Peder Hjort

Peder Hiort was a Norwegian businessman, church builder, theologian and historian.

Peder Pedersen Hjort was born in the mining town of Røros in Sør-Trøndelag, but graduated theology at the University of Copenhagen. He built his career at the Copper Works at Røros, one of the most valuable mines in Norway at the time consisting of several mines and smelters. Peder succeeded his father on the position of magistrate in 1762, and eventually become director of the mines. As a wealthy man without direct descendants he bequeathed most of his fortune to a foundation that would provide support and employment for the poor in Røros.