De Steiger
The de Steiger family (or de Steiguer, von Steiger, von Steiguer) was a Bernese patrician family of the Swiss ancien régime.
Origins[edit]
The origin of the family dates back to Johannes Steiger (1523–1577), a tailor in Bern, Switzerland. They would become known as the "black" Steigers, not to be confused with the "white" Steigers, because their coat of arms depicted a black ibex. Because of French influence in the Bernese patriciate, the name is also spelled de Steiguer. The predicate "von" is used in the German presentation of the family name.[1][2]
Government service[edit]
Johannes's sons would serve on the Bernese councils, paving the way for future generations to serve in the government.[3] By 1796, they held 22 seats on various councils throughout Bern. Over time they contributed three avoyers, five treasurers, and three bannerets to Bern, and numerous bailiffs, counselors, and officers.[3][4]
A notable "black" de Steiger was Niklaus Friedrich von Steiger, the Schultheiss of Bern, and leader of the Bernese senate during French invasion in 1798.[5][6][7] Another was Sigmund Emanuel von Steiger (1666–1725), member of the Great Council of Bern, and married to Countess Dorothea von Graffenried.[8]
Prussian nobility[edit]
In 1714, King Frederick William I of Prussia gave the hereditary title of Baron and a coat of arms to the "black" de Steigers, including Christoph,[6] eight de Steiger males, and their descendants.[9] They would have baronies in Montricher and Monnaz, in Vaud, and numerous estates in Bern.[10][11] Their coat of arms still appears today on the walls of the Château de Chillon. Niklaus is buried in a cathedral in Bern.[8]
Notable members[edit]
- Niklaus Friedrich von Steiger (1729–1799), Swiss politician
- Johann Rudolf de Steiger (1778–1834), Swiss-American colonist
- Edmund von Steiger (1836–1908), Swiss clergyman and politician
- Eduard von Steiger (1881–1962), Swiss politician
- Louis R. de Steiguer (1867–1947), American Naval officer
Notes[edit]
- ^ Historisch-Biographisches, VI, p. 522
- ^ Family History ¶ 9, 10
- ^ a b Historisch-Biographisches, volume VI, p. 522
- ^ Family History ¶ 10
- ^ History of Invasion, p. 115
- ^ a b Swiss Cantons
- ^ Rulers, Index
- ^ a b de Steiger pictures
- ^ Steiger Family Patent
- ^ Almanach, p. 547
- ^ Nobilities of Europe, p. 98
References[edit]
- Historisch-Biographisches Lexikon der Schweiz, Volume VI. Neuenburg. 1921-1934.
- "Steiger Family Patent of Nobility." Frederick William I of Prussia.
- Almanach Geologique Suisse, Volume II.
- Ruvigny, Melville H. "The Nobilities of Europe". Adamant Media Corporation. 2000. ISBN 1-4021-8561-8, ISBN 978-1-4021-8561-8
- Hintze, Rhett. Family History of de Steiguer (Steiger) Family: From Johann Rudolf back 500 years. Unknown. 14 dec 2008
- Hintze, Rhett. de Steiger Pictures. Unknown. 14 dec 2008
- Schemmel, B. "Cantons A-F: Switzerland." 1995-1998. dec 14 2008.
- Schemmel, B. "Index of Rulers: St-Sz" 1995-1998. dec 14 2008.
- "The history of the invasion of Switzerland by the French, and the destruction of the democratical republics of Schwitz, Uri and Unterwalden." University of Toronto. Unknown. 14 dec 2008