Jan Pieter Theodoor Huydecoper

Jan Pieter Theodoor Huydecoper was an administrator of the Dutch West India Company who served as Director-General of the Dutch Gold Coast on two occasions (1759-1760; 1764-1767).

Born in Hellevoetsluis in the family of Adrian Huydecoper, he was raised by his aunt in Amsterdam due to unfortunate family circumstances. There he attended French and Latin school, and grew into a restless and vivacious young man with a little interest in business.

By 1756 he was so gravely indebted that he decided to join the Dutch West India Company in order to facilitate his financial situation. That same year, he was appointed a leading merchant on the Dutch Gold Coast. After the death of David Pieter Erasmi, he finally became Director-General of the Gold Coast which was a lucrative and respectable office.