Johann Anton Knecht

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Johann Anton Knecht (since 1790 von Knecht ) (* December 24, 1741 in Braunshausen ; † October 4, 1810 in Vienna ) was Joseph II's secretary to the court and had considerable influence on this.

Life

His parents were wealthy farmers. These determined him for the clergy. He was educated accordingly by the pastor in Hallenberg . He is also said to have attended high school in Geseke . When he showed no inclinations for the spiritual class, attempts were made to force him to do so through threats and punishments.

He ran away from home and went to Frankfurt am Main . There he initially worked as a pack hand. He met a servant of the imperial resident, the Count of Bergh know. This recommended him to his master. Knecht became the count's copyist and was promoted to secretary. At the same time, he continued his self-study training. He went to Vienna with the count and became its first secretary.

Because the count's office was in direct contact with Joseph II, Knecht came into contact with the emperor. In order to compensate for the lack of education Knecht had, the emperor arranged for him to study at the University of Vienna for two years . There Knecht devoted himself to history and diplomacy . He then entered the service of Joseph II as cabinet secretary.

As a result, he became one of his trust and had considerable influence on the emperor. He was involved in the development of various reform projects that Joseph II planned without the knowledge of his mother and co-regent Maria Theresa . Because Knecht refused to give her the relevant documents, she had him arrested. At the instigation of Joseph II, Knecht was released again.

Especially after 1780, when the emperor was in sole power, Knecht played an important political role in the background alongside Kaunitz . This applies in particular to internal reform policy. He is said to have played a key role in the Edict of Tolerance of 1781 .

In his will, the Emperor, who died in 1790, gave Knecht a substantial annuity and gave him valuable paintings. Emperor Leopold II refused to continue to employ Knecht. However, he raised him to the nobility. He then lived in seclusion in Vienna. Since he was not married, his title and property passed to his younger brother Carl Wilhelm von Knecht. This was a state and conference councilor. Since he was also unmarried, the title of nobility expired.

Friedrich Wilhelm Grimme later told Knecht's fate in a story.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Helmut Reinalter: Joseph II., Reformer on the imperial throne. Munich 2011, partial digitalization
  2. ^ Heinz Lettermann: Memoirs of a village boy. In: Sauerland 1/1981, p. 20

literature

personal data
SURNAME Servant, Johann Anton
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Secretary Josef II.
DATE OF BIRTH December 24, 1741
PLACE OF BIRTH Braunshausen
DATE OF DEATH October 4, 1810
Place of death Vienna