Johan Garmann

Johan Garmann (formerly Gaarmann), called "the Elder", (1583 – 7 February 1651) was a Danish-born merchant, alderman, royal factor, and early prominent settler in Norway during the seventeenth century.

Originating from Haderslev, in what was then part of the Duchy of Schleswig (under the Danish crown), Garmann was compelled to leave his home due to the turmoil of the Thirty Years’ War. After a temporary stay in Malmö, he received royal permission to travel to Christiania (now Oslo), then part of the Danish-Norwegian realm, where he established himself as a leading figure in trade, provisioning, and administration associated with the emergent Kongsberg Silver Mines.

He became relatively wealthy, and founded a family line in Norway, known as the Garmann family (derived from the Danish word for farmer; Danish: gaarmand), which came to enjoy considerable social standing and influence within the country's mercantile and administrative circles. His firstborn son, also named Johan Garmann (the Younger), became the first Land Commissioner of Norway, when Frederick III created a treasury for Norway in 1661. His second born, Hermann Garmann, became Inspector-General of Customs, magistrate president, and commercial director in Bergen.

Although several earlier encyclopedias and literary works have suggested that he was the illegitimate son of Frederick II of Denmark, these claims are unsubstantiated and lack credible historical verification.