Reinhard Springorum (1593-1666)

Reinhard, the Earliest Known Ancestor

This is where all the threads begin to unravel—or come together, depending on how you see it. At the root of it all stands Reinhard Springorum, born in Dortmund in 1593, the earliest Springorum I’ve been able to trace, yet still undeniably connected to me. He held the title of Stallmeister, a position that appears regularly in church records, especially in the baptism and burial entries of several of his children. His name marks the beginning of a family line that reveals itself slowly, piece by piece, through the scattered fragments of history.

Ancestors

The pedigree shared on the Heimatkunde Schwelm website includes a brief introduction to several Springorums mentioned in various documents from the 16th century and earlier. Some of them lived during the same period as Reinhard, offering further context about his social network and standing within the community. However, none of these individuals can be directly linked to Reinhard Springorum, due to the lack of concrete evidence such as church book baptism records.

Descendants

It appears that Reinhard had his children baptized in the smallest of Dortmund’s four main churches: St. Nicolai Church. St. Nicolai was the first church founded by the citizens of Dortmund—primarily merchants—as opposed to St. Reinoldi and St. Marien, which were established by royal authority.

The church books have been relatively well preserved, though the handwriting is very difficult to decipher. Even so, nearly all of Reinhard’s children's baptisms can be found in these records, each one accompanied by the names of prominent individuals in Dortmund including Johann von der Berswordt, the mayor of Dortmund. These entries offer valuable insights into the social environment in which Reinhard lived.

In 1624, Reinhard married Catrinen Vasolt. Together, they had six children, whose baptisms and other life events were documented in local church records. These documents highlight Reinhard's position as Stallmeister, underscoring the importance of his role within the community. While detailed records remain scarce, Reinhard's position suggests he was a person of significant influence in the service of a noble household.

1. Johannes Springorum (1625 - 1694), becomes Pfarrer in Kirchende.
2. Christopffer Springorum (1628 - 1637), dies at age of 9.
3. Elisabeth Springorum (1630 - 1637), dies at age of 7.
4. Göde Springorum (1633 - ?), marries Georg Brockhauss, Pfarrer in Langendreer and Unna.
5. Phillippus Hermann Springorum (1637 - 1673), becomes a notary in Bochum.
6. Elske Springorum (1639 - 1644), dies at age of 5.
7. Heinrich Springorum (? - ?), build organ in Dom Essen in 1664

Stallmeister

In 17th-century Germany, the position of Stallmeister—literally “Master of the Stables”—was a prestigious and multifaceted role at noble courts and royal palaces. This official was responsible not only for managing the stables and horses but also for playing a significant part in the ceremonial and logistical operations of the court. Horses were central to life in this era, serving as primary modes of transport, crucial elements in warfare, and symbols of prestige and power.

Image: Dormund, early 17th century

Duties of a Stallmeister

The Stallmeister oversaw every aspect of equestrian care, including the feeding, health, and training of horses, as well as the maintenance of stables and equipment. His responsibilities extended to organizing the horses and carriages used for royal travel, hunting expeditions, and grand processions. At ceremonial events, he ensured that horses and carriages were presented in perfect condition, reflecting the wealth and status of the court. In addition to these practical tasks, the Stallmeister held a ceremonial role, often seen as a master of protocol for events involving equestrian displays. This might include arranging cavalry parades, jousting tournaments, or other courtly spectacles that showcased the grandeur of the ruling house. The Stallmeister worked closely with other high-ranking officials, contributing to the smooth functioning and representation of the court.

Social Status

The role of Stallmeister was often filled by a trusted confidant of the ruler or a member of the lesser nobility. It required not only equestrian expertise but also organizational skills, leadership, and diplomacy. Serving as Stallmeister could elevate one's social standing, as it granted access to the inner workings of the court and the favor of the ruling family.

Image: death record of Reinhard Springorum, Stallmeister in the church books of St. Nicolai Church, Dortmund – September 27, 1666