Background
He was the eldest son of Count Conrad V and his wife Jacoba of Neuenahr. When his father died in 1472, he inherited the County of Rietberg.
He was the eldest son of Count Conrad V and his wife Jacoba of Neuenahr. When his father died in 1472, he inherited the County of Rietberg.
During a traditional boundary inspection tour on 1 May 1474, he shared a keg of beer with the citizens of Rietberg. In 1477, he promised the mayor and city council of Rietberg to restore their ancient rights and privileges and grant them the same rights as the city of Lippstadt. They raised money for this journey by mortgaging Aldehof manor in Bokel.
As payment, he transferred the Horntemannsgut in Gütersloh parish, however, with an option to buy it back for 200 Rhenish guilders. He also donated an altar to the castle chapel in Rietberg.