Ancher was born in the southern part of
Land in
Christians amt, Denmark-Norway (present-day
Søndre Land Municipality in
Innlandet county). He was the son of Bernt Ancher (1680–1724) and Karen Tanche (1685–1758). The son of a vicar in the
Church of Norway, he trained in the trading house established by cousins
James Collett (1655–1727) and Peder Leuch (1692–1746) in Christiania (now Oslo). He eventually became the largest
timber trader in Christiania. He was also quite active in shipping. He is commonly associated with his residence,
Paléet Manor near
Bjørvika, which later was used as a Royal residence. ==Personal life==