Mats de Tonsberg

He was an official and businessman engaged in export of lumber. He belonged to one of the most prominent families in Norway in 17th century, which was rich and had connections with the royal house.

In 1655, he was a student at the University of Copenhagen. As was the custom for children of rich parents at the time Mats toured the Europe and studied at several universities. In 1661, he enrolled at the University of Leyden, where he studied politics and history. The tour then proceeded to Germany, Italy and France, with longer stays at several universities before it was completed in 1665 in England. Afther that he started his career as a government official which peaked in 1704 when he became Councillor of State. He was also a successful businessman engaged in export of lumber, with his base of operations being Drammen.