Karl Schenk

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Karl Schenk

Johann Karl Emmanuel Schenk (December 1, 1823 - July 18, 1895) was a Swiss pastor, politician and member of the Swiss Federal Council (1863-1895). As of 2008, he is still the longest-serving member.

Schenk was born in 1823 in Berne, Switzerland, as the son of Christian Schenk. At the age of eleven, Schenk became an orphan and lived in Korntal (Germany). From 1839 to 1842 he attended school in Berne and then studied theology. He completed his studies at the age of 22. In 1845 he became vicar and later pastor at Schüpfen. In 1848, he married Elise Kähr. The couple had nine children, two of which died at young age.

He was elected to the Federal Council on December 12, 1863 and died in office 31 years later, on July 18, 1895. He was affiliated with the Free Democratic Party of Switzerland.

During his time in office he held the following departments:

He was President of the Confederation six times in 1865, 1871, 1874, 1878, 1885 and 1893.

Schenk died 1895 in Berne. He was buried at Bremgartenfriedhof in Berne.

The local museum of Langnau im Emmental "Chüechlihus" includes a section on him.

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Preceded by
Eduard Häberlin		 President of the Council of States
1863/1864		 Succeeded by
Jules Roguin
Preceded by
Jakob Stämpfli		 Member of the Swiss Federal Council
1863–1895		 Succeeded by
Eduard Müller
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