The history of Duyvis begins with Teewis, who inherited an oil mill from his uncle in 1806. The oil mill was used for the production of cattle-fodder. The oil from the linseed used was a by-product. In 1850 his son, also called Teewis, took over the company from his father. The company expanded with several more oil mills, and is named Teewis Duyvis Janszoon, after the grandson of the first Teewis.