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The Rhenish networks behind the Dülcken family

Behind the world-famous harpsichords and organs of the Dülcken family lies a fascinating network of eighteenth-century Rhenish elites. New historical and genealogical research sheds light on how the Dülcken and Knöpfel families became intertwined through the geography of the Rhine and the structures of the Protestant faith. A reconstruction of a strategic alliance between Sankt Goar and Weisel at the beginning of the 18th century – with the influential Lehr family serving as the crucial, connecting link.
Mention the name Dülcken, and one immediately thinks of the refined instrument making in Antwerp, Brussels, or Amsterdam. However, the roots of this influential dynasty lie further inland, in the German Rhineland and the County of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg. To understand how Johannes Daniël Dülcken (1706–1757), his sons, and his grandsons were able to develop into esteemed instrument makers, we must examine the close-knit network that their ancestors established along the banks of the Rhine at the turn of the eighteenth century.

COMPLETE

The Lehr Family: The Common Denominator

The deeper explanation for the Dülcken family's presence in the distant, right-bank Rhenish village of Weisel lies in the homeland of their ancestors: Bad Berleburg. For a long time, the marriage of Georg Ludwig Dülcken (Johannes Daniël's father) on October 13, 1704, in Weisel to the mysterious Johanna Margaretha remained a genealogical puzzle. Why would a pastor from Wingeshausen travel all the way to the Rhine to wed?
Recent research demonstrates that the connection was primarily familial rather than geographical. The key lies with the influential Berleburg family, Lehr.

• Georg Ludwig's father, Eberhard Dülcken, had married Maria Magdalena Lehr in 1664, daughter of the former Berleburg mayor Andreas Lehr.

• Simultaneously, the family of Pastor Johann Jacob Schramm (the respected minister in Weisel) was also closely tied to this very same Lehr lineage through marriage (Anna Catharina Lehr).

Archiv der Evangelischen Kirche im Rheinland, Boppard - Heirat von Conrad Knöpfel und Regina Magdalena Dirx am 29. April 1695 (KB 149/1, S. 255)
Heirat von Conrad Knöpfel und Regina Magdalena Dirx am 29. April 1695 (KB 149/1, S. 255)

Den 7. April sind zum ersten mal proclamirt worden, Herr Jo- han Conrad Knöpfel, Proviant=Meister, Herrn Conrad Knöpfels, Metropolitani zu Melsungen, ehelicher Sohn; und J. Regina Magdalena, Herrn Dieterich Diepers, Rath= gängers eheleibliche Tochter. Den 29. April copulati.
On April 7th, the banns were published for the first time for Mr. Johann Conrad Knöpfel, Provision Master [commissary], legitimate son of Mr. Conrad Knöpfel, Metropolitan [chief pastor] at Melsungen; and Jungfrau [Miss] Regina Magdalena, legitimate daughter of Mr. Dieterich Dieper, Council Member. Married [copulati] on April 29th.

Taufeintrag Susanna Maria Knöpfel - transcriptie Dr. Johannes Burkardt
Complete

Den 11 t[en] [Novem]bris wurde Don[n]erstag Nachmittags zwisch[en] 12 u[nd] 1 Uhren
nach gehaltener
Beth=Stunde in öffentl[icher] Versam[m]lung getaufft Susanna Maria,
H[errn] Johann Conrad Knöpffels, Proviant-Com[m]issarii u[nd] Stiffts=
Kellners allhier Töchterlein. Gevattern waren Herr Oswald
Wollff, Nachgänger am hiesigen Hoch=Fürstl[ichen] Gesam[m]t-Rhein=
Zoll, u[nd] Fr[au] Maria Barbara, H[errn] Samuel Kellers, Stadt=
Lieutenants allhier ehel[iche] Hauß-Frau, wie auch H[errn] Pfarrers Geissel
Fr[au] Eheliebste von Wollroda
des H[errn] Vatters Schwester.*
* Die letzten 12 Wörter mit blasserer Tinte später nachgetragen.

