Gijsbert van Tienhoven (12 February 1841 – 10 October 1914) was a liberal Dutch politician. He started his political career in the municipal council and executive of Amsterdam, and served as mayor of Amsterdam from 1880 to 1891. He spent one year in the House of Representatives and eleven years in the Senate before being appointed formateur after the 1891 general election. For three years, he served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands and Minister of Foreign Affairs before his cabinet fell in 1894. He also served as Queen's Commissioner of North Holland for fourteen years, between 1897 and 1911. Early life and education Gijsbert van Tienhoven was born in De Werken in North Brabant, on 12 February 1841. He was the eighth child in a family of twelve. His father, Gijsbert van Tienhoven (10 April 1801, Ameide), was a contractor of public works and landowner in Werkendam. His mother was Klazina Christina van den Bogaard (12 August 1806, Rozenburg). He enjoyed private primary education, and attended a latin school in Gorinchem. In 1860, Van Tienhoven started studying theology at the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, but never finished the programme. Instead, he studied Roman and contemporary law, graduating on 13 June 1866. After his graduation, Van Tienhoven briefly worked as a lawyer in The Hague. In 1867, he became an official at the Ministry of Justice. Starting as deputy chief clerk of the department of preparation of legislation, he eventually became referendary of the department. On 27 January 1869, however, he left the Ministry to become professor of Roman and contemporary law at the Athenaeum Illustre of Amsterdam, where he would remain until 1 January 1874. He was also school inspector in the third school district of Amsterdam from 1 September 1873 to 1 February 1877. Political career Van Tienhoven was elected into the municipal council of Amsterdam on 4 February 1874, and served as Alderman of Finance of the city from 14 November that same year until 1 January 1880. As Aldermen, he introduced an ordinance on local income tax. He also strongly supported municipal construction of residences for labourers, a proposal which passed through the municipal council by 16 to 14 votes. At the same time, the rising population of the city necessitated initial measures in the field of social housing. On 11 December 1879, Van Tienhoven was appointed, by Royal Decree, as Mayor of Amsterdam, taking