Abel Tasman was an experienced and highly skilled explorer, and was the first known European who sight to New Zealand. He was also a colourful character who led an exciting and eventful life.
Abel Janszoon Tasman was born around 1603 in the village of Lutjegast, near Groningen, in the Netherlands. Little knew about Tasman’s early life. His first wife was named Claesgie Heyndrix, and they had a daughter, Claesjen. Claesgie died before 1631, which was when Abel Tasman, announced his intention to marry his second wife, Jannetje Tjaerts. Tasman’s second marriage took place in 1632.
Tasman was employed for some years by the Vereenigde Oost Indische Compagnie (VOC), known in English as the United East India Company.
Abel Janszoon Tasman was born around 1603 in the village of Lutjegast, near Groningen, in the Netherlands. Little knew about Tasman’s early life. His first wife was named Claesgie Heyndrix, and they had a daughter, Claesjen. Claesgie died before 1631, which was when Abel Tasman, announced his intention to marry his second wife, Jannetje Tjaerts. Tasman’s second marriage took place in 1632.
Tasman was employed for some years by the Vereenigde Oost Indische Compagnie (VOC), known in English as the United East India Company.