Johannes Eriksson Fitja

Johannes was born in Silda, Etne in 1691 and was from a family of sheriff's. He took over as sheriff after his brother, Sakarias, was killed in 1721. For 42 years in his job as sheriff he never had any complaints. He was nicknamed "Fitjakongen", and the sources from the court system back then describes him as a relaxed and just man. He was just summoned to court once, but that was a case that was declined quickly. When he died he left a wealth of 2682 rdrl which was split to his heirs. That was a wealth that had never been seen before around those parts. Other things in his possesion when he died was alot of silver, for instance a silver belt.

His farm Fitja had a worth of 600 rdlr, but Johannes also owned Norheim and Litledalen, and some farms in Skjeldal, Tesdal, Austrheim, Gjerde, Kaldheim and Silda.

Source: Etne-soga by Ståle Dyrvik, vol II Bygde- og gardssoge 1660-1800 p 296 (2e) pp 288-9 (6) & p 408 (image of seals)