Mathias Sommerhielm

Mathias Otto Leth Sommerhielm was born in the seaport of Kolding in southern Denmark. He graduated from the University of Copenhagen with degrees in Latin and Law in 1785. He subsequently moved to Christiania where he was appointed a prosecutor in 1789. In 1801, Sommerhielm became director general of military prosecutions and in 1807 he became member of the Superior Criminal Court.

After Denmark's loss of Norway to Sweden, he attended the Meeting of Notables in Eidsvoll on 16 February 1814. He served as First Minister from 1815 to 1822, a position assigned to the most prominent cabinet minister at the time. In 1822, Sommerhielm was appointed Prime Minister of Norway, following the resignation of Peder Anker due to personal illness. Sommerhielm became Norway’s second prime minister, an office located in Stockholm. He held the office until 1827, when the seat was vacated. He died in Stockholm later that year.

Sommerhielm was awarded the Order of the Dannebrog (Dannebrogordenen), Order of the Polar Star (Nordstjerneorden) and Seraphim Medal (Serafimerordenen).