Count John V of Nassau-Siegen (9 November 1455 - 30 July 1516), Johann V
Graf von Nassau-Siegen, official titles: Graf zu Nassau, Vianden und Diez, Herr zu Breda, was since 1475 Count of Nassau-Siegen (a part of the County of Nassau) and of half Diez
He descended from the Ottonian Line of the House of Nassau
John was Stadtholder of Guelders and Zutphen in the period 1504-1505
He took little part in imperial politics, but concentrated mainly on the administration of his own counties
During his reign, the dispute over the succession in the County of Katzenelnbogen with the Landgraviate of Hesse began (Katzenelnbogische Erbfolgestreit), which did not end until 41 years after his death
John had an obvious special interest in promoting the economy of his county
He protected and promoted mining
During his reign, the number of iron mines in the Siegerland and in the Dillenburg district increased
The county’s economic prospects were therefore positive
He issued ordinances for the craft of steel and blacksmiths as well as for the wool weavers’ guild
As a devout Catholic John founded a Franciscan monastery in Siegen
John is somewhat overshadowed by his older brother Engelbert II
In the relevant reference works about the dynastic history of the House of Orange-Nassau, especially in Dutch book editions, he is sometimes completely missing
In the very well founded biographical dictionary Oranje-Nassau by the Dutch historian , for instance, one searches in vain for a mention of this Count of Nassau-Siegen, whereas his brother is praised there as a ‘complete Dutch nobleman’.
John was Stadtholder of Guelders and Zutphen in the period 1504-1505. He took little part in imperial politics, but concentrated mainly on the administration of his own counties. During his reign, the dispute over the succession in the County of Katzenelnbogen with the Landgraviate of Hesse began (Katzenelnbogische Erbfolgestreit), which did not end until 41 years after his death. John had an obvious special interest in promoting the economy of his county. He protected and promoted mining. During his reign, the number of iron mines in the Siegerland and in the Dillenburg district increased. The county’s economic prospects were therefore positive. John also promoted the revival of trade by issuing numerous guild certificates. He issued ordinances for the craft of steel and blacksmiths as well as for the wool weavers’ guild. As a devout Catholic John founded a Franciscan monastery in Siegen. He also built a church in Hadamar, and in Dillenburg. John is somewhat overshadowed by his older brother Engelbert II. In the relevant reference works about the dynastic history of the House of Orange-Nassau, especially in Dutch book editions, he is sometimes completely missing. In the very well founded biographical dictionary Oranje-Nassau by the Dutch historian , for instance, one searches in vain for a mention of this Count of Nassau-Siegen, whereas his brother is praised there as a ‘complete Dutch nobleman’.