Gotthard Kettler

Gotthard Kettler, even von Ketteler (* 1517 may at Castle Eggeringhausen at Anroechte, Westphalia, † May 17, 1587 in Jelgava, Duchy of Courland and Semgallen, today Latvia) from 1559 was the last country master of the Teutonic Order in Livonia, and from 1561 first Duke of Courland and Semgallen.

Life

His father of the same name came from the Westphalian nobility Kettler to New Assen and Hovestadt, his mother was a von Nesselrode.

1553 he was a conductor ( trustee) of the Teutonic Order and joined the Lutheran doctrine on. In 1554 he was commander of Dvinsk, 1557 by Fellin. During the Livonian War, he was elected Coadjutor country master Johann Wilhelm von Fürstenberg, 1559, he was himself Landmeister. After the division of Livonia, he was invested on November 28, 1561 by Poland in the Union of Vilnius with the raised to the Duchy of Courland and Semgallen.

Gotthard Kettler died on 17 May 1587 Jelgava. His descendants ruled until 1737 in Courland.

Marriage and issue

Kettler was since March 11, 1566 to Anna, daughter of Duke Albrecht VII of Mecklenburg, married. With her he had seven children, three of whom died young. His sons Friedrich Wilhelm Kettler Kettler and entered his succession as Dukes, daughter Anna Kettler married the Lithuanian prince Albrecht Radziwill, daughter Elizabeth Kettler Duke Adam Wenzel von Teschen.