De Steiger

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]

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]

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]

• Manor of Tschugg (canton of Bern), built 1766–1771 by Schultheiss Niklaus Friedrich von Steiger in late-Louis XVI style; still owned by the family.
• Château de Montricher (Vaud), baronial seat after 1714.
• Château de Monnaz (Vaud), acquired 1720.
• Houses in the Junkerngasse (nos. 15, 21, 37, 51) and Herrengasse in Bern’s old town.
• Seigneuries of Belp, Bolligen, Ostermundigen, and partial rights in Kehrsatz and Rubigen.