Johann (Joist) in der Helle, called Melmeke, is listed as a baker, brewer and distiller. He was a Ratsverwandter in Rüthen (a member of the city governing body, particularily the city council). He lived in house no.116 and owned a business acquired through marriage to the widow Melmeke. References are made to Johann in various registers from 1576 to 1619. In one entry he is listed as the House Successor of the Widow Melmeke. Apparently he introduced a spiritsbill to the Town Council in 1623/24. In the Council Protocols for 1 June 1624, Johann (Joist) was named as having taken an oath and providing bail to keep the peace of his son, Volpert. Johann was buried as Johann Melmeke, commonly known as "in der Helle the Great". (Sharon Bearce)