The Stiftskellner and the Opposite Side of the Rhine

Following their establishment in Weisel, the paths of the Dülckens clearly intersected with those of Johann Conrad Knöpfel, an absolute key figure in nearby Sankt Goar. On the opposite side of the river, Knöpfel held an influential double role as Stiftskellner (financial and administrative manager of the Protestant Stiftskirche) and Proviant-Commissair (provisions commissioner) of the strategic military fortress, Burg Rheinfels.
Even though the Rhine posed a physical barrier, the administrative and economic lines of the village of Weisel ran directly to Knöpfel’s estate office in Sankt Goar. The Stift (foundation) held ancient Zehntrechte(tithe rights) in Weisel. Farmers were required to surrender a tenth of their harvest—a logistical process overseen directly by Knöpfel. Furthermore, the parish of Weisel depended entirely on the administration of this Stiftskellner for the maintenance of its buildings and the pastor's stipend.



Social Class and the Knöpfel Connection

In the early eighteenth century, the pool of potential spouses within the Protestant (Evangelisch-Reformierte) elite in the Rhineland was small. Peers sought each other out to keep capital, influence, and social status within their own circles.
The intensive administrative and economic relationship between the Stiftskellner in Sankt Goar and the church community in Weisel laid the groundwork for the next generation. It was Johannes Daniël Dülcken himself who capitalized on this network by marrying Susanna Maria Knöpfel, the daughter of the Stiftskellner. This strategic marriage fused Berleburg intellect with Rhenish capital and administrative prestige.



Conclusion: A Foundation for Generations
What initially appears to be a series of chance encounters along the Rhine reveals itself upon closer inspection to be a deeply rooted, strategic tapestry that began generations earlier in Bad Berleburg. The Lehr family provided the initial social cement, after which the administrative structures of the foundation in Sankt Goar sealed the alliance.
This ironclad network of capital, intellect, and influence provided the solid social foundation for the subsequent international careers of the sons and grandsons of the Dülcken family within the flourishing world of European instrument making.



Preview for the Upcoming Sequel (Teaser for the Website)
Archive Update: New Discoveries Regarding Johann Konrad Knöpfel in Marburg

Historical research never stands still. To reconstruct the intricate connections between the Dülcken and Knöpfel families and the Rhenish administration in even greater detail, we have initiated a comprehensive archival search at the Hessian State Archives in Marburg (HStAM). This search has proved highly successful, locating two crucial primary sources from 1701–1702 that shed direct light on Johann Konrad Knöpfel's exact official duties and sphere of influence:

• HStAM, Bestand 40 a, Rubr. 04, Nr. 5143: The official “Instruktion für den Stiftskellner Johann Konrad Knöpfel zu St. Goar” (Instruction for the Estate Manager Johann Konrad Knöpfel at St. Goar, 1701–1702). This document will provide us with precise insights into his daily management of the church foundation's estates and finances.

• HStAM, Bestand 40 a, Rubr. 04, Nr. 5144: The appointment decree “Bestellung des Proviantmeisters Johann Konrad Knöpfel zum Tranksteuererheber in der Niedergrafschaft Katzenelnbogen”(Appointment of Provisions Master Johann Konrad Knöpfel as Beverage Tax Collector in the Lower County of Katzenelnbogen, 1702). This serves as clear evidence of his immense economic and logistical power, being tasked with collecting the lucrative beverage tax right at the outbreak of the War of the Spanish Succession.

The Provision Master’s Networks: Elite and Administration Surrounding Johann Conrad Knöpfel at Rheinfels
When a historical official such as the Provision Master and Stiftskeller Johann Conrad Knöpfel had his children baptized, the chosen godparents (Gevattern) were by no means random neighbors. Instead, they reflected the social advancement, official standing, and political-military network of the family.
The baptismal registers reveal an impressive network comprising high-ranking court officials from Kassel, military commanders of the imperial fortress of Rheinfels, and prominent clergy.

1.
Heirat von Conrad Knöpfel und Regina Magdalena Dirx am 29. April 1695 (KB 149/1, S. 255);
  2.
Taufe von Dietrich Conrad Knöpffel am 9. Februar 1696 (KB 149/1, S. 105);
  3.
Taufe von Maria Sophia Christiana Knöpfel am 9. November 1697 (KB 149/1, S. 116);
  4.
Taufe von Anna Margaretha Elisabeth Knöpffel am 24. September 1699 (KB 149/1, S. 125);

  5.
Taufe der am 18. April 1701 geborenen Anna Getrud Henriette Knöpfel (KB 149/1, S. 130);
  6.
Taufe von Johann Christian Ludwig Knöpffel am 21. Juni 1703 (KB 149/1, S. 137);
  7.
Taufe von Johann Henrich Werner Knöpffel am 23. Dezember 1704 (KB 149/1, S. 142);

• 23 december (10br. / Decembris): In de kerk gedoopt: Johann Henrich, zoontje van heer Johann Conrad Knöpffel, proviantmeester en stiftskeller (Stiffskeller).

