HOUTMAN, Frederick de. Gouda 1571 — Alkmaar 21.10.1627. Dutch Traveller. Son of Pieter Cornelisz de H., a brewer, and Agnes Frederiksd., younger brother of —> C. de H. and his companion in Lisbon and in Asian voyages. When the brother was killed he remained alive and was 26 months kept by the Achehnese as prisoner (and thus learned Malay). Back in Holland he soon accepted a new command and sailed in December 1603 to the East. In 1605–11 he was Governor of Amboina, then returned and lived in Alkmaar. In 1618 again to the east, in 1619 sighted the western coast of Australia. Worked in Bantam and in 1621-23 as Governor of the Moluccas, in the service of the Dutch E.I.C. Retired and settled in Alkmaar, 1625-26 alderman. Houtman was much interested in astronomy and observed southern constellations. Married 1597 Vrouwtje Cornelisd. Clock.
Publications: Spraakende Woord-boek in de Maleische end Madagaskarsche worden. Amsterdam 1603, new ed. 264 p. P. 1970.
Sources: N.N.B.W. 7, 627f.; N.B.G. 25; B.W.N. 3; *H. Grey, Spice at Any Price. The Life and Times of Fr. de H. 1571-1629. Geraldton, WA 2019; J. Van Lohuizen, Australian Dict. of Biogr. 1, 1966 (online); Wikipedia with portrait.
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