Johann Richard Rham

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Abbot building in Wedinghausen, partly financed by the estate of Rham

Johann Richard Rham (* around 1600 in Werl ; † October 7, 1663 in Coesfeld ) was a Premonstratensian , alchemist , imperial councilor and diplomat .

Life

Rham was born the son of the Werler judge Caspar Rham and his wife Anna (née Kleinsorgen). Nothing is known about his school and university education. In 1622 he joined the Wedinghausen Abbey . Around 1632/33 he was the deputy pastor in Arnsberg . From 1635 he was provost in St. Georg in Stade . Between 1639 and 1646 he was court chaplain to Wilhelm von Bayern, Freiherr von Höllinghofen . It was from this relationship that Rham owed his relationships with high-ranking personalities.

He excelled as a writer, painter and medicin. Together with Emperor Ferdinand III. he undertook alchemical experiments. He successfully treated Elector Friedrich Wilhelm von Brandenburg . The elector gave Rham the parish of Rhynern in 1647 . However, he withdrew the parish from him in 1655.

Rham undertook various embassies for the emperor, particularly to England. However, there are no precise details. It is known that Rham received large sums in 1662. Rham also acted as envoy for other princes. He also worked for the Werler Erbsälzerkollegium to end a conflict with the Cologne electors that had been going on for decades . This attempt was in vain.

In 1655 he received the pastorate of St. Lamberti in Coesfeld.

He left behind a valuable legacy, including precious stones, cash, works of art, a library and other items that passed into the possession of Wedinghausen. The estate contributed to the construction of a new apartment for the head of Wedinghausen.

literature

  • Michael Jolk / Heinrich Josef Deisting: Johann Richard Rham. A Wedinghauser canon at European royal courts. In: Heimatblätter. Journal of the Arnsberger Heimatbund, issue 13/1992 p. 41ff.

Works

  • Isagogue in universam Christiani hominis sapientiam qua vitae & mortis contemptus docetur. Item Isagogue in vitam sobriam & rectam valetudinis curam . Cologne, 1634.

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Rham, Johann Richard
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Premonstratensian, alchemist, diplomat
DATE OF BIRTH uncertain: around 1600
PLACE OF BIRTH Werl
DATE OF DEATH October 7, 1663
Place of death Coesfeld