Johannes von Leysen


Johannes von Leysen was the first mayor of Allenstein, Warmia in Prussia in 1353.
Leysen originated from a well-known family, recognized in colonizing southern Warmia within the State of the Teutonic Order. His grandfather Martin came to Prussia in 1304 as a free peasant. He was a founder and then Schultheiß of Layß near Mehlsack. His father Gerico inherited the position of Schultheiß from his father. Johannes's brother Heinrich von Leysen was the founder of Wartenberg and a village, Skaibotten.
On 13 October 1353, Leysen received a settlement privilege from the Bishopric of Warmia. In 1372 he was promoted to the German nobility, adding the preposition von.

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