Background
Printz, Johan Bjornsson was born on July 20, 1592 in Bottnarydl, Smaland, Sweden. Son of Review Bjorn Hansson and Gunilla Svensdotter (adopted grandfather’s name Printz).
Printz, Johan Bjornsson was born on July 20, 1592 in Bottnarydl, Smaland, Sweden. Son of Review Bjorn Hansson and Gunilla Svensdotter (adopted grandfather’s name Printz).
Studied theology at universities Leipzig, Wittenberg, Helmstedt and Jena.
Commissioned lieutenant colonel Swedish Army, 1638. In command of Chemnitz, 1639. Created knight by Queen Christina, 1642.
Governor New Sweden on Delaware River, 1643-1653.
Began construction Fort Elfsborg at Varkenskill. Assigned land to settlers for farming, maintained peaceful relations with Indians, sent agent to trade at New Amsterdam, built block-house, church, wharf, grist mill, brewery.
1st American yachtsman. Commander Jonkoping Castle, 1657.
Governor Jonkoping Lan, Sweden, 1658.
Married Elizabeth von Boche, 1622. Married second, Maria (von Linnestau) von Stralendorff, 1642, 6 children including Gustaf.