Johanna Borski facts for kids
Johanna Borski (1764–1846) was a very important Dutch banker. She led the "Wed. Borski" bank from 1814 to 1846. Her family's wealth partly came from plantations in Suriname.
Her Life Story
Johanna was born in Amsterdam. Her father, Johannes van de Velde, was a flax merchant. On December 19, 1790, she married Willem Borski, who was also a banker. They bought a house at Keizersgracht 566 in 1809. They had eight children who grew up to be adults. For their summer holidays, they stayed at their estate called Elswout in Overveen. They bought this estate in 1805.
Becoming a Banker
During her marriage, Johanna helped her husband. Willem Borski became a very successful businessman. He often worked with a big company called Hope & Co. on the Amsterdam stock exchange. By 1812, he was the second richest man in Amsterdam.
In 1814, Willem suddenly passed away. Johanna decided to continue his banking business. She named it "Wed. W. Borski" (which means "W. Borski's Widow"). She worked with Johannes Bernardus Stoop, who had been her husband's assistant.
Saving Banks
Johanna Borski became famous for her smart business deals. Her most successful deal was helping De Nederlandse Bank in 1816. She also saved another bank, the Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij, in 1830. This bank had given loans to King Willem I and was in trouble.
In 1832, Johannes Stoop left the company. Johanna's son, Willem Borski II (1799–1881), took his place. The company continued to operate until 1884. After that, its name changed to Van Loon & Co.
Her Estate and Legacy
Johanna Borski welcomed important guests at her estate in Overveen. Even Napoleon and his wife Marie Louise visited her there. The main house on the estate was very old. It was built by a famous architect named Jacob van Campen. However, the Borski family preferred to stay in a smaller gatehouse. Later, Johanna's grandson, Willem Borski III, tore down the old main house in 1882. He started building a new, modern palace, but he never finished it.
Johanna Borski died in Amsterdam. She was buried in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam.