• Peters/Getuigen (Gevattern):

1. Heer Johann Henrich Gottschalck, betaalmeester (ZahlMeister) en kapitein.

2. Heer Werner Knöpfel, predikant (Pfarrherr) te Liebenau.

3. Mevrouw Johanna, echtgenote (Eheliebste) van commissaris Reichardt Rosewater.

Werner Knöpfel is rond 1668 geboren in Wolfershausen als zoon van de Melsungse metropolitan (superintendent) Konrad Knöpfel en diens eerste echtgenote. Hij ging vanaf 1686 theologie studeren aan de Universiteit van Marburg en werd later werkzaam als predikant (Pfarrherr) te Liebenau.
Hij behoort tot een gezin met meerdere broers en zussen:

• Hartmann Knöpfel: Geboren in 1660 te Wolfershausen, in 1679 ingeschreven aan de universiteit van Marburg, en vanaf 1692 predikant in Dörnhagen.

• Johann Konrad Knöpfel: Geboren in 1662 te Wolfershausen, in 1680 ingeschreven te Marburg, en werkzaam als proviantkommissar in de hessische vesting Rheinfels bij St. Goar.

• Ottilie Knöpfel: Geboren in 1664 te Wolfershausen en op 3 mei 1682 te Melsungen gehuwd met Andreas Itter, vogt te Merxhausen.

• Susanne Christine Knöpfel: Geboren in 1672, getrouwd met achtereenvolgens predikant Andreas Kornemann en predikant Hermann Geißell.

• Katharina Elisabeth Knöpfel: Geboren in 1673 en op 4 maart 1700 te Melsungen gehuwd met kandidaat Johann Heinrich Möller.

• Anna Dorothea Knöpfel: Geboren in 1674 in Wolfershausen.

Taufe der am 16. Mai 1709 geborenen Anna Christina Dorothea Knöpfel (KB 149/1, S. 158);
  9.
Taufe der am 28. Februar 1711 geborenen Maria Elisabeth Knöpffel (KB 149/1, S. 162);
  10.
Taufe von Johann Ludwig Knöpffel am 29. Dezember 1712 (KB 149/1, S. 168);
  11.
Taufe des am 22. November 1714 geborenen Johann Wollrath Knöpfel (KB 149/1, S. 177).

1. The Diplomatic and Administrative Elite (Kassel & Melsungen)

• Christian Thalmann – Geheimbder Secretarius zu Cassel
  As Privy Secretary, Thalmann worked in direct proximity to the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel. At a time when the Privy Council (Geheimer Rat) formed the central advisory and governing body of the principality, he handled the most confidential diplomatic correspondence and state affairs.

• Johann Balthasar Claute (represented by his wife Anna) – Geheimbder Secretarius zu Cassel
  Like Thalmann, Claute held this high-ranking position of trust at the court in Kassel. The presence of multiple Privy Secretaries from the capital acting as godparents highlights the close ties between the local victual administration and the ducal court.

• Wollrath Reinhard – Hessisch-Reservat Commissarius
  As commissioner for the administration of the Hessian reserves, Reinhard represented the financial and territorial rights of the Landgrave, supervising local revenues, leases, and supplies.

• Konrad Knöpfel – Metropolitan zu Melsungen
  As the father of the Provision Master and superintendent (Metropolitan) over the churches and schools of the Melsungen district, he formed the family’s ecclesiastical-administrative anchor within the principality.

• Joh. Martin – ObristLieutenant
  As Lieutenant Colonel, Johann Martin was second-in-command in the military hierarchy of Rheinfels Fortress. He held daily operational command over the garrison and defenses of this crucial Rhine stronghold.

• Johann Henrich Gottschalck – ZahlMeister und Capitain
  Gottschalck combined the rank of Captain with the role of garrison Paymaster. Responsible for military payroll and accounting, his duties directly overlapped with Knöpfel’s supply management.

