Maria of Jever

Maria of Jever, known in Jeverland as Fräulein Maria, (5 September 1500 – 20 February 1575) was the last ruler of the Lordship of Jever from the Wiemken family. She ruled from 1517 to her death. Early life Maria was the third child of the East Frisian chieftain, Edo Wiemken the Younger, and his second wife, Heilwig. Her mother was sister of Count John V of Oldenburg. Her mother died when she was one year old and her father about 10 years later. After her father's death, a council of five village elders took up the regency and guardianship of his children. Her brother Christopher was given a suitable education to become the next Lord of Jeverland. Maria and her two sisters were raised to marry economically and politically favorable prospects. Succession Problems However, Lord Christopher suddenly died at the age of 18. This drastically changed the situation. Since there was no male heir, Maria inherited the Jeverland. Edzard I, Count of East Frisia, demonstrated his military strength at the common border. With the approval of the regents, he concluded a marriage contract, which made him protector of Jeverland.