Jacob Scavenius

Jacob (Jakob) Frederik Scavenius (12 September 1838 - 26 November 1915) was a Danish landowner and politician. He was a member of Folketinget from 1865 to 1901 and served as Minister of Education from 1880 to 1891.

Early life and education
Scavenius was born on 12 September 1838 in Copenhagen, the son of Peder Brønnum Scavenius and Charlotte S. Meincke (1811–72). He graduated from Metropolitanskolen in 1857 and earned a degree in economics (cand. polit.) in 1867. He then went on a journey to Germany, Austria, Spain and France.

Property
Scavenius inherited Gjorslev in 1868.

Political career
Scavenius was first elected for Folketinget in 1865. He served as Minister of Education from 24 August 1880 to 6 July 1891.

Personal life
Scavenius married Louise Sophie Castonier (4 September 1844 6 November 1920) on 21 June 1865. She was a daughter of lieutenant colonel in the Danish West Indies Frederik Julius Christian Castonier (1804–67) and Annie Catharine O'Ferral (1813–78). He was the father of Harald Scavenius.

He died on 26 November 1915 and is buried at Holtug Cemetery.

Honours

 * Cross of Honour, 1864
 * Knight in the Order of the Dannebrog, 1878
 * Commander of the 2nd Class, 1881
 * Commander of the 1st Class, 1884
 * Grand Cross, 1888
 * Medal of Merit in Fold, 1903