Emil Frey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emil Frey
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Frey in 1890
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| President of Switzerland | |
| In office 1 January 1894 – 31 December 1894 |
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| Preceded by | Karl Schenk |
| Succeeded by | Josef Zemp |
| Head of the Military Department | |
| In office 1891–1897 |
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| Preceded by | Walter Hauser |
| Succeeded by | Eduard Müller |
| Swiss ambassador to the United States | |
| In office 1882–1888 |
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| Preceded by | Office created |
| Succeeded by | Alfred de Claparède |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 24, 1838 Arlesheim |
| Died | December 24, 1922 (aged 84) Arlesheim |
| Nationality | Swiss |
| Political party | Free Democratic Party |
| Military service | |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Emil Johann Rudolf Frey (born October 24, 1838 – died December 24, 1922) was an important Swiss politician. He was also a soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Later, he became a member of the Swiss government from 1890 to 1897.
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Emil Frey's Early Life
Emil Frey was born in Arlesheim, a town in the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland. His parents were Emil Remigius Frey and Emma Kloss. His father was a politician who believed in liberal ideas.
In 1848, Emil's family helped Friedrich Hecker. Hecker was a leader who had to leave Germany after a revolution. Emil went to a gymnasium (a type of high school) in Basel. After that, he studied farming at an institute in Jena, Germany.
In 1860, Emil Frey moved to the United States. He settled in Belleville, Illinois. Many people who had been part of the 1848 revolutions in Europe also lived there. For a short time, he worked for Friedrich Hecker. However, they later had a disagreement.
Serving in the American Civil War
Emil Frey joined the Union Army as a private soldier. He was part of the 24th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He wrote that he joined on June 17, 1861, in Chicago. On the same day, his commander, Colonel Hecker, made him the regiment's flag bearer. Frey and Hecker's son even shared a tent.
Frey was later promoted to first lieutenant. He left that role on June 17, 1862. He then started gathering soldiers for a new group called the Second Hecker Regiment. This group was also known as the 82nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Frey became the captain of this company.
Captain Frey was captured during the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. He was held as a prisoner in Libby Prison for 18 months. He was later set free in exchange for a Confederate prisoner.
Becoming a Swiss Politician
After the Civil War ended, Emil Frey went back to Switzerland. From 1866 to 1872, he was a member of the local government in Basel-Country.
In 1870, he married Emma Kloss from Liestal. They had five children together: Hans, Emil, Carl, Anna, and Helene. Sadly, Emma passed away in 1877 when she was only 28 years old.
In 1872, Frey was elected to the Swiss National Council. This is one of the two parts of the Swiss parliament. He even served as the president of this council in 1875 and 1876.
From 1882 to 1888, Emil Frey worked as the first Swiss ambassador to the United States. He lived in Washington during this time.
On December 11, 1890, he was elected to the Federal Council of Switzerland. This is the highest executive body in Switzerland. He was a member of the Free Democratic Party. During his time in office, he was in charge of the Military Department.
In 1894, Emil Frey became the President of Switzerland. He left the Federal Council on March 31, 1897.
After his time in government, Frey worked as the director of the International Telegraph Union from 1897 to 1921.
Literary Works
Emil Frey also wrote some books about his experiences:
- Aus den Erlebnissen eines Schweizers im Sezessionskriege, Bern 1893. This means "From the experiences of a Swiss in the War of Secession."
- Die Kriegstaten der Schweizer, dem Volk erzählt, Neuchâtel 1905. This means "The Swiss Acts of War, told to the People."
