William Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen

William Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen (18 January 1649 in Terborg – 23 January 1691 in Siegen) was a Count of Nassau-Siegen. In 1664, he was elevated to Prince of Nassau-Siegen.

For other people named William Maurice, see William Maurice.
William Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen
Born(1649-01-18)18 January 1649
Terborg
Died23 January 1691(1691-01-23) (aged 42)
Siegen
Noble familyHouse of Nassau
Spouse(s)Ernestine Charlotte of Nassau-Schaumburg
FatherHenry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen
MotherMaria Magdalene of Limburg-Styrum

Life

He was the son of Count Henry II of Nassau-Siegen (1611–1652) and his first wife Maria Magdalene of Limburg-Styrum (1632–1707).

In 1664, William Maurice was elevated to the rank of Imperial Prince. In 1678, his childless uncle John Maurice adopted William Maurice as his son, and also made him co-ruler of Nassau-Siegen. When John Maurice died in 1679, William Maurice inherited Nassau-Siegen.

William Maurice had a summer residence in Hilchenbach. In 1683, he built a new castle there (Wilhelmsburg, i.e. "William Castle"), which was largely destroyed by fire in 1689. Today, the Hilchenbach city archives are housed in this castle.

He served in the Dutch army, where he reached the rank of general, and was a member of the Order of Saint John, like his adoptive father, John Maurice.

On 6 February 1678 in Schaumburg, he married Ernestine Charlotte (1662–1732), the daughter of Adolph, Prince of Nassau-Schaumburg. Her maternal grandfather was the famous Field Marshal Peter Melander, Count of Holzappel. The marriage produced two sons:

  • Frederick William Adolf (1680–1722), married:
    1. Landgravine Elisabeth Francisca of Hesse-Homburg (6 January 1681 – 12 November 1707)
    2. Duchess Amalie Louise of Courland (23 July 1687 – 18 January 1750)
  • Charles Louis Henry (1682–1694)

William Maurice died on 23 January 1691. His widow took up the regency and guardianship for her underage sons.[1]

References
  • Alfred Lück: Siegerland und Nederland, Vorländer, Siegen 1981, p. 116

Footnotes
  1. Hessian Main State Archive, file 171
William Maurice, Prince of Nassau-Siegen
Born: 18 January 1649 Died: 23 January 1691
Preceded by
John Maurice		 Prince of Nassau-Siegen
1679–1691		 Succeeded by
Frederick William Adolf


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