Joseph Friedrich Ernst, Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen


Prince Joseph Ernst Friedrich Karl Anton Meinrad of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen was the fifth Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. He ruled from 1715 to 1769.

Life

Joseph was the eldest son of Prince Meinrad II of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen from his marriage to Johanna Katharina von Montfort, daughter of Count Johann Anton I of Montfort-Tettnang.
He was initially raised by his mother. However, due to the turmoil of the War of the Spanish Succession, the family moved to his father's residence in Vienna. Joseph continued to be educated in Vienna after his parents returned to Sigmaringen in 1714. After his father's death in 1715, he succeeded as Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. However, as he was still a minor, he stood under his mother's regency until 1720. Shortly before 1720, Joseph joined the Austrian army, where he held the rank of General of the Cavalry and later Fieldmarshal Lieutenant of the imperial Swabian Circle.
Joseph managed to befriend the Electorate of Bavaria and after the election, Emperor Charles VII appointed him as imperial Geheimrat.
Joseph was an avid hunter and in 1727, he created the game park Josefslust in Sigmaringen. In 1736, he modernized and remodeled Sigmaringen Castle. He also embellished the local Knight's Hall and added portraits of all his ancestors. In Sigmaringen, he built the St Johann's Church, the St. Joseph Chapel, and the Jagdschloss in Josefslust Park. In Haigerloch, which he preferred as a residence over Sigmaringen, he built the St Anna's Church.
He was known as a patron of the arts. He commissioned works by the artist Johann Michael Feuchtmayer, Johann Georg Weckenmann and Andreas Meinrad von Ow. He supported the canonization of the local saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen. He also supported the school and church life.

Marriages and Issue

In Oettingen on 20 May 1722 Joseph married firstly with Maria Franziska Louise, daughter of Prince Franz Albrecht of Oettingen-Spielberg, who brought him a considerable fortune. They had six children:
On 5 July 1738 Joseph married secondly with Maria Judith Katharina Philippina, daughter of Count Franz Anton of Closen, Baron of Arnstorf. They had three children:
On 22 October 1743 Joseph married thirdly with Maria Theresa, daughter of Count Franz Christoph of Waldburg at Trauchburg. They had no children.

Ancestry