• Balthasar Schwalb (represented by his wife Margaretha) – Schreiber und Auditeur
  As Auditeur, Schwalb served as the military judge and legal advisor to the fortress. He presided over courts-martial, investigated disciplinary cases, and maintained legal documentation (Schreiber).

• Joh. Hartmann Cuhn – Lieutenant
  A garrison officer reflecting the military camaraderie and presence within the fortress walls.

• Dietterich Diepes (Diep) – Rathgänger / Rathsverwandter
  As father-in-law to Johann Conrad Knöpfel, he represented the municipal government as a member of the city council (Rathsverwandter).

• Werner Knöpfel – Pfarrherr zu Liebenau
  Brother of the Provision Master, educated at the University of Marburg, who represented the family’s academic and clerical standing as a pastor.

• Daniel Rüdiger – Pfarrherr und Praeceptor
  The local parish priest who also served as praeceptor (headmaster/teacher), responsible for Latin education and local schooling.

Op 22 jan: 1736
Johanna Magdalena, Dogter van Johan Christian Dülcken en Anna Christina Knoepffelin, getuigen waren Johann Ludwig Dirx, Regina Magdalena Knoepffelin ( moeder van Anna Christina) en Johanna Margarta Dülckin ( moeder van Johan Christian)

Am 22. Januar 1736
Johanna Magdalena, Tochter von Johan Christian Dülcken und Anna Christina Knoepffelin; Trauzeugen waren Johann Ludwig Dirx, Regina Magdalena Knoepffelin (Mutter von Anna Christina) und Johanna Margarta Dülckin (Mutter von Johan Christian)

On 22 January 1736
Johanna Magdalena, daughter of Johan Christian Dülcken and Anna Christina Knoepffelin; witnesses were Johann Ludwig Dirx, Regina Magdalena Knoepffelin (mother of Anna Christina) and Johanna Margarta Dülckin (mother of Johan Christian)

The Dual Role: Church Finances and Military Logistics

Johann Konrad held a crucial dual role in Sankt Goar. First, he was the Stift-Kellner (administrative manager/cellarer) of the Protestant Stiftskirche. In this influential position, he managed the administration, the extensive lands, and the tax revenues of the Protestant church chapter. The fact that a Catholic landgrave like William II left the control of this vital Protestant financial stream entirely to Knöpfel proves how deeply his integrity and business expertise were respected.
His second function carried even greater responsibility: Johann Konrad was also the Proviant-Commissair (provisions commissioner) of Rheinfels Castle. At the time, Rheinfels was one of the mightiest and most important military fortresses along the Rhine, built to withstand the constant threat of French invasions. As provisions commissioner, Knöpfel was responsible for the massive logistical operation inside the fort. He ensured that military supplies—from grain, meat, and beer to ammunition and gunpowder—were always sufficient to withstand a siege of several months. In an era of constant threat of war, this was an absolute position of trust. Landgrave William II knew that the survival of his strategic castle literally depended on the logistical precision of his Protestant commissioner.

Hessisches Landesarchiv complete files

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Consistorial-Sachen Nr. 148 C.
Original-Instruktion für den Stiftskellner Knöpfel zu St. Goar (1701–1702).
1701–02. (Archiefstempel/nota: Staatsarchiv Marburg, Best. 40a Rubr. 4 Nr. 5143)
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Consistory Affairs No. 148 C.
Original instructions for the Church Foundation Cellarer (Stiftskellner) Knöpfel at St. Goar (1701–1702).

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We, by the Grace of God, Charles, Landgrave of Hesse, Prince of Hersfeld, Count of Katzenelnbogen, Diez, Ziegenhain, Nidda, and Schaumburg, hereby make known:
By princely decree, our appointed Consistory officers (Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Councillors) have accepted and appointed Johann Conrad Knöpfel to our Foundation at St. Goar. By virtue of this document, we grant him the office of Foundation Cellarer (Stiftskellner). He shall remain faithful, loyal, and obedient to the most serene Prince and Lord Charles.

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He must prevent any harm to the Prince, report potential risks, and dutifully collect, register, and account for all revenue of the foundation (whether in money, wine, grain, or other dues) in a timely manner. He is required to submit an annual account of the foundation's finances.

