Francis Josias, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld
Franz Josias of Saxe- Coburg -Saalfeld ( born September 25, 1697 in Saalfeld, † September 16, 1764 in Unterrodach ) was 1729-1764 Duke of Saxe- Coburg -Saalfeld.
Life
Franz Josias was the younger son of Duke Johann Ernst of Saxe- Saalfeld (1658-1729) from his second marriage with Johanna Charlotte (1644-1699), daughter of Count Josias von Waldeck- Wildungen. In his youth, Franz Josias was in the imperial military service since 1718, was fought in 1719 in the Battle of Francavilla and participated in the siege of Palermo and Messina. In 1720, however, he was returned to his father's desire again to Coburg.
He reigned from 1729, according to his father's testamentary provision, together with his older half-brother, Christian Ernst. Since he had married beneath, both 1724 Father had determined the joint government of the sons. While Christian Ernst remained in Saalfeld, Franz Josias resided in Coburg.
After the final defense of the Meiningen claims he could from 1735 assume sole dominion over Coburg and moved the seat of government there. The House of Saxe -Saalfeld took the name of Saxe-Coburg -Saalfeld. With the death of half-brother in 1745, he became the sole ruler of Coburg and Saalfeld. Already on October 1, 1733 he had established primogeniture in the country, which the emperor confirmed in 1747.
From 1750 to 1755 he led for Hereditary Prince Ernst August Konstantin the regency in Saxony- Weimar. Franz Josias was described as a handsome man. At that time very popular badminton he had lost his left eye. He died in the building built by Johann David Stein Gruber on his behalf 1748-1749 Castle in Unterrodach. He was buried in Coburg Morizkirche.
Progeny
Franz Josias was since 1723 married to Anna Sophia ( 1700-1780 ), daughter of Prince Ludwig Friedrich I of Schwarzburg- Rudolstadt, with whom he had the following children:
- Ernst Friedrich (1724-1800), Duke of Saxe- Coburg -Saalfeld
- Johann Wilhelm (1726-1745)
- Christian Franz (1730-1797)
- Sophie Charlotte (1731-1810)
- Friederike Caroline (1735-1791)
- Friedrich Josias (1737-1815)