Johannes Matthiae Gothus
John Matthiae Gothus Oljeqvist (born 29 December 1592 in Västra Husby - died 18 February 1670 in Stockholm) was a Swedish Bishop and a Uppsala University professor, the rector of the Collegium illustrious in Stockholm (1626–1629) and the most eminent teacher in Sweden during the seventeenth century. He was Bishop of Strängnäs from 1643 to 1664.
Gothus was the son of the vicar Matthias Petri Upplänning (1533-1610) and Anna Danielsdotter Grubbe, the daughter of Daniel Grubbe, the mayor of Norrköping. Matthias Petri Upplänning's ancestors had been part of the old Upplandian nobility. One source claims that "Bishop Johannes Matthiae's grandfather's mother was Birgitta Vasa, Gustav Vasa's cousin. Gothus had 14 siblings, one of whom was the merchant in Söderköping Peder Mattsson Stiernfelt.
Gothus became court chaplain, teacher and mentor to Crown Princess Christina, an appointment that had been given to him by Queen Christina's father, king Gustavus Adolphus. Some of his contemporaries believed that he was the greatest advocate for ecumenism in Sweden. He had travelled in England and Holland was influenced by Comenius and had a general view of Christian humanism. Gothus wanted to work for a reconciliation between the warring churches.
Johannes Matthiae received gifts and great fiefs from Christina, Queen of Sweden and the Queen Mother. He owned more than 33 large estates and farms and a number of smaller properties in different parts of Sweden. The farms were part of the crown payment. John Matthiae Gothus authored numerous publications which spread over Europe.
Johannes descendants were introduced at the House of Nobility in Stockholm, under the name Oljeqvist as noble family number 331.