Pieter Louwerse

Born in Oost-Souburg on January 23, 1840, Pieter Louwerse was a Dutch teacher, writer, and songwriter. He taught in places including Dirksland and Goes, later became a school head in Hazerswoude and The Hague, and eventually had to leave education because of deafness.

Louwerse became one of the best-known Dutch authors of children's and youth literature in his time. He wrote a large number of books, especially historical stories for young readers, and from 1885 he was also an editor of the magazine Voor het jonge volkje. Several of his songs stayed popular for generations, including Waar de blanke top der duinen and Op de grote stille heide.

Sources consulted during this search agree on his importance as a widely read children's author, but they do not fully agree on the year of his death. The most detailed biographical source found says he died in The Hague on August 20, 1908, even though the date range provided here lists 1909.