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Furthermore, he must maintain the foundation's buildings in good condition and promptly report and repair any defects or damages. He shall ensure that no rights or revenues of the foundation are lost or abused. He has pledged this through a personal oath and a written bond (Reversbrief).

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In return for his service, he shall receive the following annual compensation from the foundation’s revenues:

• Monetary: 5 Reichstalers

• Grain: 6 malters of corn, 3 malters of barley, 1 sommer of peas

• In-kind: Wine (equal to the schoolmaster's allowance), bread for personal use, wax, coal, and timber allowances.

🇬🇧
Addendum (Rescript of July 31, 1702):
The Landgrave decrees that Johann Conrad Knöpfel shall receive the exact same salary as his predecessor, Johann Peter Treiber. In addition, pursuant to earlier rescripts (from 1678 and 1679), he is granted additional provisions: 3 sechster-malters of corn, 3 malters of wheat (replacing prebendal wine), and monetary allowances for poultry (chickens/geese) and shipping tolls amounting to 20 Reichstalers and 3 Albus.

🇬🇧

To him, as the current Foundation Cellarer (Stiftskellner), the aforementioned 3 sechster-malters of corn and 3 malters of barley (in lieu of the prebendal wine), together with one fuder of corn (or its monetary equivalent), as well as the 20 Reichstalers for the shipping toll, are to be granted, paid out, and approved retroactively from January of the preceding year 1701.
In witness whereof, this document has been issued under the seal of the Princely Consistory. Given at Kassel, July 4, 1702.



Stability in a Respected Family

While Johann Konrad navigated daily between the interests of the Protestant citizenry down in the town and the Catholic court up at the castle, he built his own family life. On April 29, 1695, he married Regina Magdalena Dirx in the Stiftskirche (a daughter from a solid, local-regional Protestant background).
In this wealthy, highly educated, and well-respected family of the Stift-Kellner, their daughter Susanna Maria Knöpfel was baptized on September 11, 1706. She grew up in a world where culture, religious tolerance, administrative responsibility, and music went hand in hand. It was this specific, intellectual Protestant upbringing in the shadow of Rheinfels Castle that laid the foundation for her later life and her marriage in 1733 to the gifted pastor's son and harpsichord maker Johann Daniel Dulcken.

The son of Conrad Knöpfel, born in Wolfershausen in 1662 and enrolled at the University of Marburg in 1680, became quartermaster at the Hessian fortress of Rheinfels near St. Goar.
Conrad Knöpfel married Regina Magdalena Dirx on 29 April 1695. Conrad Knöpfel died before 1721.

Den 7. April. sind zum ersten mal proclamirt worden, Herr Jo- han Conrad Knöpfel, Proviant=Meister, Herrn Conrad Knöpfels, Metropolitani zu Milsungen, ehelicher Sohn; und Jgfr. Regina Magdalena, Herrn Dieterich Diepers, Rath= gängers eheleibliche Tochter. Den 29. April. copulati. Den 16. Jun. sind zum ersten mal proclamirt.

On April 7th, the banns were published for the first time for: Mr. Johan Conrad Knöpfel, proviant master (commissary of supplies), legitimate son of Mr. Conrad Knöpfel, metropolitan (chief pastor/superintendent) in Melsungen; and maiden Regina Magdalena, legitimate daughter of Mr. Dieterich Dieper, town councillor. On April 29th, they were married.

Taufeintrag Susanna Maria Knöpfel - transcriptie Dr. Johannes Burkardt
Complete

Den 11 t[en] [Novem]bris wurde Don[n]erstag Nachmittags zwisch[en] 12 u[nd] 1 Uhren
nach gehaltener
Beth=Stunde in öffentl[icher] Versam[m]lung getaufft Susanna Maria,
H[errn] Johann Conrad Knöpffels, Proviant-Com[m]issarii u[nd] Stiffts=
Kellners allhier Töchterlein. Gevattern waren Herr Oswald
Wollff, Nachgänger am hiesigen Hoch=Fürstl[ichen] Gesam[m]t-Rhein=
Zoll, u[nd] Fr[au] Maria Barbara, H[errn] Samuel Kellers, Stadt=
Lieutenants allhier ehel[iche] Hauß-Frau, wie auch H[errn] Pfarrers Geissel
Fr[au] Eheliebste von Wollroda
des H[errn] Vatters Schwester.*
* Die letzten 12 Wörter mit blasserer Tinte später nachgetragen.

