DITMAR KAHRS was born in Kuhstedt, Germany. In the 1740's he went to
Bergen as a business manager for Jan Frochen. He is reputed to have brought a
firkin (small barrel) of gold with him. (This could be hyperbole based on his
subsequent prosperity). On 2 Jan 1750 he bought from Jan Frochen three premises in
Bergen (2 and 3 Finnegaarden and 3 Leppen) with trading rights. His business
flourished and on 27 March 1753 he became a Norwegian citizen.
CATHARINA GREVE was born in Bergen, the daughter of merchant Christopher
Greve, who came from Hamburg, and Elsebe Petersdtr Schacht.
Catharina brought a good dowry to the marriage and Ditmar was able to
expand the business despite losing a lot of property in a great fire in Bergen on
23 and 24 July 1756.
When Ditmar died he left 14,000 riksdalers net to his son. He was buried
in the cathedral.
