Hans Ernst von Kottwitz
Encyclopedia
Hans Ernst von Kottwitz was a German Pietist and philanthropist
born in Tschepplau, near Glogau, Silesia
.
Information on Kottwitz's life is largely derived from a handful of letters and biographies of other individuals, and events prior to 1807 (when he settled in Berlin
) are at best sketchy. He was educated in Breslau, and later served as a page in the court of Frederick II
. He travelled extensively through several German states, and in Silesia is credited with establishing factories and institutions based on his personal ideals in an effort to alleviate poverty.
In 1807 he moved to Berlin at a time when the working classes were ravaged by consequences of the Napoleonic Wars
. Here he developed institutions similar to those in Silesia, and also helped provide free housing for families of working men. In addition he conducted religious services, and eventually became acknowledged leader of Pietism
in Berlin. The costs of these philanthropic activities were largely financed by Kottwitz, and in 1823 economic circumstances forced him to relinquish his foundations over to the city of Berlin.
In Berlin he had many influential friends that included theologians August Neander
, Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg
, Friedrich Tholuck
, Richard Rothe
, et al.
Philanthropist
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes...
born in Tschepplau, near Glogau, Silesia
Silesia
Silesia is a historical region of Central Europe located mostly in Poland, with smaller parts also in the Czech Republic, and Germany.Silesia is rich in mineral and natural resources, and includes several important industrial areas. Silesia's largest city and historical capital is Wrocław...
.
Information on Kottwitz's life is largely derived from a handful of letters and biographies of other individuals, and events prior to 1807 (when he settled in Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
) are at best sketchy. He was educated in Breslau, and later served as a page in the court of Frederick II
Frederick II of Prussia
Frederick II was a King in Prussia and a King of Prussia from the Hohenzollern dynasty. In his role as a prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire, he was also Elector of Brandenburg. He was in personal union the sovereign prince of the Principality of Neuchâtel...
. He travelled extensively through several German states, and in Silesia is credited with establishing factories and institutions based on his personal ideals in an effort to alleviate poverty.
In 1807 he moved to Berlin at a time when the working classes were ravaged by consequences of the Napoleonic Wars
Napoleonic Wars
The Napoleonic Wars were a series of wars declared against Napoleon's French Empire by opposing coalitions that ran from 1803 to 1815. As a continuation of the wars sparked by the French Revolution of 1789, they revolutionised European armies and played out on an unprecedented scale, mainly due to...
. Here he developed institutions similar to those in Silesia, and also helped provide free housing for families of working men. In addition he conducted religious services, and eventually became acknowledged leader of Pietism
Pietism
Pietism was a movement within Lutheranism, lasting from the late 17th century to the mid-18th century and later. It proved to be very influential throughout Protestantism and Anabaptism, inspiring not only Anglican priest John Wesley to begin the Methodist movement, but also Alexander Mack to...
in Berlin. The costs of these philanthropic activities were largely financed by Kottwitz, and in 1823 economic circumstances forced him to relinquish his foundations over to the city of Berlin.
In Berlin he had many influential friends that included theologians August Neander
August Neander
Johann August Wilhelm Neander , was a German theologian and church historian.-Biography:Neander was born at Göttingen as David Mendel. His father, Emmanuel Mendel, is said to have been a Jewish pedlar, but August adopted the name of Neander on his baptism as a Protestant Christian...
, Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg
Ernst Wilhelm Theodor Herrmann Hengstenberg , was a German Lutheran churchman and neo-Lutheran theologian.He was born at Frondenberg, a Westphalian village, and was educated by his father, who was a minister of the Reformed Church and head of the Frondenberg convent of canonesses...
, Friedrich Tholuck
Friedrich Tholuck
Friedrich August Gottreu Tholuck , known as August Tholuck, was a German Protestant theologian and church leader.-Biography:...
, Richard Rothe
Richard Rothe
Richard Rothe was a German Lutheran theologian.-Biography:Richard Rothe was born at Posen, then part of Prussia....
, et al.