Background
Nicolai Benjamin Aall was born in 1739 as the first son of Niels Jacobsen Aall (1702–1784) and Benedicte Henrikke Bergh (1714–1748) from Moss. Niels Jacobsen Aall was born in London, but moved to Porsgrund in 1712.
Nicolai Benjamin Aall was born in 1739 as the first son of Niels Jacobsen Aall (1702–1784) and Benedicte Henrikke Bergh (1714–1748) from Moss. Niels Jacobsen Aall was born in London, but moved to Porsgrund in 1712.
Nicolai Benjamin Aall took examination as a theologian in 1759, but later turned to work in his father"s business. He acquired burghership as a merchant in 1772. He bought Ulefos iron works at Ulefoss from the Anker family in 1782, having been a co-owner (one eighth part) since 1775.
He also bought various real estate.
In the same year he was registered as the owner of eleven ships, having coped through the American Revolutionary War which had a negative impact on business.
He was described as hard-working and self-sacrificing, and handled his business with "superior proficiency", according to one historian.