John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg

John Sigismund (German: Johann Sigismund) (8 November, 1572 – 23 December, 1619) was Elector of Brandenburg from the House of Hohenzollern.

He was born in Halle an der Saale to Joachim Frederick, Elector of Brandenburg and his first wife Catherine, Princess of Brandenburg-Küstrin. He succeeded his father as margrave of Brandenburg in 1608. He gave the Reichshof Castrop to his teacher and educator Carl Friedrich von Bordelius. He became Duke of Cleves in 1614. He succeeded his father-in-law as Duke of Prussia in 1618. He held all three titles until his death.

[edit] Family and children

On 30 October, 1594, John Sigismund married Anna Amalia of Prussia, daughter of Albert Frederick, Duke of Prussia (1553–1618). They were parents to eight children:

George William of Brandenburg (13 November, 1595 – 1 December, 1640). His successor.
Anne Sophia of Brandenburg (15 March, 1598 – 19 December, 1659). Married Frederick Ulrich, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg.
Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg (11 November, 1599 – 28 March, 1655). Married Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. They were parents of Christina of Sweden.
Catharina of Brandenburg (28 May, 1602 – 27 August, 1644). Married first Gabriel Bethlen, Prince of Transylvania and secondly Franz Karl of Saxe-Lauenburg.
Joachim Sigismund of Brandenburg (25 July, 1603 – 22 February, 1625).
Agnes of Brandenburg (31 August, 1606 – 12 March, 1607).
John Frederick of Brandenburg (18 August, 1607 – 1 March, 1608).
Albrecht Christian of Brandenburg (7 March – 14 March, 1609).

House of Hohenzollern Born: 8 November 1572; Died: 23 December 1619
Preceded by: Joachim Friedrich	Elector of Brandenburg 1608-1619	Succeeded by: Georg Wilhelm
Vacant Title last held by John William	Duke of Cleves, Count of Mark, Count of Ravensburg 1614-1619
Preceded by: Albert Frederick	Duke of Prussia vassal of Poland 1618-1619