Jens Rasmussen Rahr born 1810/11
This coffin plate was found in the Archivist's Collection ?for Jutland: 'Head-stone, oval form - from the long inscription, only a little can be read, but the name you can still read: Raadmand Jens Rasmussen Rahr --- died 1711, and his only son Peder Jensen RAHR. Diameter 32 x 25 cm.' There is a reference to the family in a book about the history of Ribe 1730 to 1820, kept at the Ribe LOKALARKIV, Giortzvej 1, 6760 Ribe.
He took out a licence as a merchant in Ribe on 3 MAR 1740.
He was Alderman of Ribe from 1740 to 1783.
Merchant and ship-owner; also whalers. He also carried on considerable trade in cattle.He adopted the spelling of RAHR in the Spring of 1740, probably in accordance with the German writing or spelling.
for lots more about Rådmand Rahr (in Danish)
From Søren Mulvad (2000) I found the 'coffin-plate' after a few hours. It appeared under a little different number. And certainly, it really is in a very bad condition. It seems to have been silverplated tinplate. But the silver has "left" the tin, so that just the grooves after the engraving can be seen. That means it is not possible to read it in its present state. If it might be conserved it should be possible, but that would be a very costly affair! But nevertheless I am sure, that at least one letter has been read wrongly. It says not "død" but "fød", which means, that he was born 1711, not died. It was something of an experience to hold the original in my hands after having spent so many thoughts on the old alderman (ie Jens Rasmussen Rahr)