Jørgen von Ansbach

Jørgen von Ansbach was a wealthy Norwegian timber merchant and landowner that served as mayor of Skien.

Born in Germany, Ansbach arrived to Skien around 1540 as a mining administrator in the service of the King Christian III of Denmark who had ambitions to establish a mining industry in Bratsberg (now Telemark). Since these plans failed von Ansbach soon established himself as a major timber merchant in the district and an owner of several sawmills. Due to his efforts, timber trade started to flourish in Skien. Another source of his wealth were numerous properties that he owned in Skien and its surrounding. A notable businessman and honored member of community, Ansbach was appointed mayor of Skien on three occasions between 1568 and 1578. Henrik Ibsen, the famous playwright is his descendant.