Background
Abel Cathrine was born in Holstein, but her origin is unclear.
Abel Cathrine was born in Holstein, but her origin is unclear.
She never used a last name, but she is believed to have been the illegitimate daughter of a German nobleman of the von der Wisch family. She was likely employed in the household of Sophie Amalie upon her arrival to Denmark in 1643. In 1655, Abel Catherine married the court official Hans Hansen Osten, who had the responsibility of the royal estates and accumulated a great fortune.
After the death of her spouse in 1672, she used his fortune for charity.
She founded a refuge for the poor of Copenhagen, which was financed by her foundation, Abel Cathrines Stiftelse. A street is named after her.