Historical Reconstruction: The Living Environment and Social Transition of Susanna Knöpffel

Introduction

The youth of Susanna Knöpffel unfolded within the administrative and religious core of Sankt Goar. Her father, Johann Conrad Knöpffel, held two influential government posts: Stift-Kellner (chief administrator) of the chapter and Proviant-Commissair at the Rheinfels Castle. Consequently, the family belonged to the local governing elite.


Housing and the Stiftskellerei

As chief administrator, her father was responsible for tax collection, lease revenues, and the church's real estate. The official residence and office (the Stiftskellerei) were located directly within the complex. Historical maps indicate that the family resided in the buildings directly adjacent to the church, designated as the Clofter (Cloister) or Aptey (Abbey). This was not a quiet private sphere, but rather a functional administrative hub. There was a constant influx of farmers, merchants, and officials arriving to deliver tithes in kind, such as wine and grain.


Logistics and Infrastructure Surrounding the Home

The daily routine of the family was logistically shaped by the surrounding infrastructure. To the north, the Obere-Straße served as the town's primary thoroughfare for transport and travelers. The Heiligen Gasse on the western side bordered the cloister complex, providing a direct and quieter route toward the market and the Rathhauss (Town Hall) in the lower town. The Wacher (the town brook) ran directly alongside the abbey, serving the complex's water supply and drainage needs.


Religious and Social Obligations

The Grose Kirch. (the Protestant Evangelische Stiftskirche) stood at the center of the family's public life. Due to her father's high social standing, the family held a permanent, respected place within the church nave. They attended all official Protestant services and ceremonies. This weekly attendance defined Susanna's social interactions within the upper bourgeoisie of Sankt Goar.


The Relationship with Rheinfels Castle

Although the family's administrative base was located in the lower town, there was a direct functional link to the military leadership. The Alte Burg and the higher-situated fortress of Rheinfels were the sites where her father managed military provisions. This meant the Knöpffel family maintained close ties with both the ecclesiastical and military authorities of the Landgraviate of Hessen-Kassel. Within this strictly organized administrative network, Susanna spent her formative years.

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Hessisches Landesarchiv complete files

Uffßner
Nachdem Ihro Hochfürstl[iche] D[urchlaucht] unser gnädigster Fürst und Herr demwege mittels unterm Sub dato Cassel den 20.t[en] Jany 1707 ausgegangenen gnädigsten ertheilten Rescripts dem Proviantmeister Knöpfel auf die durch anderweite Beförderung des bisherigen Brandsteuer-Einnehmers in der Nieder Grafschaft Catzenelnbogen Hermann Winolds erledigte Brandsteuer-Ein- hebung nebst seiner vorigen Bedienung in gnaden con- feriret, derselbe auch auf solche seine Bedienung bey hies[iger] Land-Cammerey be- sugt Pflicht genommen worden; Als ist Uffßnern begehren hiermit an Euch gehörige Verfügung zu
(Marge aan de linkerzijde:) x worauf er erst vor alles das Cassa-Geld gehörige Caution einlegen soll &c. will

thun, daß derselbe als Brandsteuer Einnehmer im Cammertheil in besagter Nieder Grafschaft Catzen- elnbogen respectivè auch ihm alle bey des umrigon Brandsteuer Einneh- mer Winolds bisherigem derer Brandsteuer-Haltern be- eingelassene verrestiren- den gegen dessen Scheyn und Quittung abführen müssen, Wie Ihr dann auch denselben bey solcher sei- ner Bedienung auf den erfordernden Fall besördr[ig] zu assistiren, und das Herrschaftliche Interesse sowohl darby als übrigens nicht verfehlen werdet.
Dat[um] Cassell d. 2t[en] Febr[uarii] 1707
D. HAML... (Handtekening) G. Otto Cuno (Handtekening)
(Marge aan de linkerzijde:) x Von dem so bißherigen Einnehmer Weil die Cassa-Taxation worauf Ihm allen die Einnahme gehabt die selbigen gehörig Einnahm-Rechnung abgelegt pro 1707
von dem Rath Debell Zu Drots Güter

