

Catharina Bröms: A Powerful Ironmaster

Catharina Bröms was a remarkable woman who ran a large industrial business in Sweden. An ironmaster was someone who owned and managed ironworks. These were factories where raw iron ore was turned into useful iron products. This was a very important and profitable business back then.

Early Life and Family Business

Catharina's father, Sven Bröms, was the person who first started the Wij iron works in Ockelbo. So, Catharina grew up seeing how the business worked. Her mother was Catharina Helleday.

In 1680, Catharina married her first husband, Johan Silfverklou. He bought the iron works from her father in 1685. But Johan passed away just a year later, in 1686. This is when Catharina took over the iron works.

Taking Charge of Wij Iron Works

After her first husband died, Catharina started managing the Wij iron works. Later, she married her second husband, Carolus Carlsson, who was a bishop. For a while, the iron works were formally owned through him. But when he passed away in 1708, Catharina officially became the sole owner.

From 1686 until her death, Catharina Bröms was the main person in charge of the Ockelbo iron works. She made all the important decisions and helped the business grow.

A Smart Businesswoman

Catharina was a very smart and skilled industrialist. She was able to keep her iron businesses strong and successful. This was especially impressive because the iron industry faced a difficult time during the Great Northern War. Many businesses struggled, but Catharina's iron works did well. Her success showed how good she was at managing and planning.

Working with Her Sister

Catharina also worked closely with her sister, Elisabeth "Lisa" Bröms. Elisabeth was also an ironmaster, just like Catharina. They were business partners and helped each other.

Because Catharina's second husband was a bishop, she and her sister also had some influence in local church matters. There was even a local folk song about them, which showed how well-known and influential they were in their community.