1. Matthias Petersen became known for catching 373 whales throughout his career.
10 Facts About Matthias Petersen
1. 2.
Matthias Petersen was born as Matz Peters to a certain Peter Johnen on Christmas Eve of 1632; his two older brothers were Jens and Peter.
3.
Matthias Petersen had a younger brother, John and two younger sisters, Thur and Jong Thur.
4.
The exploit of 373 caught whales was only possible since Matthias Petersen still participated in the so-called "bay fishery".
5.
Matthias Petersen acquired his legendary catches due to his long experience as a navigator.
6.
At the beginning of the Spanish War of Succession in 1701 Matthias Petersen's eldest son Matz, who was a commander as well, was abducted to St Malo by a French privateer but was later released for ransom.
7.
On his last voyage in 1702 Matthias Petersen himself was caught when his ship was seized by a French privateer.
8.
Matthias Petersen died in 1706 on his native island Fohr.
9.
Matthias Petersen had his children homeschooled by a private teacher.
10.
Matthias Petersen became bailiff of Eastern Fohr, Wyk auf Fohr and even Sylt at the same time.