Johannes von Leysen

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Johannes von Leysen (also Leyssen, Laissen, Layß, Polish: Jan z Łajs; 1310 – 1388) was the German founder and first mayor of Allenstein (Olsztyn) in 1353.

Leysen originated from a well-known family, recognized in colonizing southern Warmia within the Ordensstaat of the Teutonic Order. His grandfather Martin came to Prussia in 1304 as a free peasant. He was a founder and then Schultheiß of Layß (Łajsy), near Mehlsack (Pieniężno). His father Gerico inherited the position of Schultheiß from his father. Johannes's brother Heinrich von Leysen was the founder of Wartenburg (Barczewo) and a village, Skaibotten (Skajboty).

On 1353-10-13, Leysen received a settlement privilege from the Bishopric of Warmia. In 1372 he was promoted to the German nobility, adding the preposition von.