Hans Holtermann

Hans Holtermann (c. 1709 – 1781), also known as Hans Henrik Holtermann or Hans Henriksen Holtermann, was a Norwegian businessman and landowner. Holtermann's grandfather is believed to have immigrated from Rothenburg, Germany to Bergen in 1673 (he acquired citizenship in 1676). His first marriage was to Margaretha Knudsdatter Wiig (from Vik in Orsta, 1692–1743). His second marriage was to Ingeborg Catharine (a.k.a. Cathrina, Cathrine) Hagerup (August 30, 1730 – 1796), the daughter of Bishop Eiler Hagerup. Holtermann was the brother-in-law of the magistrate Melchior Falch, who was married to a younger daughter of Bishop Hagerup.

Holtermann was a trader in Djuvik (Djup Vika) in Vegsund, Borgund. He purchased parts of the Giske estate circa 1750, and in 1760 Austratt manor in Orland. Holtermann is believed to have paid 26,000 riksdaler for Austratt. Upon purchasing the Giske estate, Holtermann became the owner of Giske Church, and together with Hans Strom he carried out a major restoration of the dilapidated building. After the restoration, Hans Stroman had an epitaph written, including the following praise of Holtermann: Sikkert var gudshuset faldt, / glemt som det var alverden, / hadde ei Holtermann faat, / den gjaeve eier og vaerge, / reist dig til fordums magt. / Og kongen har arbeidet bifaldt. / Nu, o kirke, vil du, / frelst kunne synge Guds pris. (Certainly this house of worship fell, / Forgotten by the whole world, / A Holtermann received it, / A princely owner and guardian, / And raised thee to thy former might. / And the king approved of the work. / Now, oh Church, saved, / May you sing God's praises.)