Bernhard Hammer

Bernhard Hammer, born on March third, eighteen hundred twenty-two, was a prominent Swiss politician and diplomat whose career spanned several significant roles in law and military service. After completing his studies in sciences and law, he established himself in Solothurn as a lawyer and notary in eighteen forty-four, while also gaining experience in Berlin, Zurich, and Geneva.

Hammer's political journey saw him elected as the president of the district court and later serving as a cantonal councillor of Solothurn from eighteen fifty-six to eighteen sixty-eight. He emerged as a leader of the old liberals, opposing the radical-liberal regime led by Landammann Joseph Wilhelm Viktor Vigier von Steinbrugg. His military interests began to take precedence, especially after being distinguished by General Henri Dufour during the Sonderbund campaign, leading to his promotion to major in eighteen fifty-eight and subsequently to supreme in eighteen sixty-two.

From eighteen sixty-one to eighteen sixty-eight, Hammer served as the chief instructor of the artillery, and until eighteen seventy-five, he represented Switzerland as an envoy in Berlin. His election to the Federal Council of Switzerland on December tenth, eighteen seventy-five, marked a significant milestone in his career, which he held until December thirty-first, eighteen ninety. As a member of the Free Democratic Party, Hammer played a crucial role in the reorganization of federal finances and the Finance Department, addressing issues such as the alcohol and banknote monopoly and customs tariff negotiations.

During his tenure, he introduced the military duty substitute tax, created the Banknote Act, and revised the Coinage Act. Hammer was also instrumental in mediating the Kulturkampf settlement. After resigning in eighteen ninety, he continued to serve on the National Council for the Liberals until eighteen ninety-six. His remarkable career was attributed to his robust health and exceptional financial and administrative skills, alongside his leadership role on the Gotthard Railway's board of directors.

Bernhard Hammer passed away in nineteen hundred seven, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to public service and significant contributions to Swiss politics and law.