title: Willem Poolman
text: # Willem Poolman
  
  Willem Poolman (born 8 October 1778 – 14 June 1823) was a Dutch military officer and colonial administrator on the Gold Coast.
  
  ## Biography
  
  Willem Poolman was born in Amsterdam to Willem Poolman senior and Catharina Groen. He became a military officer and was eventually installed Commander of the Dutch Gold Coast on 31 December 1821. Poolman arrived in Elmina on 28 May 1822 and was installed on 6 June. Willem Poolman died in office on 14 June 1823.
  
  ## Personal life
  
  Willem Poolman married Elsje Harmsen in 1803. Their son Willem Poolman junior (1809–1873) was a member of parliament and founder of the Netherlands East Indies Railway Company.
  
  