Elin Såger

Elin Såger has been one of the most important women in the business world of Finland.

Born in a prominent merchant family in Turku (Åbo), Elin was married to Petter Thorwöste, a Dutch born entrepreneur. She bore him ten children. A new phase in her life began in 1659 when she became a widow at the age of 45. She took over the management of the family business concentrated around the trading house in Turku and the ironworks on Mustio, Antskog and Fiskars, and despite difficult economic situation for the iron industry she managed to preserve her properties. The ironworks were given tax relief and other benefits and were able to continue with the work.

Elin died in 1669 and was entombed beside her husband in Turku Cathedral.