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Uffßner, Whereas His Serene Highness, our most gracious prince and lord, by a rescript issued under the date of Kassel, January 20, 1707, has conferred the collection of the fire tax in the Lower County of Katzenelnbogen—vacated by the transfer of the previous collector, Hermann Winold—alongside his previous duties, upon Provision Master Knöpfel, and he has taken the required oath for this office before the local land chamber;
You, Uffßner, are hereby requested to make the necessary arrangements so that all remaining outstanding fire tax arrears accrued under the previous collector Winold are paid over to him as fire tax collector in the said Lower County of Katzenelnbogen against his receipt and discharge. Furthermore, you are to assist him in the execution of his duties whenever required and ensure that the sovereign's interests are not neglected in this or any other respect.
Dated at Kassel, February 2, 1707.
(Margin notes): x Whereupon he must first deposit a proper security bond for all the cash funds, etc. x From the previous collector, as the treasury assessment to which all revenue belongs has submitted the relevant accounting statement for 1707. From Councillor Debell regarding Drot's estates.

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Tracing the Provision Master: How a 1707 Archive Document Unlocks the World of the Dülckens
A yellowed sheet of paper from the Hessen-Kassel archives, dated February 2, 1707, might seem like a dry administrative notice at first glance. Yet, reading between the ornate loops of the Kurrent script reveals a pivotal source for the historical network surrounding the famous Dülcken family of harpsichord makers.
The rescript issued from Kassel records an important decision by the Landgrave: Johann Conrad Knöpfel, Provision Master at the formidable fortress of Burg Rheinfels near Sankt Goar, is appointed to a major civic role. He becomes the new Brandsteuer-Einnehmer (fire tax collector) for the entire Lower County of Katzenelnbogen. Before assuming his duties, he was required to lodge a security bond for the cash funds with the land chamber and take the official oath—a clear testament to the Landgrave's trust in his financial governance.
A Regional Network Across the Rhine The geographic reach of this office is particularly revealing. The Lower County of Katzenelnbogen extended across both banks of the Rhine. Consequently, operating from Sankt Goar, Johann Conrad Knöpfel was responsible not only for the left bank but also for collecting taxes in the towns on the right bank—including neighboring Weisel.
In Weisel, Pastor Johan Jacob Schramm served as the spiritual leader of the Protestant community. As the regional tax receiver, Knöpfel was in regular contact with local town officials and clergy. It is all but certain that Knöpfel and Pastor Schramm were personally acquainted.
Tragedy and Legacy In Weisel, the lives of these families had already intersected in a deeply personal way. Father Georg Ludwig Dülcken was married there. Tragically, within a week of the wedding, their newborn son, named Johann Daniel, passed away. In accordance with the naming customs of the era, the name was passed on: the next son born to the family was likewise named Johann Daniel Dülcken.
This second Johann Daniel would grow up to become one of the most celebrated harpsichord builders of the eighteenth century. The circle between Rheinfels, Sankt Goar, and Weisel was completed when this brilliant young instrument maker married Susanne Maria Knöpfel—the daughter of none other than Provision Master and tax collector Johann Conrad Knöpfel.
The 1707 document is therefore far more than a routine administrative record. It provides concrete evidence of the social, geographic, and financial foundation that supported the Dülcken family's network along the Rhine, setting the stage for one of history's greatest instrument-making legacies.

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Supplementary Note: Who Was Uffßner?
To fully appreciate the administrative mechanics of the decree dated February 2, 1707, one must examine the official to whom it was addressed: Uffßner.
Uffßner served as the landgravial Amtmann (magistrate or chief bailiff) of the local administrative district (Cammertheil) within the Lower County of Katzenelnbogen. In the governance structure of Hessen-Kassel, the Amtmann occupied a vital position, executing directives issued by the central court in Kassel. The decree explicitly tasks him with overseeing the transition on the ground:

• Managing the Handover: Uffßner was instructed to organize the official transfer of responsibility from the outgoing tax collector, Hermann Winold, to the newly appointed Provision Master, Johann Conrad Knöpfel.

• Financial Oversight: He was responsible for ensuring that all outstanding fire tax arrears were systematically paid over to Knöpfel. Furthermore, Uffßner had to verify that Knöpfel deposited the required security bond (Caution) with the land chamber before taking custody of the public funds.