Adolf Wilhelm, Duke of Saxe-Eisenach (b.
Weimar, 15 May 1632 - d.
Eisenach, 21 November 1668), was a duke of
Saxe-Eisenach.
He was the fourth but second surviving son of
Wilhelm, Duke of Saxe-Weimar and
Eleonore Dorothea of Anhalt-Dessau.
When Adolf was nineteen years old, he traveled around several different countries, in particular
France. Subsequently, in 1656 entered the service of King
Charles X Gustav of Sweden (who was at that time engaged in the
Northern Wars against
Poland) as a Colonel, where Adolf was characterised by his courage and bravery. However, after a meeting in
Funen with an imperial ambassador, Adolf transferred to the Imperial Army with the rank of Colonel. In 1661, he traveled again to
Sweden, and King Charles Gustav offered him the rank of Major General of the Infantry with a pay of 2000
talents; Adolf declined.
When his father died (1662) Adolf, with his older brother
Johann Ernst, divided the paternal estates. He received
Eisenach and its Schloss Wilhelmsburg, with its large garden, where he made his residence. His two younger brothers,
Johann Georg and
Bernhard, received only incomes from the duchies of their older brothers.
Marriage and issue
In
Wolfenbüttel on 18 January 1663, Adolf married
Marie Elisabeth of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. They had five children:
- Karl August (b. Eisenach, 31 January 1664 - d. Eisenach, 14 February 1665).
- Frederick Wilhelm (b. Eisenach, 2 February......
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