Botteher, Ernest Christoph

Botteher, Ernest Christoph a German philanthropist, was born June 18, 1697, near Hildesheim. He gave his attention to commerce, and lost his fortune by unfortunate speculation. An English merchant furnished him the means to re-establish himself in business. He became very wealthy, and conceived the desire of being useful to his country. He established at Hanover a seminary for the preparation of teachers, and joined to this a free school for poor children. He consecrated the greater part of his immense fortune to similar enterprises. He died in 1750. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.