Johann Konrad von Reinach-Hirtzbach

[3] Johann Konrad is generally considered the first absolutist ruler of the Prince-Bishopric of Basel.

[2] He instituted administrative centralization, which was ultimately thwarted by popular resistance, but which paved the way for more modern management techniques in the future.

[2] In 1724, Johann Konrad suffered a riding accident, which left him with a disability for the rest of his life.

[2] During this sovereignty, followers of the Mennonite faith, who had faced persecution in the canton of Bern because of not worshipping under the catholic religion, fled to the bishopric of Basel.

The owners of these little farms and the noblemen affected by this ruling came forward and pleaded on behalf of the Mennonites.