Johan I of East Frisia

John I of East Frisia (* 1506, † 1572) from the house Cirksenas was not reigning Count of East Frisia and later imperial governor to Limburg. His father, Edzard the Great had introduced in the County of East Frisia primogeniture, so that Johann had to go back behind his older brother Enno II. However, he made his brother despite great ambition, this rule is not in dispute.

Johann was in contrast to his father and his brother remained Catholic. So he could put at the service of the Emperor after the death of his father. However, he soon returned to East Friesland back and supported Enno in whose deeds He however could only take little positive impact on the unwise rule of his brother and excelled even himself not just by wise and far-sighted action (see also: Money Generic feud ).

In 1538, Johann married Dorothea of ​​Austria, an illegitimate daughter of Emperor Maximilian I. It is said that he Graf Enno strengthened in its alleged intention to re-catholicize the county Ostfriesland. With the death Ennos in 1540 this endeavor but was put to a premature end. Johann stood in constant conflict with Ennos widow, Countess Anna, who as guardian for his nephew Edzard led the government.

In 1543, however, the Roman - German Emperor Charles V recalled Johanns services. He set the Cirksenas one as Governor General of Limburg, Falkenburg and Dalheim. From then on, John was colloquially called " Count Johann Falkenburg ". His descendants still retained three generations Coldeborg in Rheiderland and were treated financially by the East Frisian Count.

Literature and sources

• Tielke Martin (ed.): Biographical Dictionary of Ostfriesland. 3 volumes. East Frisian Scenic publishing and distribution company, Aurich 1993-1997, ISBN 3-925365-75-3 (vol. 1), ISBN 3-932206-00-2 (Vol. 2), ISBN 3-932206-22-3 (Bd. 3).

• House Cirksenas
• Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece (16th century)
• Ostfriese
• Born in 1506
• Died in 1572
• Man