Erik Torm
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Erik Torm | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of Erik Torm by Johan Hörner in Copenhagen Police Headquarters. | |
| Chief of Copenhagen Police Force | |
| In office 1731–1761 | |
| Monarch | Christian VI |
| Preceded by | Hans Himmerich |
| Succeeded by | Frederik Horn |
| Constituency | Copenhagen Police Force |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 September 1684 |
| Died | 23 February 1763 (aged 78) Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Occupation | Burgermaster, chief of police |
| Profession | Politician |
Erik Jensen Torm (11 September 1684 - 23 February 1764) was burgermaster and chief of police in Copenhagen from 1731 to 1761. He was succeeded by his son-in-law Frederik Horn.
Torm was born at Østergård in Salling. the son of farmer Jens Henriksen (c. 1652–1713) and Mette Eriksdatter Torm (1655–1723). His maternal grandfather was diocesan provost at Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Erich Olufsen Torm, whose last name he adopted.[1] Torm completed his schooling in 1697.[2]
Career
Torm started his career as a lackey for Frederik IV in 1710. In 1712, together with the king, he was present at the Battle of Gadebusch.[1] In 1714, he became a regiment scribe. In 1727, he returned to court service as the king's personal sservant. In 1829, he rescued the king out of the Royal Canon Foundry (Gjæthuset) on Kongens Nytorv after a canon had exploded during a test.[2]
At Frederick IV's death, he was appointed administrator of Vallø Stift.[1] On 19 February 1731, he was appointed mayor and chief of police in Copenhagen. From 1861, he was assisted by his son-in-law Frederik Horn, who10 years later formally succeeded him in the office.[1]
In 1743–59, he acted as a Supreme Court justice in spite of his lack of formal education. He was also a member of the board of directors of the Royal Danish Theatre.[2]
Written works
Torm wrote a small booklet on agriculture. It was published anonymously as Kort Underretning om Ager-Dyrkning og andet som henhører til Land-Væsenet (1757, new edition 1762).[2]
