1641 – ✝ 1720
Anthonie Heinsius
Anthonie Heinsius was a Delft-born statesman during the time of Stadholder William III of Orange. Starting out as a lawyer, he eventually worked his way up to council pensionary of the province of Holland - albeit not entirely voluntarily ...
On a mission
Anthonie Heinsius was born the son of a Delft politician. He studied law in Orleans, France, following in his father's footsteps. It seems that Heinsius was a very tactful but unbending negotiator. William III of Orange was therefore happy to send him on missions to defend Dutch interests from hostile France.
Senior official
In the end, it was also this stadholder William III who ensured that Heinsius became council pensionary of the province of Holland - even though he initially did not want it himself. The council pensionary was the highest official of the region, and the representative to the States General. On 25 June 1689, Heinsius was sworn in. Thanks in part to his efforts, peace with France came in 1713.
Bachelor
Despite his high positions, Heinsius remained very ordinary. He did not invest in land or other status symbols and remained a bachelor all his life. At his death, he left behind a fortune of about 750,000 guilders. Heinsius was buried in the Oude Kerk.
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Anthonie Heinsius
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Johannes Stalpaert van der Wiele
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