and
Johann Wilhelm John Frederick was the fourth and youngest son of Elector of Saxony
Johann Frederick the Magnanimous (1503–1554) from his marriage with
Sibylle (1512–1554), the daughter of Duke
John III, Duke of Cleves. Due to neglect during his childhood, he was always sickly and weak. He had been interested in theology from a young age, and studied theology at the
University of Jena. After his father's death in 1554, he received
Saxe-Gotha as an
apanage. Because he was a
minor, he and his possessions were under the guardianship and
regency of his eldest brother
John Frederick II until 1557. From 1557, he was allowed to rule Saxe-Gotha alone. However, he concluded a contract with his eldest brother, who would administer the apanage for four years. In 1561, this contract was extended for another four years. John Frederick III died unmarried and childless in 1565, at the age of 27. He was buried in the City Church in Weimar. Due to his personality, he rarely acted alone, and was usually represented by his brothers. == References ==