Post by Johann Boyen on Dec 28, 2008 18:15:34 GMT -5
HISTORY OF BEIERSDORF-FREUDENBERG
Official Flag of Beiersdorf-Freudenberg
Official Flag of Beiersdorf-Freudenberg
Origins
Beiersdorf-Freudenberg, located in the forested regions of the Kingdom of Holstein, has existed as a small municipality for several centuries. The town was originally two settlements, Beiersdorf and Freudenberg respectively, but as the two hamlets grew they became in such close proximity that repeated disputes over land and hunting rights in 1743 led the King of the time to declare the two settlements one unified town. At this point, the King also appointed a Mayor of the town, who ruled for life, taking care of the day-to-day responsibilities of running the town in place of the King.
Hans Boyen
Hans Boyen (b.1890 d.1940) was an artisan of the town who specialised in metalsmithing with common metals. After serving the King of Hostein for years as a soldier, he achieved the rank of Major in the Royal Army and was awarded the Iron Cross, 1st Class in recognition of his bravery. In particular, his efforts at the second battle of Kongriver attracted the attention of the King who was also present at the battle. In 1910 that same King granted Hans the title of Landgrave of Beiersdorf-Freudenberg, and so started the Boyen's reign of the town.
1985 Leifgrad Air Disaster
In 1985, a plane carrying both the ruling Landgrave Herman and his retired father Frederick crashed 7 miles North-East of Leifgrad. All passengers were killed as well as two citizens on the ground. This left the House of Boyen in a difficult position as there were no male heirs to take the throne except for the two-year-old Johann. Fortunately, an assembly was called among the prominent men and women of Beiersdorf-Freudenberg, and it was decided that Otto Wilhelm Köhler, a close family friend of the late Landgrave, would rule as Steward until Johann reached the age of 18 when he would legally be able to inherit the title of Landgrave and rule Beiersdorf-Freudenberg.
In 2001, Johann reached the age of 18 and became Landgrave of Beiersdorf-Freudenberg.
