Jacob Kettler

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Jacob Kettler, Duke of Courland.

Jacob Kettler (German: Jakob von Kettler; 28 October 1610 – 1 January 1682) was a Baltic German Duke of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia (1641–1682). Under his rule, the duchy was brought to its greatest peak in wealth and engaged in colonization.

[edit] Life

Kettler was born in Goldingen (Kuldīga). He was the godson of King James I of England. Under Kettler's rule, the duchy traded with nations like the Netherlands, Portugal, England, and France. In 1651 he sent a fleet to build Fort Jacob on the Gambia River on the island that would later be known as St. Andrews in West Africa. In 1654 he conquered Tobago with the Das Wappen der Herzogin von Kurland, a double decker ship which was armed with 45 cannons and carried 25 officials, 124 Courlander soldiers ,and 80 families of colonists. The colony on Tobago was named Neu Kurland ("New Courland").

The duke was taken prisoner by the Swedes from 1658 to 1660, during the Northern Wars. During this time, his colonies were attacked and lost and his fleet destroyed. After the war ended, he rebuilt the duchy's fleet, and retook the island of Tobago from the Dutch. Some believe he also intended to colonize Australia, which had at that time been discovered and claimed by the Dutch whom he was at war with. He supposedly had the blessing of Pope Innocent X. However, the pope soon died, and the new pope was unwilling to support the plan. The duke died in Mitau (Jelgava) on 1 January 1682.