Hans Wassard facts for kids
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Hans Wassard (born 1756, died 1839) was an important Danish businessman and landowner. He lived in Denmark and was known for being a merchant, which means he bought and sold goods. He also owned a large estate called Marienlyst Manor near Vordingborg. Hans Wassard was even one of Copenhagen's "32 Men," a group of important citizens who helped manage the city. During a time called the Gunboat War, he helped fund ships that were used to protect Danish trade.
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Hans Wassard's Early Life
Hans Wassard was born in Vordingborg, a town in Denmark. His father, Mathias Hansen Wassard, owned a farm called Holmgaard. His mother was Elisabeth Catherine Aagaard. Hans grew up in a family connected to farming and land.
Becoming a Merchant in Copenhagen
Hans Wassard moved to Copenhagen and became a successful merchant. A merchant is someone who buys and sells goods, often in large amounts. He started as a wholesale merchant, dealing with big orders. He owned a building on a street called Bimmelskaftet, which is now Vimmelskaftet 30.
Wassard was also chosen to be one of Copenhagen's "32 Men." This was a group of important citizens who helped make decisions for the city. Later, he changed his business to become a grocer, selling everyday food items. In 1808, he even placed an advertisement looking for ship captains. He needed help transporting firewood from Vordingborg to Copenhagen.
Ships and the Gunboat War
During a conflict known as the Gunboat War, Hans Wassard played a special role. He helped equip and send out six ships called privateers. Privateers were privately owned ships that were given permission by the government to attack enemy ships. This was often done to protect trade or capture valuable goods.
Wassard received official documents, called "letters of mark," for his ships. These documents allowed his ships to act like a navy, even though they were private. Here are the names of some of the ships he helped send out:
- Hævneren (meaning "The Avenger") – a small boat with 16 men.
- Den Muelige (meaning "The Possible") – a lugger ship with 26 men.
- Hurtigheden (meaning "The Speed") – a lugger with 21 men and three guns.
- Den Modige (meaning "The Brave") – another lugger with 22 men.
- Giengiæld (meaning "Retribution") – a cutter ship with 25 men.
- Den gode Hensigt (meaning "The Good Intention") – a lugger with 22 men.
Owning Land and Estates
Hans Wassard was also a significant landowner. In 1804, he joined a group of people to buy a large estate called Iselingen. They paid a lot of money for it. Other people in this group included his brother-in-law, Just Michael Aagaard, and a printer named Johan Fredinand Schultz.
Later, in 1806, Just Michael Aagaard became the sole owner of Iselingen. Then, in 1810, Hans Wassard bought Marienlyst Manor from Aagaard. Marienlyst Manor was then made into its own independent estate.
Hans Wassard's Family Life
Hans Wassard was married two times. His first wife was Anna Marie Munk. His second wife was Lucie Emmerence Pedersdatter. She was the sister of Just Michael Aagaard, who was mentioned earlier. Hans Wassard had two sons with his first wife. With his second wife, he had two sons and two daughters.
