Jeronimus Cornelisz

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Jeronimus Cornelisz (1598 – 2 October 1629) was a Dutch apothecary and merchant who became infamous for his role in the Batavia shipwreck and subsequent mutiny in 1629. Cornelisz was born in Haarlem, Dutch Republic, and worked as an apothecary before joining the Dutch East India Company (VOC).

Early Life

Jeronimus Cornelisz was born in 1598 in Haarlem, a city in the Dutch Republic. Little is known about his early life, but he trained as an apothecary, a profession that involved preparing and selling medicines. Cornelisz's career as an apothecary was marred by personal and financial difficulties, which eventually led him to seek employment with the Dutch East India Company.

Voyage on the Batavia

In 1628, Cornelisz joined the VOC and boarded the Batavia, a ship bound for the Dutch East Indies. The Batavia was under the command of Francisco Pelsaert, with Ariaen Jacobsz serving as the ship's skipper. Cornelisz held the position of under-merchant, responsible for the ship's valuable cargo.

Shipwreck and Mutiny

On 4 June 1629, the Batavia struck a reef near the Houtman Abrolhos off the western coast of Australia. The shipwreck left the survivors stranded on a series of small islands. With Pelsaert and Jacobsz leaving to seek help, Cornelisz took control of the remaining survivors.

Cornelisz, who harbored radical religious beliefs and a desire for power, orchestrated a mutiny. He and his followers committed numerous atrocities, including murder and sexual violence, to maintain control over the survivors. Cornelisz's reign of terror lasted until Pelsaert returned with a rescue party.

Capture and Execution

Upon Pelsaert's return, Cornelisz and his followers were captured. After a brief trial, Cornelisz was found guilty of mutiny and murder. He was executed on 2 October 1629 on Seal Island.

Legacy

Jeronimus Cornelisz is remembered as one of the most notorious figures in Dutch maritime history. His actions during the Batavia shipwreck and mutiny have been the subject of numerous historical studies, books, and documentaries.

Related Pages

• Batavia (ship)
• Dutch East India Company
• Francisco Pelsaert
• Ariaen Jacobsz
• Houtman Abrolhos
• Seal Island (Houtman Abrolhos)