3 - A crisis of numbers? (c. 1560–c. 1630)

Summary

Anna Langheunz of Reuthen had a problem: her husband, Hans Braun, was a bad householder. It wasn't that he didn't try; Hans was always running off to wheel and deal in other lordships. But horse-trading, his chosen field of endeavor, was a notoriously risky business, and Hans just wasn't good at it. There was also his drinking. Like many peasants, Hans was a bit overfond of the tavern, and any coins gained in his horse-trading were all too often drained away over all too many tankards. By 1555 the situation was critical. Anna and the children were living in destitution, and the Abbot was moved to intervene. Hans was arrested and clapped into prison. The usual drama then ensued. Anna and friends of the family appealed for mercy, Hans promised to reform, and was pardoned and released. Upon release, he solemnly swore not to cause any further trouble, and in particular, “for the rest of my life, neither to live or stay or flee anywhere outside the lands of the monastery of Ottobeuren … Also shall and will I completely avoid taverns [both] inside and outside of the lordship, [and I] will give up horse-trading altogether.” Four of Hans' friends and neighbors also swore to bring Hans to jail themselves or to pay a fine of 20 gulden if he ever broke his oath.

He did. It must at first have seemed like a godsend, the inheritance from relatives in far-away Speyer. Unfortunately, Hans had a falling-out with his co-heirs.