Remember Unterriexingen. August Ludwig Reyscher was born there in 1802. He significantly shaped the legal landscape. He was a jurist and politician. His life was marked by dedication to both law and the German nation.
August Ludwig Reyscher’s early life was influenced by his father, Karl Ludwig. Karl was a clergyman and a contemporary of Hegel and Hölderlin. August’s mother was the daughter of Johann Friedrich LeBret. LeBret was a historian and theologian. This rich intellectual environment nurtured Reyscher’s development.
At fifteen August Ludwig Reyscher entered a “Schreibstube” or writing office. This gave him practical experience. He learned the workings of local administration. This institute was a breeding ground for bureaucrats. He then studied law at the University of Tübingen beginning in 1821. He was active in student life. He joined the Burschenschaft Germania Tübingen. He counted Wilhelm Hauff among his close friends. Despite his social activities he excelled academically.
After graduating in 1824 August Ludwig Reyscher briefly served as a private secretary. He worked for the Württembergian envoy, Staatsrath von Schmitz-Grollenburg in Munich. This exposed him to wider political issues. Upon returning home he joined the Secretariat of the Ministry of Justice in 1826.
A significant literary undertaking followed. Reyscher researched and compiled Württemberg’s legal sources. This resulted in the “Vollständige, historisch und kritisch bearbeitete Sammlung der Württembergischen Gesetze.” He personally delivered the first three volumes by 1830. This work brought him recognition. It led to a teaching position at the University of Tübingen. He became a professor in 1837.
August Ludwig Reyscher taught German and Württembergian legal history. His lectures covered private law, state law and federal law. He also taught canon law. Students appreciated his independent spirit.
From 1844 to 1845 Reyscher served as Rector of the University. During this time he navigated contentious issues. He sought to protect a younger colleague from unjust transfer.
His literary output was extensive. He wrote “Publicistische Versuche, mit besonderer Rücksicht auf württembergisches Staatsrecht” in 1832. He founded and edited the “Zeitschrift für deutsches Recht und deutsche Rechtswissenschaft.”
In 1848 August Ludwig Reyscher participated in the Vorparlament. He sought election to the Frankfurt National Assembly but was unsuccessful. He later served in the Württembergian Parliament. He represented Mergentheim and Stuttgart. From 1871 to 1872 he was a member of the Reichstag.
August Ludwig Reyscher’s political activities peaked during the German constitutional crisis in 1849. He played a key role in the “Fünfzehner-Commission.” This commission aimed to reconcile the Württembergian government. He aimed to align it with the demands for a German national constitution.
In 1851 August Ludwig Reyscher was transferred to Ulm. He left state service and became a lawyer in Stuttgart. He later moved his practice to Cannstatt in 1853. He specialized in railway and telegraph law.
August Ludwig Reyscher remained involved in national politics. He was a leading member of the Nationalverein starting in 1859. He served in the Reichstag in 1871 and 1872.
August Ludwig Reyscher died in Cannstatt on April 1 1880. He was buried in the Steigfriedhof in Stuttgart Bad Cannstatt. His life was dedicated to law, politics and German unification. He was a significant figure in 19th-century Germany.