Johann Georg Schlosser

Johann Georg Schlosser (7 December 1739 – 17 October 1799) was a German lawyer, historian, politician, translator and philosopher. He is most known for having married Cornelia Schlosser, née Goethe, the sister of famous German playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Life Johann Georg Schlosser was born in Frankfurt, the son of Carl Erasmus Schlosser, a lawyer and member of the city council of Frankfurt who came from an influential Protestant family, and Susanna Maria, née Orth, who came from a well-known merchant family. He had a brother, Hieronymus Peter, who, like his father, became a local politician.

During his school years, Schlosser showed an interest in classical languages and contemporary literature. In 1758, he began studying law at the University of Jena, later continuing his studies at the University of Altdorf. After he completed his studies in 1762, he returned to his hometown to become an attorney-at-law. On 28 December 1774 their first daughter, Maria Anne Louise, nicknamed Lulu, was born. Cornelia was in poor health following complications while giving birth.

His scriptures were often controversial, as he again and again criticized the clergy, leading to some his writings being banned and even burned in Frankfurt. He was also frequently critical of the political decisions of his own superiors in the government.

Around 1782, Schlosser became a member of the Illuminati, where he was known under the names Dion, Mahomed and Euclides, and later also of the Freemasons, in both of which organizations he was active, in various positions and cities. During the 1780s, Schlosser frequently traveled to Switzerland and also spent some time in Vienna.

In 1787, Schlosser moved first to Rastatt, and then, in 1790, to Karlsruhe. Due to increasing conflicts with the markgravial government and his superiors, he was suspended from service in 1794.