Jonas Alströmer

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Jonas Alströmer (7 January 1685 - 2 June 1761) was a pioneer of agriculture and industry in Sweden.

Born Jonas Alström in the town of Alingsås in Västergötland, in 1707 he became a clerk for Stockholm merchant Alberg in London. Alberg's business failed after about three years, but Alström became a shipbroker on his own, and did very well.

Eventually he desired to establish industry back home, and in 1724 established a woolen factory in his native village, which became profitable after some initial difficulties. He then established a sugar refinery in Gothenburg, encouraged improvements in potato cultivation, tanning, cutlery, and shipbuilding. His greatest success came with the introduction of sheep.

The court honored him with a knighthood of the Order of the North Star in 1748, and soon after with letters of nobility, changing his name to Alströmer.

He was honored with a status in the Stockholm Exchange, and in 1961 a postage stamp marked the 200th anniversary of his passing.

Jonas Alströmer had three sons in two marriages, Patrik Alströmer, Claes Alströmer and August Alströmer. His son Claes Alströmer was a noted naturalist.