Cornelis Caesar

Cornelis Caesar was a Dutch merchant and Dutch East India Company (VOC) official, serving as Governor of Formosa from 1653 to 1656.

At the age of nineteen Caesar joined the VOC and sailed for Batavia. He was stationed at VOC’s trading post in Hirado, Japan, until in 1637 he was sent to VOC’s post in Vietnam. In 1641 he was promoted to a senior merchant and sent again to Japan. Until 1647 he was sent back and forth between Japan and Taiwan, until he requested leave, which was granted, and he returned to the Netherlands.

Caesar returned to Asia in 1651, and was stationed in Batavia. After two years he became the Governor of Formosa. He took office on May 24, 1653, and served for three years, being relieved on June 30, 1656 by Frederick Coyett, who was to be the last Governor. Cornelis Caesar returned to Batavia, where he died on October 5, 1657.